• Sky Medical Technology (Sky) appoints seasoned sales development professional to drive market adoption of the geko device for leg ulcer healing
• The geko is a wearable medical device that increases blood flow in the leg to transport oxygenated blood to a wounds edge and bed.

LONDON, Oct. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Sky Medical Technology Ltd (Sky), parent company of Firstkind Ltd, today announced the appointment of Fiona Young as director for its wound care therapy business. Fiona will spearhead and build-out Sky's geko device sales and marketing strategy in the wound care space.

Sky is a UK-based maker of wearable medical devices designed to heal chronic wounds that afflict millions of sufferers around the world every year. The global wound care market is projected to reach USD 27.2 billion by 2027, driven by the growth of an aging population and the rising use of technological advancements in innovative wound care products.

The appointment of Fiona brings to Sky a proven track record in building international sales success in the wound care market. Across her 20-year career, Fiona has worked in sales development roles at Crawford Healthcare and Lohmann & Rauscher helping to introduce and integrate new products into wound care pathways - and more recently as International Marketing & Direct to Consumer Manager at Flen Health, a company that provides innovation in skin healing.

Commenting on her appointment, Fiona said, "I am excited to be joining Sky at this important time in the company's development. Sky has an exceptionally dynamic technology platform with multiple large market opportunities - wound care therapy being among the largest of these. I am delighted to be working with the Sky team and excited to lead a clinical partner advocacy programme that will help drive geko device adoption. The market is ripe for the introduction of the clinically proven geko device, an innovation able to Excellerate the lives of millions living with chronic wounds."

"It is with great pleasure that we welcome Fiona Young to the Sky team. Fiona's impressive commercial track record in wound care makes her ideally suited to the development and delivery of our commercial strategy in wound care. Fiona's expertise will provide highly relevant and invaluable leadership in the engagement of wound care professionals willing to embrace innovation for better patient outcomes" commented Bernard Ross, Sky CEO and Founder.

About the geko device

Worn at the knee, the geko, a neuromuscular electrostimulation device, gently stimulates the common peroneal nerve activating the calf and foot muscle pumps, resulting in increased venous, arterial and microcirculatory blood flow - transporting oxygenated blood to the wound edge and bed to promote healing in patients with lower limb wounds.

About Sky Medical Technology Ltd

Sky Medical Technology (Sky) is a UK-based medical devices company. Through its innovative mechanism of non-invasive neuromuscular electrostimulation, Sky has developed a ground-breaking NMES technology platform, OnPulse, embedded in its industry-leading product, the geko device. The company develops a range of products tailored to the needs of different medical application areas, selling both direct and through strategic partnerships or distributors in each major clinical area. Clinical areas of interest include chronic wound healing, the treatment and prevention of oedema (swelling) and venous thromboembolism prevention (VTE). The goal in each therapy are is to partner with healthcare professionals to Excellerate clinical outcomes and patient care while at the same time reducing cost for health systems.

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Oct 10, 2022 (Heraldkeepers) -- New Jersey, United States-This Medical Laser Technology market examines the regional and global markets as well as the overall development opportunities in the industry. Additionally, it provides insight into the entire serious scene of the global Medical Laser Technology industry. The research also includes a dashboard summary of the leading companies, outlining their successful marketing strategies, market commitment, and ongoing improvements in both historical and contemporary contexts.

The MarketWatch News Department was not involved in the creation of this content.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented its challenges. But as our sister Medical Design & Outsourcing site reported last year, expect superstorms, fires, droughts and other extreme events driven by climate change to continue to strain the supply chain.

Problems may even get worse.

Major medtech companies are taking steps to respond to the challenge. For example, Medtronic’s Supply Chain EVP Greg Smith overall has been driving changes with a team that is mostly new to the company. Medtronic has co-located over 100 Medtronic employees with top suppliers and worked directly with commodity and raw material suppliers, CEO Geoff Martha said during the company’s first-quarter earnings call in August. Backorders are coming down.

“We’re starting to put the most acute piece of this behind us,” Martha said.

We’ll explore how the medical device supply chain is transforming during DeviceTalks West, Oct. 19–20, 2022, in Santa Clara, California. (Register here.) As executive editor of MassDevice and MDO, I’ll moderate a panel that includes Kulwant Sandhu, VP of integrated supply chain at Outset Medical, and Michael Maszy, VP of operations at Shockwave Medical.

As Sandhu said in a recent LinkedIn post: “With the world’s supply chains under more scrutiny than perhaps ever before … supply chain professionals are working harder to Excellerate resilience, boost efficiency and continue delivering for customers.”

Oct 14, 2022Healthcare and elder-care facilities have begun deploying a new solution from technology startup WalkWise that uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)-based connectivity as part of its new approach to tracking fitness and well-being. This battery-powered sensor system provides an alternative to wearable trackers, by monitoring the activities of individuals based on the movements of their walkers. The system tracks when people move their walker, how often and for how long, as well as if the walker tips, potentially indicating a fall.

The solution consists of the sensor, which attaches to a walker's wheel, as well as a cellular-based gateway to forward data to a cloud-based server, and an app to display information and send notifications to users. The product, also known as WalkWise, was first developed by founder Peter Chamberlain while he was a graduate student at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), to help caregivers or healthcare providers understand the health, safety and activity levels of those using walkers.

The solution is currently in use by eldercare organizations such as the National PACE Association (NPA), which employs BLE technology for fall prevention, health screening and safety monitoring of those using walkers and wheelchairs to aid their movement, according to Zsofi Zelenak, WalkWise's operations manager.

The solution includes a sensor that attaches to a walker's wheel.

Technology for Detecting and Preventing Falls

Chamberlain's personal interest in elder safety was based on his concern for his own and his wife's grandparents. In one instance, his wife's grandmother fell because she wasn't using her walker, and she was unable to get herself up. Chamberlain's own grandmother also suffered a fall while alone in her home, and she had to crawl to the nightstand to call for help. Another grandmother, living with Alzheimer's disease in a senior living facility, required monitoring of her activities to ensure her safety. All three grandmothers used walkers to help with mobility.

Chamberlain envisioned a system that would monitor not the person but the walker. Data captured from the device, he speculated, could go to loved ones, physical therapists or healthcare providers to keep adults safe while they remain independent and at home. He built a prototype in MIT's MakerWorkshop in 2016, and the group participated in the Techstars accelerator program in 2019, which resulted in its first healthcare contract in 2020, and a pivot to value-based care. "The goal from the start," Zelenak says, "was to help seniors who used mobility aids, who tend to be at the highest risk of losing their independence."

The healthcare organizations that have adopted the technology have been using it for several purposes: to encourage individuals to use their walkers, thereby preventing falls, and to track behavior over time, to better understand health. The concept is that if a walker is not being used, the system can detect either that the individual is inactive, or that they are walking without it. Either scenario indicates a health or safety concern. When a walker is being used, the system captures data indicating how fast, how long and how often it is moving. And if the walker tips, the sensor identifies that event and issues an alert that a fall may have occurred.

How the System Works

WalkWise's device attaches to a walker's rear wheel via zip tie or dual locks and can run for nine months to a year on AAA batteries. The sensor has a built-in accelerometer that measures the wheel's rotations to identify how much the walker is moving. Its built-in BLE chip transmits that information, along with its unique identifier, to a gateway that then forwards the data to a server.

Peter Chamberlain

The result is that those physicians or caregivers can receive data regarding the movement of a walker assigned to a specific patient. If their movement raises concern, the care provider can address that problem. The gateway, known as The Node, receives BLE transmissions and uses its CAT-M1 LTE cellular service to transmit the information to the cloud. That data appears in the WalkWise application that system participants can download. Alternatively, they can simply view the data in the cloud. With The Node receiving and transmitting data, the system is fully independent from a smartphone or Internet connection.

Medical personnel, family members and other caregivers who use the app can receive status updates and notifications based on activities, as well as view details on a dashboard in real time. "We work directly with health professionals who have patients that use WalkWise," Zelenak states. Caregivers can set and receive safety notifications of interest, and they can get data from WalkWise for use in their own systems.

One end user is Northland PACE Senior Care Services, which provides care for high-risk seniors in its community, in some cases living independently. With WalkWise, care providers can screen for signs of illness or infection, which the company says reduces costs around short-term skilled nursing employment. If an individual's activity drops unexpectedly, for instance, that could indicate a health problem. With the technology in place, the organization can be alerted to a fall and deploy paramedics to the site, rather than waiting for individuals to call for help.

During physical therapy, the organization employs WalkWise data to encourage activity at home. Participants use a walker with the sensor attached, and therapists can view the amount of activity taking place, to ensure patients follow an exercise protocol. This data has led to functional improvements among those participating, the organization reports. WalkWise indicates that PACE Southeast Michigan, another region within the PACE program, identified a 43 percent reduction in falls during a six-month pilot involving 15 participants.

Often, WalkWise reports, the technology helped to ensure that an individual who had fallen could quickly receive the help they needed. The notification prompted managers to send a request for paramedics, who arrived onsite 30 minutes later. The system provides long-term well-being data. For example, decreased mobility could signal problems such as heart failure, depression or cognitive decline. The first device was launched in 2019. Since then, Zelenak says, the company has added the WalkWise Mini to its product line, in order to accommodate smaller walker sizes. "We've also got some very exciting new products in testing," she adds.

Interpreting Data for Health and Independence

Fall prevention remains a complex issue even when WalkWise is used, Zelenak reports. "The data we provide is open-ended," she says, "and allows for interpretation specific to each of our client's needs." In general, however, the sensor's presence on the walker empowers seniors by preserving their independence. Since the system sends safety notifications in the event of a fall, this helps it facilitate discussion about the prevention of future falls.

Zsofi Zelenak

Finally, because the system monitors activity, those using the walkers are showing a greater incentive to stay active and mobile. "As a bonus," Zelenak states, "some people never lose their competitiveness, and those who spend time amongst other seniors using the same smart walker attachments love to compare results or even compete against each other in reaching their daily goals."

The company has been deliberate in its effort to build a solution that is non-wearable. "Wearables often come with additional tasks," Zelenak explains, "such as having to take it off at times, putting it back on every morning, and remembering to charge it. WalkWise was designed with its convenience and ease of use in mind. You attach it to your mobility aid and forget about it until you are reminded by the system to change the batteries."

The Node and the sensor device both use Nordic Semiconductor BLE chips, and The Node has a range of a typically sized home or apartment. "As our number-one focus," Zelenak states, "we currently work closely with home health providers across the country, as well as some senior living facilities." While the company works in partnerships with healthcare facilities of various sizes, she adds, it also provides the option for consumers to purchase WalkWise directly from its website. At present, WalkWise has contracts in 13 states throughout the United States.

Key Takeaways:

• A BLE-enabled solution tracks the movement of an individual's walker, providing care providers with details about how that walker is being used.
• As an alternative to a wearable fitness tracker, the system is designed to be easy for a walker's user to operate, since the sensor remains on the walker, without requiring a smartphone or Wi-Fi connection.

Veterinary Technicians are a vital part of the medical team at El Paso Animal Services, caring for tens-of-thousands of pets every year. The department has a team of thirteen veterinary techs who work alongside the shelter veterinarians to assist with surgeries, monitor and assess the health of pets in the shelter and in foster care. They also help provide pet wellness services to the community. So far this year, vet techs have provided treatments to thousands of shelter pets, assisted in 3,800 surgeries, and provided more than 8,200 pet wellness services to community-owned pets.

Animal Services will showcase the medical team through a weeklong social media campaign that will include bios of the veterinary technician team, Instagram stories, Twitter takeovers, pet health facts, and more.

During this week, residents are encouraged to say “Thank You” for a job well done to vet technicians. Members of the public who would like to show their support for the shelter medical team can post a photo of themselves and their adopted pet on social media with the hashtag #EPASVetTechWeek. To learn more about the services provided by El Paso Animals Services or to adopt or foster a shelter pet, visit www.elpasoanimalservices.org.

For local and breaking news, sports, weather alerts, video and more, get the FREE KTSM 9 News App from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

DENTON, Texas, Oct. 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ManaMed strives to be at the forefront of medical innovation, which is why it is excited to announce that its DVT prevention device, PlasmaFlow, has just received UnitedHealthcare coverage.

 PlasmaFlow is a wearable and portable prescription device that helps prevent blood clots during surgery, at discharge, and at home. It has been shown to increase patient awareness and safety about blood clots while also reducing the risk of pulmonary embolism, and ManaMed is proud to offer this life-saving technology to all medical institutions and providers who are committed to protecting their patients from potential harm. With PlasmaFlow, ManaMed is confident that it can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

ManaMed's CEO and president, Trevor Theriot, says, "UnitedHealthcare's policy update is game-changing for PlasmaFlow. It has been in the market for over 6 years and nearly one million patients have benefited from this medical device. We believe that this March policy update will provide greater access to current UHC patients but will also cause other commercial payers like Anthem to update or re-evaluate their existing medical policies for pneumatic compression devices. As we continue to hear success stories from both providers and patients using this cutting-edge technology, it's hard not to get excited about the future of ManaMed and how we are going to change the lives of even more people."

ManaMed's Vice President of Sales, Joseph Horton, says, "UHC has recognized some key factors that are associated with risk of DVT post-operatively upon discharge. Those key factors include immobility and contraindication to pharmaceutical-anti coagulation due to the risk of bleeding. Based upon my experience, UHC may be looking at the readmission rates provided by CMS along with the risk of developing a DVT can extend at least up to 3 months after surgery. Key evidence of the second peak of development for a DVT can occur about 10 days after surgery; this is when most patients have already been discharged from a facility."

PlasmaFlow is the only FDA-approved prescriptive portable DVT pump with two therapeutic modalities that apply 55mmHg: the first mode applies pressure up to 55mmHG once a minute, and the second mode, which is ManaMed's patented step-up inflation applies, 55mmHg in intervals of 10mmHg for a full minute, which allows for continuous compression to the lower extremities. Functioning as an easy-to-use Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC) device, PlasmaFlow consists of two inflatable sleeves that are wrapped around the calves and secured by Velcro.

Once inflated, the device will compress the leg(s) and will increase blood circulation while reducing Venous Stasis, which will reduce the risk of a blood clot(s). PlasmaFlow is a remarkable device that provides patients with a convenient and comfortable way to prevent DVT. With its two therapeutic modes, patients can choose the mode of compression that is right for them.

PlasmaFlow is easy to use, and its portability makes it ideal for those who are constantly on the go. Whether you are at risk for DVT or have an upcoming surgery, PlasmaFlow can help you keep your blood flowing and increase your chances of being clot-free.

IPC has been proven over the last 30-plus years with clinical studies to reduce the risk of DVT (Blood Clots) with significantly no side effects by increasing blood circulation and reducing venous stasis. Clinical studies have shown that wearing an IPC Device will stimulate the release of the body's own natural anticoagulants to help prevent the development of a potentially life-threatening blood clot(s).

UnitedHealthcare Policy Number 2022T0563M

Intermittent limb compression devices have been proven to be medically necessary for outpatient settings and upon discharge of a patient post-surgery. PlasmaFlow efficiently prevents deep venous thrombosis (DVT) if the following criteria are met:

• Immobility, meaning a patient is not able to get up from a chair or leave his/her bed and walk to the toilet without the help of another person
• Contraindication to pharmaceutical anti-coagulation
• None of the following contraindications are present:
• Active infection
• Pulmonary edema
• Severe arteriosclerosis
• Severe congestive heart failure
• Skin or tissue conditions that may be negatively impacted by the use of garments
• Suspected or known DVT

A pioneer in designing, developing, and distributing cutting-edge medical devices, ManaMed offers a wide range of orthopedic solutions that meet both physician and patient needs. From bracing to vascular therapy devices, assisted mobility devices, electrical stimulation, maternity, and DVT prevention products, its extensive product offerings have catapulted the company to the forefront of medical innovation and within the medical technology community.

The company has recently been named the official partner of the UFC Performance Institute and is well on its way to becoming the internationally leading provider of high-performance orthopedic devices that help people recover after injury or surgery.

UnitedHealthcare consists of registered and unregistered trademarks of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated.

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SOURCE ManaMed Inc.

ST. LOUIS, Oct. 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ulrich medical USA, Inc., a privately held medical device company focused on developing and commercializing musculoskeletal implant technologies in the United States, today announced the FDA has given 510(k) clearance of its Flux-C 3D printed porous titanium cervical interbody device.

"Surgeons have many options for cervical interbodies. The Flux-C porous titanium device offers one of the best in class with superior endplate contact and spaces for generous inter-device bone grafting. It is a welcomed complement to their superior array of expandable cages," said Patrick Maloney, M.D. existing member of ulrich Medical USA's Surgeon Advisory Board and its recently established Director of Deformity.

Flux-C is manufactured using a 3D printing process called direct metal laser sintering (DMLS). The interbodies are available in multiple parallel and lordotic options in various heights. These porous titanium devices are designed with a large graft window and a side window to allow for improved radiographic imaging.

Eric Lucas, Ph.D., ulrich Medical USA's Director of Technology states, "We are continuing to develop procedural solutions for reconstruction of all spinal pathologies in collaboration with our Surgeon Advisory Board. We strive to help our surgeons and distributors achieve New Heights and Beyond with integrity, through excellence in design, manufacturing and craftsmanship."

About ulrich Medical USA

ulrich medical USA is privately held, celebrating its 110th year as a family-owned company. Recognized as a leader in vertebral body replacement, ulrich is dedicated to remaining independent and continuing to develop a complete spine solutions portfolio that results in superior patient outcomes for years to come. ulrich Medical USA is excited to be relocating its headquarters to the Dallas Fort-Worth area. ulrich medical's global headquarters is in Ulm, Germany.

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SOURCE ulrich medical USA