Beat the odds.
The Welsh never say never. Consider, for example, Ruskinn Life Sciences Ltd. They've developed a technology that helps maintain the optimal atmosphere for embryonic incubation. Which means couples trying in-vitro fertilisation have a better chance of success. That’s Wales, where passion and ingenuity combine to overcome the odds and accomplish what was once inconceivable. No wonder 500 companies from around the world have investments here. They know Wales has the right atmosphere for growth. And their chances of success are increased, too.
Gary Knott Group Technical Director Ruskinn Life Sciences Ltd.
projects
4 Trade Across
20
the Pond Doing business successfully in the world-leading US healthcare market
Trade with the USA is something of a holy grail for British health technology companies. What draws them is not only the size and wealth of this market, but its proverbial appetite for innovation. This is a country that’s proven eager to work with the newest and most challenging developments in the sector. Our lead article is written for every UK company that wants to work with this American market. Inventors and manufacturers who want to make the best of the opportunities it offers have to understand what they’re working with. That means knowing what they don’t have, what they need to have, and how to go about sourcing it. We don’t provide an encyclopaedia – but we do give you a concise summary from people at the sharp end as to what works, what doesn’t, and what to look out for. The theme running through many of our other articles is one that is becoming more and more insistent not only in healthcare, but in political and social forecasting. The UK’s ageing population is a demographic shared with developed countries worldwide. You’ll find in this issue examples that demonstrate how health technology can tackle this most intractable of issues. Its potential is vast and already, there is evidence as to how it could revolutionise old age for us all.
www.ibwales.com
features
Coralie Palmer Editor
0845 010 3300 within the UK or
+ 44 (0) 1443 845500 from overseas locations
Prizewinning easy-to-use drinking vessel
22
A True Measure Determining obesity accurately
products 23
Giving a Hand New high-dexterity artificial hand
12 Health on the Home Front Moving healthcare from hospital to home
comment 16
25
Limits on stem cell patenting
26
Crossing the Borders Changes in Europe-wide patenting
Blood Will Tell Blood flow assessment device
in brief 28
17
In Touch Communications system for the severely disabled
Unstemming Innovation
Prizewinners… Mixing it… Debugging… Timesavers … Best Foot Forward… Health Injections
biff 35
Great moments in medicine
The Medilink UK Review
Produced by
5 Schooner Way Atlantic Wharf Cardiff CF10 4DZ Tel/Fax: 029 2047 3456 Web: www.mediwales.com
for Medilink UK
The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the opinions of individual Medilink UK members unless explicitly stated. © MediWales Ltd. 2009
www.medilinkuk.co.uk
On Tap
Contact: Editorial coralie.palmer@mediwales.com Advertising debbie.laubach@mediwales.com Coordinator jess.fisher@mediwales.com 3