You have to be Beautiful!

 0 posts

HydroCision Inc, a privately held medical device company, announced today the purchase of the majority of the Company by new investors, led by venture capital firms Volcano Capital, Bioventures, and Omega Funds. HydroCision is the developer, manufacturer, and marketer of SpineJet®, whose innovative Fluidjet surgical technology allows discectomy and interbody fusion procedures to be performed faster, less invasively, and with a higher degree of precision than traditional surgical modalities.

The parties also announced the appointment of Howard Donnelly to the position of President and CEO of HydroCision. Donnelly has more than 20 years of executive-level experience in the medical device industry. In addition to serving on several medical device company boards, he was the past President of Level 1, a medical device subsidiary of Smiths Group.

HydroCision will focus on several core strategies designed to strengthen its worldwide position in the spine market. “The global market for minimally invasive spine procedures is growing rapidly,” noted Donnelly. “This new investment and strategic direction will allow HydroCision to extend its technology leadership with a very strong product suite that will benefit both clinicians and patients.”

HydroCision plans to invest in U.S.-based research projects to further validate the clinical and economic value of HydroCision products for the medical community and the insurance industry. “We believe a stronger medico-economic justification for the use of our products will afford us the platform we need to scale adoption in the U.S. and OUS markets,” said Donnelly.

HydroCision’s SpineJet system has been widely accepted by spine surgeons as breakthrough technology for decompression and fusion procedures. Until SpineJet, spine surgeons were primarily relying on manual instrumentation to perform delicate procedures through increasingly smaller incisions. “The HydroSurgery® approach made possible by HydroCision’s technology provides spine surgeons with an efficient new tool,” said Mitchell Hardenbrook, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at the Boston Spine Group in Boston, Mass. “SpineJet has empowered us to perform truly minimally invasive fusion procedures that lead to improved clinical outcomes and faster patient recovery.”

Source: HydroCision Inc

 0 posts

Several health plans have introduced physician rating systems to offer consumers more information when choosing their doctors. However, a recent study presented in the September issue of the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS) reveals that physician-tiering guidelines and results are not consistent across insurance companies, do not fully define quality; and could confuse consumers.

Since affordable and more accessible health care is a critical national challenge, the use of rating systems will increase as one response to rising costs. Doctors receive notices from insurance companies about their ratings, although they do not fully understand how their tier was determined. When patients receive letters from insurers and see that their doctors are not in a top tier, their reactions may range from disappointment to confusion. This study is the first to analyze tiering system data as it applies in a specific setting.

“We examined data on 615 orthopaedic surgeons who had been accepted in one or more health plans in Massachusetts,” explains one of the authors, orthopaedic surgeon Timothy Bhattacharyya, MD, Head, Clinical Investigative and Orthopaedic Surgery Section, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). “Tiering ranks physicians on the basis of cost efficiency and adherence to performance quality benchmarks. Thus, a higher physician rating could lead to lower co-pays and out-of-pocket costs for patients.”

This study also reveals concerns that should be addressed:

– Study analysis showed that board certification, Medicaid acceptance, and practice in a suburban location were independent factors associated with a physician ranking in the top tier. However, more years in practice or fewer malpractice claims, important indicators of quality, did not influence or factor into tier rating. Dr. Bhattacharyya and his co-authors suggest that tiering data deserves more exploration and a clearer definition of quality.

– Insurance companies did not agree on physician inclusion in top tier. Since ratings are not consistent from one insurance company to another, a physician is often rated differently from one plan to another.

– Patients need more information about physician tiering. While health plans display a physician’s tier in online and printed directories, explanation of stratification methodology and its relation to quality of care is limited. Currently, for example, there is no evidence to suggest that physicians ranked in a second tier provide lower quality care.

The authors note that their study has limitations. Data was examined for one specialty, orthopaedics, and in one state, and may not be applicable to other medical specialties or geographical areas. The lack of agreement between health plans may be the result of measuring different aspects of healthcare quality. A “gold-standard” consensus could serve as a benchmark and provide consistency across plans.

What should consumers do if they check a physician and discover that he/she is not in the top tier? Dr. Bhattacharyya explains that:

– Your physician’s rating may change from one plan to another, so compare his/her rating with another plan.

– When checking on a physician, ask about board certification and experience in this medical area or procedure. Seek referrals from people you trust, such as your doctor or someone who has had the same procedure or condition.

– Information about methodology and its relationship to quality of care is limited. Because this issue can misrepresent doctors and confuse patients, we should seek a universal definition of quality.

Disclosure: In support of their research for or preparation of this work, one or more of the authors received, in any one year, outside funding or grants of less than $10,000 from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), National Institutes of Health. In addition, one or more of the authors or a member of his or her immediate family received, in any one year, payments or other benefits of less than $10,000 or a commitment or agreement to provide such benefits from commercial entities (Stryker, AO North America, and Best Doctors, Inc.).

Source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

 0 posts

Angioslide, Inc. of Minneapolis, MN and Angioslide, Ltd. Herzliya, Israel, announced that the company has commercialized the Proteus device for Embolic Capture Angioplasty (ECA) in the United States. The device combines an angioplasty balloon and embolic capture feature into one device, thus providing physicians with a simple and cost-effective method of capturing of embolic particles during angioplasty procedures. Proteus is a one of its kind device to combine balloon angioplasty and embolic capture to receive FDA clearance, which was received in April 2010. The Proteus device is presently indicated for use in the lower limbs during Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA) procedures.

Proteus joins the new class of medical devices aimed at treating peripheral arterial disease (PAD), one of the fastest-growing segments in the worldwide interventional marketplace. An estimated 10 million patients suffer from PAD in the U.S. alone, of whom approximately 1,000,000 undergo a revascularization or amputation procedure each year. PTA procedures are a common treatment for peripheral artery disease for opening up the artery to improve blood flow. However, one potential complication of a PTA procedure is debris from the artery wall being disturbed during the procedure and floating through the blood stream. In the worst case this floating debris can totally occlude the artery and cause complete lack of circulation to the lower limb.

The Proteus device combines a standard angioplasty balloon with a feature that can capture the debris that maybe liberated during the PTA procedure. Proteus has the same characteristics as a standard angioplasty balloon but the embolic capture feature allows debris to be trapped within the balloon and removed as the physician removes the angioplasty balloon at the end of the PTA procedure.

“We believe that Proteus and Embolic Capture Angioplasty (ECA) represents a major advancement in the approach to angioplasty procedures. We are actively commercializing the Proteus in the U.S. via our direct sales force. In a relatively short time we are already active in over 15 hospitals in US and are very pleased with the acceptance of the device,” said Doron Besser, President and CEO of Angioslide

Besser added, “This entry of Proteus into the U.S. market for is expected to be only the first in a series of applications of the technology such as the coronary, renal and carotid vascular beds.

“I am very pleased with the use of the Proteus device in my patients. It is simple to use and cost effective and I can now be assured that my patients will have a significant reduction in risk from the PTA procedure,” said Dr. Subhash Banerjee, Chief, Division of Cardiology, from VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, TX.

“Being part of the company’s Scientific Advisory Board from its early days, I am very excited that Proteus has received FDA clearance for use in the lower limbs. Proteus and Embolic Capture Angioplasty will reduce the risk of complications for our patients and in the future could become the gold standard for angioplasty procedures,” said Dr. John Laird, Medical Director, UC Davis Vascular Center, Sacramento, CA.

Investors in Angioslide include Ofer Hi-Tech, Viola Group, Itochu Corporation and Agate Medical Investments.

United States operations are led by Tom Doorley, Senior VP of Sales, and John Schorgl, both former executives with Schneider/Pfizer.

Source: Angioslide Ltd

Naturally Upper Canada takes the stress out of beauty shopping:

Naturally Mini Hand & Body Lotion Gift Set 5 x 50ml Tubes / RRP 15.00

These travel essentials wont slow you down at customs and make the perfect gift for mums, dads, kids, grandparents and any last-minute names on your list! Five gorgeous scents ensure that there is something for everybody in this naturally-beautiful gift pack. Available in: Sweet Vanilla Fig, Pressed Olive Avocado, Cranberry Moro Orange, Warm Honey Nectar and Wild Mint Lime

Naturally Ultimate Skin Hydration Kit: Whipped Hand Repair Balm 120ml & Body Butter 200g / RRP 15.00

This gorgeous duo makes a perfect stocking filler or hostess gift! For the ultimate festive scent, the Cranberry Moro Orange variant will fill any house with holiday cheer. Available in four beautiful fragrances, you can buy one for everybody on your list! Beautiful packaging means that you can save on wrapping and make a great impression upon opening. Available in: Sweet Vanilla Fig, Pressed Olive Avocado, Cranberry Moro Orange and Warm Honey Nectar

Naturally Wholesome Soap Bar Collection 4x 140g bars / RRP 16.00

A generous gift, these oatmeal-infused natural soaps give a creamy lather and look as good as they smell! Ideal for any powder room; everybody will appreciate this gift. Available in: Sweet Vanilla Fig, Pressed Olive Avocado, Cranberry Moro Orange and Warm Honey Nectar

Naturally Baby Range RRP 5.00- 7.00

The little ones are always the most fun to shop for at Christmas, but sometimes finding something natural enough for their sensitive skin, and beautiful enough to make mum smile can be tough. Every item from the Naturally Baby range makes an ideal gift for a lucky baby.

Naturally Upper Canada will be available at most leading department and gift stores

Source:cosmeticnewsportal.com

The full Provence Cosmetics range, including the Skincare, Bioslimming and Bodypro50 ice flow gel, will be launched at Olympia Beauty London.

Provence Cosmetics are a fresh, innovative and relatively young cosmetics company from the Provence Region in South France. Flora Vergnolle, the owner of the company has in the past few years developed a range of sensational products with which they directly targeted the American market based in Beverly Hills. Provence have caused quite a stir with their flagship products – 3D Gommage, Bioslimming, Biosublime Skin Care and Bodypro50 ice flow gel.

Earlier this year, following impressive results using Bioslimming and Provence Skin Care products in their own salon, Marion & Ian Cadwell of Ayrshire, Scotland approached the company with a view to obtaining rights to distribute the products in the UK and were given the sole distribution rights to the UK and Northern Ireland. Bioslimming made its debut at Scottish Beauty Show in May of this year and received a very warm welcome from salon owners across Scotland and North of England. Since that time the number of salons has grown to encompass salons across middle and southern England.

Unlike many other treatments and products that are available on the market, that tackle a specific complaint or problem, Bioslimming successfully tackles a whole range of issues:-
- It detoxes
- It slims, firms and tones
- Reduces the appearance of cellulite
- Tackles stubborn fat deposits
- It induces Lipolysis
- Burns calories for 2 hours after application
- Continues the slimming effect for 12 hours after application
- Reduces inches
- Helps reduce appetite, enhances weight loss
- Reduces appearance of stretch marks, varicose veins & spider veins
- If applied prior to exercise it enhances the workout and aids muscle recovery

The integrity of the products is paramount and Provence is proud of the high quality and level of active ingredients used within their products making them some of the strongest Professional products available. Bioslimming contains high levels of essential oils, plant & algae extracts, caffeine and thermo agents both hot and cold which is revolutionary. The Thermo-Agents stimulate the lymphatic system and help burn fat through Thermo-regulation and induces Lipolysis (fat burning below skin’s surface) helping to fight rebel fat deposits and eliminating toxins.

The subsequent absorption of fatty acids and transportation of fat causes the “orange peel” roughness to disappear, dramatically reducing the appearance of cellulite and reducing adipose tissue. Cellulite is further tackled by the high levels of Caffeine which have been proven to dramatically reduce the appearance of cellulite making this product extremely effective in the battle against cellulite.

Provence Cosmetics are exclusive to professional therapists Salons and spas. Provence offer a new concept in skin care, based on high quality and fast results using natural active ingredients. Provence offer technologically advanced professional spa treatments for salon owners, therapists and their clients.

Ever conscious of the challenges in running a beauty business Flora Vergnolle wants to provide specialists/therapists with the best products possible combining the best from science and nature and believes that this has been achieved in the Provence range.

Provence places a high level of importance in its relationships with beauty professionals and their clients and strive to guarantee 100% product satisfaction. All therapists are thoroughly trained in the technical aspects of the products so that they can best understand their use and maximise their effects. All Provence products are tested on groups of volunteers in order to determine not only their exact effects but also to obtain feedback from users.

For each product a detailed treatment method is developed and presented by specialists, in order to obtain the optimum cohesion between the product and the manual techniques of application.

Thanks to these principals – the Provence laboratory develops products which they feel are completely unique and without comparison on the market.

Flora Vergnolle believes that from a woman’s point of view she understands what is important to women in relation to their use of beauty products. In a world where the pressures on the modern woman are greater than ever Flora believes that it is extremely important, that women can feel good about their appearance and aims to create products that produce positive differences from first use onward.

“Being a woman I understand how important it is for a woman to feel good and stay beautiful especially nowadays when women have both hectic home lives and careers, and I always try to bring to the market products that focus on results so that a difference can be seen after the very first use of the product. Knowing how hard is it to run a business I want to help spa owners have the best products that can make a difference in their businesses” says Flora

Marion Cadwell started her career as a Nurse and then a Midwife and became interested in beauty and holistic therapy almost 14 years ago when she set up Westfield and things have just developed since then. She says “these are some of the most exciting products that I have used in my time in the beauty industry, due to my back ground in health care I am very results driven and these products certainly deliver all that they promise and more. The results that we have been achieving in the salon definitely have to be seen to be believed and my client base has increased dramatically since taking on these products.

Source:cosmeticnewsportal.com

Next week, from 19-26 September, OSKIA is celebrating the launch of their luxurious facial treatments designed by celebrity therapist Abigail James. OSKIA will be taking over the boutique beauty room at Liberty, Regent Street, London to launch their Renaissance Mask, a brightening mask designed to lift the veil and reveal a fresher looking you.

OSKIA’s expert therapists, including Abigail James (25 & 26 Sept only) will give a full, bespoke skin consultation before treating customers to the ultimate Glow Getter facial OSKIA’s signature facial treatment.

The Glow Getter Signature Facial, using OSKIA’s nutritionally designed products and bespoke massage techniques, is designed to illuminate the skin and leave both body and mind feeling gloriously rejuvenated and glowing. The pampering treatment is an excellent opportunity for clients to experience OSKIA’s products and nutritional approach to skin care.

Customers can book this signature facial during OSKIA’s beauty week at Liberty at a special rate of 25, which is redeemable against any product purchase bought on the day.

Source:cosmeticnewsportal.com