FDA clears low-dose X-ray imager
Biospace med announced that it has received 510k clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market EOS, a new, digital X-ray imager in the United States for 2D imaging use. According to the company’s press release, the technology enables images to be obtained with a low dose of radiation and is capable of long-length digital imaging, permitting full-body, uninterrupted digital imaging with a single scan.

The company claims that EOS differs in several other respects from traditional film, digital X-ray, or computed tomography, pointing to its use of slot scanning technology to eliminate vertical distortion and its ability to acquire front and side images simultaneously.

Biospace med believes the low-dose benefits of EOS may be particularly useful for patients with spinal disorders, such as scoliosis, who must typically undergo numerous radiographic exams to monitor progression of the disease as well as treatment effectiveness. The company has corporate headquarters in Paris and Atlanta with an office in Montreal. Learn more at www.biospacemed.com

Mizuho OSI introduces hinged table
Mizuho OSI demonstrated its new Axis Jackson™ System at the 2008 AAOS Annual Meeting. According to the company, the Axis Jackson features a proprietary hinge controlled by a powered hand pendant that allows the surgeon to manipulate the patient’s position intraoperatively. One of five modular surgical table tops that fit onto a single table base, the Axis Jackson System consists of a hinged Axis Jackson frame and a two-piece supine top. The Advanced Control Base of the modular table system can also host other table tops.

Mizuho OSI, a Mizuho Ikakogyo Company, offers a wide range of highly specialized surgical tables for spinal, joint replacement, and orthopaedic trauma surgery, as well as tables for comprehensive imaging required by today’s minimally invasive procedures.

Joint Commission seeks nominations
The 2008 John M. Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality award information and nomination form are now available on the Web sites of both The Joint Commission (www.jointcommission.org) and the National Quality Forum (www.qualityforum.org/). The Eisenberg Award recognizes major achievements of individuals and organizations in improving patient safety and quality. The annual awards include an individual lifetime achievement award and awards in the categories of system innovation (local and national) or research. Nominations are due by April 14, 2008.

National Marfan Foundation offers research grants
Requests for Proposals (RFP) are now available from the National Marfan Foundation (NMF), which will award three $50,000 one-year grants or two $50,000 one-year grants and one two-year $100,000 grant in 2008. The application deadline is April 1, 2008. Grant awards are announced in the fall, with funding beginning in January 2009.

The NMF’s research grant program is designed to provide financial support for investigators studying any or all disciplines involved in the Marfan syndrome or a related connective tissue disorder. Grant awards are based on proposal evaluation by the NMF Scientific Advisory Board with the approval of the NMF Board of Directors.

For additional information about the NMF Research Fund and the application procedures, contact Dr. Josephine Grima, 800-8-MARFAN, ext. 17, or jgrima@marfan.org.

The RFP and guidelines are also available on the NMF’s Web site, www.marfan.org