ProCell Surgical has launched a new medical device system ProCell that automates the manual activity of surgical sponge-blood recovery for intraoperative autotransfusion (IAT).

The new surgical sponge-blood recovery system ProCell has been designed to replace the traditional, manual activity with an automated, collection process, said the company.

ProCell Surgical CEO Robert Krensky said: “ProCell Surgical’s sponge blood recovery system brings the first automated innovation for sponge-blood recovery directly to the operating room table.

“It is easy to operate and can be used repeatedly during its single case use. ProCell™ essentially closes the technology gap that existed during this important preliminary phase of IAT.”

The company said that hand-wringing is a time-consuming, ineffective, and is broadly variable depending on strength, technique, and stamina of the person.

In addition, the process often is associated with several drawbacks, including loss of blood from splatter and residual blood remaining on surgical gloves.

With a unique patented design ProCell would enhance the surgical blood conservation efforts. The system makes use of an operating room’s standard vacuum suction to apply a sustained compressive force that extracts blood from surgical sponges.

The recovered blood can be sent to the cell saver equipment through the device’s own suction tubing, prior to the reinfusion into the patient during the same surgical procedure.

IAT is widely used in the operating room and has resulted in reduction in requirements for donor blood transfusions during surgery along with their associated risk and supply chain issues.

ProCell Surgical COO Mike Kehoe said: “In my 30 plus years of managing medical device companies, this is the first product that I have been involved with that is not only cost-effective and proprietary but represents a generational paradigm shift in the approach to conservation of blood during surgery.”

ProCell Surgical is a Canton, Massachusetts-based medical device company focused on developing and manufacturing advanced medical devices.

Introduction

Getting a massage may be one of the most relaxing treats for your fatigued body and is presumably the top activity that one seeks after a long week at work or on a vacation. Massages can be solely for relaxation purposes, or they can be carried out by a massage therapist to treat medical conditions. While massages as a form of treatment may be required more frequently, there is no hard and fast rule stating that leisure massages should occur less often. Without further ado, let us dive into the facts that you need to know about massages and whether or not you are overdoing your weekly massage appointments.

What is ideal?

The frequency of massages required typically depends on the type of massage you are getting and the area that you are targeting. Massages that tackle pain or injury like Brisbane remedial massage are usually more effective when they are done more often, though every situation may differ from patient to patient. As for leisure massages, though they are not mandatory, they can be highly effective in reducing tension in muscle groups. However, they can be pricey especially if you plan on arranging for regular sessions. If you do not have the financial capability to do so, consider prolonging the duration between each session to maximize the benefits of each massage session, as well as learn massage techniques from your local massage therapist or masseuse.

Types of Massages

Lymphatic drainage massage

Extremely effective for draining lymph nodes that have been injured due to a medical condition or a recent surgery, the lymphatic drainage massage aims to regulate the flow of the fluid in the lymph nodes and reduce the fluid accumulated there. As this massage is meant for patients who have been injured or undergone surgery, this massage is typically effective when it is done every day in the beginning and can be reduced to about two or three times a week after the initial phase. Though this should only be done by certified massage therapists, you can learn some techniques that you can do yourself at home to speed up the recovery process.

Deep tissue massage

Usually done for patients who have injured various muscle groups, this massage aims to strengthen muscles by using forceful strokes to reach the deeper layers of connective tissue and muscles to facilitate recovery. Depending on each individual’s needs, this type of massage can be done from once a day to a few times a month, according to the severity of the injury. Individuals should seek a professional to accurately recommend the duration and frequency for their own condition.

Scalp massage

Scalp massages are usually for relaxation purposes, as it is not only extremely soothing, but it can also reduce heart rate and blood pressure, resulting in lower tension and a decrease in stress levels. Regular scalp massages can be useful to maintain your overall mood and make you feel calm, and the frequency of such massages typically depends on your financial capability and amount of free time. The recommended frequency is about twice a week lasting for about 15 to 25 minutes.

Full-body massage

A general favorite for tourists who frequent places like Thailand and Malaysia, full-body massages are extremely relaxing and effective in reducing tension in all areas of your body. It calms your mind and helps you curb stress levels, though they should only be done occasionally, about once every few weeks or a month.

Massage chair

A more accessible type of massage, many individuals may choose to invest in a massage chair for their homes for temporary relief of tight or aching muscles. Typically lasting for about 10 to 30 minutes, massage chairs do have a host of positive benefits including a reduction in stress levels and more relaxed muscle groups.

Conditions

Back and neck pain

Pains in the back and neck will benefit from regular massage sessions, as these sessions focus on reducing tension and aches by opening up the muscles and using forceful strokes to curb the pain. These massages can usually be done every week or every two weeks until the tension and pain are fully eradicated.

Stress

Massages can induce lower stress levels and cause individuals to feel calmer and more relaxed. Individuals who suffer from chronic stress may find it useful to get a massage targeted at relieving stress once or twice a month for maximized results. Studies have shown that a 60-minute massage for relaxation has been proven to reduce cortisol levels by 30 percent and induce serotonin levels to increase by 28 percent, leading to a better overall mood and well-being.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy may come with a ton of discomforts, such as the more frequent leg and back pain. Professionals recommend getting a regular and light massage to reduce these aches and improve the mental state of the pregnant person. These massages can usually be done every week for 20 minutes either by a trained professional or by someone at home and are effective in curbing stress and relieving physical symptoms of pregnancy like pain and aches. Furthermore, massages during labor have also been found to be beneficial in reducing the time spent in labor and the medication required during labor.

Cautions

Though massages reap a host of benefits, there are certain conditions that may deem you unsafe for a massage session. These include broken or fractured bones, a bleeding disorder, osteoporosis, cancer, open wounds as well as other serious conditions. On top of that, pregnant individuals should also be advised against getting a massage in the first trimester and should get it done at their own discretion.

Conclusion

Massages are great for a whole list of benefits, including relieving pain, eradicating bodily aches, and even reducing stress levels. If you require regular massages to treat your injury, it is best to consult a doctor on the frequency and duration of each session that you need to effectively help you heal. If you are just seeking massages as a form of relaxation, they are usually best if you do them once a few weeks or a month. Depending on your situation, massages can be extremely useful in improving your overall well-being and making you feel more relaxed on a daily basis.

TENACORE announced that they have named Barbara Bitzer as the new chief financial officer effective May 18, 2020. In this role, Bitzer will lead the financial team to manage and execute the business financial plan and strategy. She will serve as a member of the Tenacore executive leadership team reporting to Chief Executive Officer James Willett.

Bitzer and her team will manage day to day financial operations and ensure alignment with the core business expansion strategy. Additionally, Barbara and her team will lead the company’s transition to entirely new service operations and enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms.

This effort will enable Tenacore to fully reengineer current service and repair processes and transform the service line capabilities. This transformation will position Tenacore with best-in-class service and repair systems infrastructure, enabling customers to better manage asset repair costs.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have Barb join the Tenacore team and lead our financial initiatives that will help transform this business into a leading force within medical device depot service,” says James Willett, chief executive officer. “Her experience in both large and small business environments combined with leading multiple acquisitions and integrations make Barb a tremendously important addition to our team.”

Bitzer most recently served as chief accounting officer and senior controller for Foundation Building Materials, Inc., located in Santa Ana, CA. In this role she was responsible for all accounting, SEC and external reporting. She also led the audit committee reporting to the Board of Directors and established a SOX compliant internal control structure in the newly established public company. Barbara has also served as vice president and controller for both Calumet Specialty Products, L.P. and Remy International, where she led accounting and treasury functions, as well as leading accounting due diligence for acquisition projects.

“I’m looking forward to joining the Tenacore organization and the leadership team that will move Tenacore to the next level of growth within the medical device service and repair industry,” said Bitzer. “This is a tremendous market where I am confident that Tenacore will grow to become an even more important provider of new asset management and repair solutions for our clients and the patients that they serve.”

Bitzer earned a Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Evansville, Evansville, IN. She is a CPA and volunteer board member with the Pretend City Children’s Museum in Irvine, CA.

About Tenacore
Tenacore LLC is a healthcare technology management company specializing in the depot based service and repair of a broad range of medical equipment. The company’s ongoing expansion across the United States, paired with its depot model, multi-vendor service expertise and scalability, uniquely positions Tenacore to offer a cost effective and quality alternative to site-based service. In February of 2020, The Courtney Group based in Newport, CA collaborated with Indianapolis based Centerfield Capital Partners to invest in the acquisition of Tenacore LLC.

EKF Diagnostics, the global in vitro diagnostics company, announces that its online exhibition booth at this year’s ENDO Online 2020 is open for live chats on its range of diagnostics products for glycemic monitoring and ketosis testing from 10 – 17th June.

Organized by the Endocrine Society, ENDO Online 2020 runs from 8 – 20th June featuring a combination of live and on-demand programming, as well as its virtual Exhibit Hall. This gives researchers and clinicians access to the latest information within the field of endocrinology without having to leave their office. As the COVID-19 pandemic has canceled many meetings, making access to learning opportunities and new science challenging, visitors can register for free online access to ENDO Online 2020.

On EKF’s booth – EKF – visitors will be able to find out about the Company’s line of diagnostic tests and analyzers used in glycemic monitoring and ketosis. These products are used in laboratories, hospitals and clinics worldwide. Visitors can discuss their needs directly with EKF personnel in live chats during designated hall hours from 10am to 12pm (EDT) on 10 – 13th and 15 – 17th June.

Key product highlights from EKF include the Lucica® Glycated Albumin-L manufactured by Asahi Kasei Pharma. This test is FDA cleared for sale in the U.S. and sold exclusively by EKF as a specific intermediate glycemic control marker. It delivers a specific quantitative determination of glycated albumin (GA) in serum on compatible clinical chemistry analyzers with open channel capability. The Lucica® GA has been one of the most widely used and published enzymatic GA methods in the world.

EKF also offers multiple options for measurement of Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB), the main ketone-body produced during diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Measuring the level of BHB is clinically useful in both diagnosing ketoacidosis earlier and monitoring the results of treatment.

The LiquiColor® B-HB test features liquid, ‘ready to use’ reagents and is intended for the quantitative measurement of BHB with serum or plasma on compatible clinical chemistry analyzers with open channel capability. LiquiColor® B-HB is used in more than 1300 laboratories in the U.S.

Also to be introduced is EKF’s new STAT-Site® WB, a point-of-care Beta-Hydroxybutyrate and Glucose testing device. The STAT-Site WB dual analyte measurement system is CLIA waived, easy to use and provides reliable quantitative results in just 5-10 seconds. It is intended for whole blood multiple-patient use in professional healthcare settings as an aid to monitor the effectiveness of a diabetes control program.

About EKF Diagnostics 

EKF Diagnostics Holdings plc, which includes the EKF Diagnostics, Stanbio Laboratory and DiaSpect brands, specializes in the development, production and worldwide distribution of point-of-care analyzers for use in the detection and management of diabetes and anemia, and also in sports and maternal medicine. EKF products are sold in more than 100 countries around the globe, through a network of specialist distributors.

Point-of-care diagnostics: EKF Diagnostics designs and manufactures world-class diagnostic devices, as well as distributing rapid test kits for infectious diseases and pregnancy. The EKF analyzer range is used widely in GP surgeries, pharmacies, blood banks, sports clinics, hospitals and laboratories for glucose, lactate, hemoglobin, hematocrit and HbA1c measurement.

Central laboratory: EKF, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Stanbio Laboratory (Boerne, Texas, USA), manufactures a comprehensive range of clinical chemistry reagents, as well as associated analyzers. In addition, EKF Life Sciences (Elkhart, Indiana, USA) manufactures enzymes used in reagent development and also provides contract fermentation facilities.