In this week’s round up, we take a look at CMR Surgical’s latest advances with its successful completion of surgical procedures using its Versius surgical robotic system; Philips and Medtronic’s partnership on image guided heart treatment; Microsoft and Imprivata’s collaboration to use cloud in healthcare; Boston Scientific’s medical device clinical trial results for its stent system; and the most recent updates on Babylon Health’s GP at Hand service.
CMR Surgical’s Versius completes initial surgical procedures in humans
CMR Surgical has completed the first series of human surgical procedures using its Versius surgical robotic system. The system is designed to address the complexities and improve access within minimal access abdominal and pelvic surgeries. The single-centre cohort study assessed the safety and performance of the Versius and found no adverse events post 30-day follow up that were caused by the robotic system. CMR Surgical chief medical officer Mark Slack said: “This first-in-human series is a significant milestone in bringing Versius to operating theatres around the world.”
Philips and Medtronic partner on image-guided AF treatment
Philips and Medtronic have partnered to develop an image guided treatment of a heart rhythm disorder, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). Using Philips’ dielectric imaging and navigation system, imaging sensors, clinical software and services, cryoablation procedures can be conducted using Medtronic’s technology. Philips EPD Solutions business leader Marlou Janssen said: “This integrated solution can guide physicians during the treatment of AF patients with ablation, as they can view detailed, CT-like 3D anatomy, reducing the need for X-ray imaging.”
Imprivata partners with Microsoft for cloud-based platforms
In another partnership, Microsoft has teamed up with health IT security company, Imprivata, to help clinical users utilise the cloud. Imprivata’s end-to-end Identity and Access Management (IAM) cloud platform aims to address challenges that healthcare customers face during their digital transformation journey using Microsoft’s Azure Active Direct cloud identity platform. The collaboration has launched with Healthcare Seamless SSO, which will allow users to sign into shared clinical workstations and mobile devices without repeating usernames and passwords. This will save healthcare providers an estimated 45 minutes per shift.
Boston Scientific announces positive stent results from clinical trial
Medical device manufacturer, Boston Scientific, has announced positive results for the Eluvia Drug-Eluting Vascular Stent System from a clinical trial. The global, randomised, controlled trial revealed that the performance of the stent does not appear to be affected by challenging lesions. Ian Meredith, executive vice president and global chief medical officer, Boston Scientific, said: “The data adds to the clinical evidence supporting the Eluvia Stent System as a viable first-line treatment option for patients suffering from debilitating peripheral artery disease.
GP at Hand digital service given first rating by CQC
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has given Babylon Health’s GP at Hand digital healthcare service a ‘good’ rating in its first inspection. The service was rated as ‘good’ in four of its five domains, though it also received a ‘requires improvement’ rating for its effectiveness. The digital healthcare service allows GP patients to access private video consultation services remotely. The CQC report stated: “Evidence showed that the practice proactively sought ways to improve. The practice was focused on delivering a new innovative model of primary care working by providing a ’digital first’ service whilst maintaining the standards of a traditional NHS GP practice.”
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