Apple's technologies are helping doctors use imaging in new ways, cardiac surgeons have heard. Their uses in medicine were presented during 'Join the Imaging Revolution', an event for an estimated 100 heart surgeons from around the world. These surgeons are among the more than 2,000 attendees to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons 43rd Annual Meeting being held at the San Diego Convention Center, California, through 31 January.
Medical imaging system developer Novadaq Technologies, Inc. and Apple co-sponsored the event. Novadaq showcased its SPY Intra-operative Imaging System, a real-time visual imaging device for use during heart bypass surgery, while Apple shared how the iPod is facilitating personal and portable medical media.
"We are delighted that Apple co-sponsored this event with Novadaq," said Dr. Arun Menawat, President and Chief Executive Officer of Novadaq. "Novadaq's innovations are providing medical imaging for the operating room to improve clinical outcomes and Apple is the leader of innovation in the personal computing industry. It's a synergistic fit between technologies and a perfect opportunity for cardiac surgeons to see and participate in the imaging revolution."
Speakers presented on how new technology is helping doctors use imaging in new ways to help patients and educated cardiac surgeons about Apple technology in medicine.
The SPY System is the first and only fluorescent imaging system cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in coronary artery bypass surgery, the most common open-heart surgery in the country with approximately 400,000 patients undergoing the procedure every year. Bypass surgery is one of the only major vascular surgeries in which imaging is not yet a standard of care.
SPY enables cardiac surgeons to simply and efficiently assess the quality of blood flow through the heart during surgery. Use of the SPY System may reduce complications, and help patients avoid repeat heart procedures.
