Halifax Biomedical Inc. Solution Leveraging Canon Technology Unites Surgeons With Tools That Help Improve Joint Replacement Outcomes for Patients

MISSISSAUGA, ON, March22, 2011-  Newimagingtechnologyfor orthopaedic research, developed by Halifax Biomedical Inc. (HBI) and featuring Canon technology,is the basis for a network connecting medical facilities in Halifax, Winnipeg and Montreal. The network will provide surgeons with clinical research measurement tools that are accurate and efficient to help improve outcomes for patients receiving joint replacement implants.

The first of its kind in Canada, the new network includes Capital Health in Halifax; Concordia Hip and Knee Institute (CHKI) in Winnipeg; and L'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont in Montreal. Participating facilities will combine their orthopaedic research capabilities by standardizing imagingequipment, imagingprocedures and image analysis through HBI.

Each research facility within the Canadian RSA (Radiostereometric Analysis) network will use the same Halifax SR (Stereo Radiography) Suite. Developed by HBI in conjunction with Canon Canada authorized dealer Horizon Medical Services Ltd., the Halifax SR Suite features Canon technology and enables the capture of RSA images. These 3D images provide orthopaedic surgeons with much greater accuracy compared to traditional x-rays.^[1]

During surgery, a patient’s bones are marked with special metal markers (about the size of a small poppy seed) that show up in an x-ray. RSA imaging simultaneously provides two x-ray images of a patient’s joint. Specialized software determines the location of the special markers to measure how the patient’s implant has settled into the bone. Engineers and scientists conduct measurements at different time points or under different loads to assess whether a joint replacement has become loose. It has been shown that RSA is so accurate that problem implants can be detected before failure, earlier than other methods for joint replacement monitoring.^[2]

“RSA is a unique, powerful monitoring tool that helps surgeons accurately and quickly assess patient recovery after a knee or hip replacement,” Dr. Michael Dunbar, a leading researcher with Capital Health in Halifax. “RSA enables us to improve patient care as well as make most effective use of resources.”

By using similar equipment and HBI's centralized database for analysis, participating hospitals can increase their capacity for clinical trials. As a network, hospitals will be able to jointly recruit more patients and collect greater amounts of data in less time, for true multi-site trials. For patients looking at joint replacement surgery, research conducted through the network will help surgeons make decisions on the best implant for their patients, by helping to better predict the long-term viability of the joint replacement.

At the core of HBI’s SR imaging suite, is Canon's CXDI-55C portable flat-panel detector. Implemented by Canon Canada partner Horizon Medical Services Ltd., the Canon technology was selected for its high-quality images, both from a clinical x-ray perspective and for its ability to capture stereo x-ray images that allow researchers to make very accurate measurements of implant position and migration.

“We’re constantly looking for the best imaging platform for our RSA technology. Canon’s CXDI-55C has exceeded our expectations in terms of image quality and sensitivity of the imaging detectors,” said Chad Munro, President and founder of Halifax Biomedical. “Horizon has been a great partner with solid systems integration experience and have delivered on tight timelines when required.”

“Halifax Biomedical set the bar very high in terms of the quality and clarity of image needed," Doug Anderson, Vice President – Sales & Marketing,Horizon Medical Services Ltd. "Working with HBI and Canon, our team was able to engineer a solution that can upgrade existing imaging rooms, while delivering the best available RSA imaging system in the world. We're gratified to see the positive feedback from our early customers."

“We’re extremely excited to see how our authorized Canon dealers are working with our end customers on such innovative solutions,” said Ian Macfarlane, Senior VicePresident, Sales & Service Operations of Canon Canada Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Canon USA. “ This is a very innovative and cutting edge technology. We are very pleased that the collaboration between Horizon Medical and Halifax Biomedical has resulted in such a technical success, and excited to be a part of such a significant announcementwith a world-leader in RSA technology.” 

“We’re pleased to be part of this important initiative. RSA is an effective research tool that aligns with our comprehensive joint replacement research here at the Concordia Hip and Knee Institute.” Dr. Eric Bohm, orthopaedicsurgeon with the Concordia Joint Replacement Group.

“We are especially excited about examining the other potential opportunities to use HBI’s SR imaging suite in the design, development, and validation of future orthopaedic devices” says Martin Petrak, Professional Engineer and President of the Musculoskeletal Innovation and Product Development Centre at the CHKI.

The Canadian RSA network is led by Dalhousie University and Capital Health in Nova Scotia, with Winnipeg as an early supporter. Installation of the Halifax SR Suite is underway at L'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont in Montreal.

About Halifax Biomedical, Inc.

Halifax Biomedical (HBI) is a Canadian-based, world-leading RSA technology company that delivers leading-edge contract research services and develops highly accurate diagnostic medical equipment. It is currently the only company in North America that offers a complete product and service solution for RSA-based research.

About Horizon Medical Services Ltd.

Canadian-owned and operated, Horizon Medical Services specializes in developing comprehensive diagnostic solutions for hospital and clinic environments throughout North America. They market advanced technology for a diverse range of modalities including digital x-ray, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, CT, and MRI applications. In keeping pace with an ever-changing medical field, they offer the advantage of customized, integrated solutions composed of premium equipment and software from multiple vendors. Their customers value them as a trusted, single-source partner.

About Canon Canada Inc.

Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company employs 1,200 people at its offices nation-wide, servicing the Canadian market from coast to coast. Innovation and cutting-edge technology have been essential ingredients in Canon's success. Canon's leadership in imaging, optical and document management technology and solutions is based in large part on the thousands of patents the company has secured throughout its history. Since 1994, Canon Inc. is among the top fourUS patent recipients.

The company's comprehensive product line includes networked multifunction devices; digital copiers (colour and black and white); printers, scanners, image filing systems and facsimile machines; calculators, digital camcorders, digital and analogue cameras and lenses; semiconductor, broadcast and other specialized industrial products.

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For more information, please contact:

Wayne Doyle
Senior Manager, Corporate Communications
Canon Canada Inc.
(905) 565-4598
wdoyle@canada.canon.com

Andrea Brasset
On behalf of Canon Canada Inc.
(613) 688-1192
abrasset@highroad.com


^[1]Ryd, L., B. E. Albrektsson, et al. (1995). "Roentgen Stereophotogrammetric Analysis As A Predictor Of Mechanical Loosening Of Knee Prostheses." J Bone Joint Surg Br 77(3): 377-83.

^[2]Karrholm, J., B. Borssen, et al. (1994). "Does Early Micromotion Of Femoral Stem Prostheses Matter? 4-7-Year Stereoradiographic Follow-Up Of 84 Cemented Prostheses." The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery 76(6): 912-7.