No blood needed thanks to non-invasive blood monitoring device

A non-invasive blood monitoring device that removes the need to draw blood to monitor patients has won the 2008 Kerrin Rennie Award for Excellence in Medical Technology. The award was presented to Masimo Corporation on 24 September at the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) dinner in Sydney.

The Radical-7 Pulse CO-Oximeter from Masimo Corporation continuously and non-invasively measures blood constituents in patients without having to draw blood. The device uses multiple wavelengths of light in a single, simple to apply sensor. It can be used reliably in different care settings, for example at the patient's bedside or during transport.

In addition to its unique use of algorithms to ensure accurate patient monitoring, the Radical-7 includes a unique technology platform that allows for additional features to be added as simple software upgrades.

In congratulating the winner, Anne Trimmer, MTAA CEO, said: "Masimo's Oximeter is an excellent example of innovation in the medical technology sector. It benefits the patient, the clinician and the health system."

The Kerrin Rennie Award for Excellence in Medical Technology -- Improving Quality of Life recognises the innovative and extraordinary contribution of medical technology in improving health outcomes of Australian patients.

The award dinner was held as part of a two-day conference on medical technology from Wednesday 24 - Thursday 25 September at Star City in Sydney. Companies could enter products launched in Australia between 1 January 2007 and 1 August 2008 used in the diagnosis, prevention, treatment or management of disease and disability. Entries were judged by an independent panel.

The other finalists are: Ex-Press Shunt -- Device Technologies

The Ex-Press miniature glaucoma shunt is an implant used to drain off excess fluid in the eye and to reduce intraocular pressure. The device creates a permanent pathway for excess fluid to drain from the eye and maintains a more normal pressure in the eye. The Ex-Press Shunt is an improved technology that causes less post operative trauma and fewer adverse events.

HCO 1100 Protein Permeable Membrane -- Gambro

The HCO 1100 Protein-Permeable Membrane is designed to improve the treatment of multiple myeloma patients with acute renal failure by removing larger molecules from blood particularly serum Free Light Chains (FLC), the protein present at abnormally high concentrations in this patient group. High levels of FLCs in the blood circulating through the kidney present a major cause of renal impairment. This new membrane technology in combination with chemotherapy can prevent the patient from developing end stage renal disease and having to rely on dialysis for survival.