Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston has purchased four Carestream DRX-Revolution mobile x-ray systems for multiple intensive care units serving trauma, cardiac, surgical and other critical care patients.

The FDA has granted 510(k) clearance for the thoracic-length HeliFX aortic securement system, an updated system to the one cleared in November 2011 to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms. The new system has a longer delivery device with additional tip configurations to bring the helical EndoAnchor technology to the treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA).

As medical journalists, we attempt to be conscientious to try to cover the appropriate clinical studies and updates on practice management considerations from the professional societies that could have direct impact on clinical practice for physicians. However, market trends and real-life registry data show that physicians are quite hesitant to change their practice patterns, in spite of new evidence on better, safer technologies and drugs.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are teaming up to expand access to healthcare for veterans living in rural areas. Private hospitals and clinics are joining VA facilities in the collaboration supported by nearly $1 million in grants.

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) has released a web-based game to help providers learn about best security practices for health IT.

The American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF), American Heart Association (AHA) and the Heart Rhythm Society jointly released updated guidelines Sept. 10 for use in treating heart rhythm disorders. Chief among the updates are expanded indications for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), suggesting patients with mild heart failure or NYHA Class II should be considered for CRT based on their electrocardiogram.

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The FDA has released a statement of vision laying out ways it hopes to monitor and report on the safety and effectiveness of medical devices already in use by patients. The agencys Center for Devices and Radiological Health released the publication Sept. 6, just a few days prior to a series of public meetings and workshops it has scheduled on the subject this week.