A compact, real-time PCR instrument was developed for rapid, multiplex analysis of nucleic acids in an inexpensive, portable format. The instrument consists of a notebook computer, two reaction modules with integrated optics for four-color fluorescence detection, batteries, and a battery-charging system. The instrument weighs 3.3 kg, measures 26 x 22 x 7.5 cm, and can run continuously on the in...

BACKGROUND The applications for rapid prototyping have expanded dramatically over the last 20 y. In recent years, additive manufacturing has been intensely investigated for surgical implants, tissue scaffolds, and organs. There is, however, scant literature to date that has investigated the viability of three-dimensional (3D) printing of surgical instruments. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using a fus...

In the domain of designing innovative products in the medical field, investigations are often oriented towards communication between actors and needs comprehension. In the DESTIN (DEsign of Surgical/Technological INnovation) project, User Centered Design methodology with concrete experiments is applied. Researchers propose emulations in an operating room for coevaluation of innovative products ...

In the domain of designing innovative products in the medical field, investigations are often oriented towards communication between actors and needs comprehension. In the DESTIN (DEsign of Surgical/Technological INnovation) project, User Centered Design methodology with concrete experiments is applied. Researchers propose experimentation in operating room for innovative products and new adapte...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Therapeutic laparoscopy was incorporated into surgical practice more than 25 y ago. Several modifications have since been developed to further minimize surgical trauma and improve results. Minilaparoscopy, performed with 2- to 3-mm instruments was introduced in the mid 1990s but failed to attain mainstream use, mostly because of the limitations of the early devices. Bu...