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Tag Archive: electronic tuning fork

1. ETF128 Successfully Registered with Italian Health Ministry

   August 9, 2018 8:54 am Leave a Comment

   The company is gratified to announce successful registration of the ETF128 with the Italian Ministry of Health, clearing the way for entry into the Italian market. This is an important milestone as it is represents the company’s first expansion into the EU. The company plans to sell its products through an authorized representative per Ministry of Health guidelines. “We are excited to embark on this venture into the Italian market.” said CEO, Todd O’Brien. ” Fortunately, we have found an excellent corporate partner to work with as we move forward. I think we have the opportunity to do something very innovative together.”

   More details on this new market opportunity will be available in future posts.

    

2. Dr. O’Brien Lectures on Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

   September 12, 2016 9:28 am Leave a Comment

   Dr. O’Brien recently was an invited speaker at the Maine Podiatric Medical Association’s first ever Interdisciplinary Diabetic Foot Conference held at the Penobscot Valley Country Club in Orono, Maine. His lecture, “Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: Update 2016” was delivered before an interdisciplinary group of providers focused on the diabetic foot. The talk included a review of the latest technological innovations related to neurological screening of the diabetic foot including the ETF128.

   

    

3. WHO Diabetes Report: 422 million cases of diabetes worldwide

   April 9, 2016 3:30 pm Leave a Comment

   Last week, The World Health Organization (WHO) released its Global Report on Diabetes. This sobering document cited a nearly 400% increase in the know cases of diabetes since 1980. The estimated number of patients with diabetes now stands at a staggering 422 million. In light of these findings, WHO has urged a renewed focus on prevention and management of diabetes and its complications including lower limb infections and amputations.

   As the cited throughout the medical literature, the incidence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) among diabetic patients is at least 50%. This translates into over 200 million diabetic patients with DPN globally. This is particularly troubling as DPN is the leading precursor of diabetic foot complications. Given these startling statistics, it is more important than ever to accurately diagnose and track the progression of DPN in this patient population.

   The ETF¹²⁸ is ideally suited to assist medical professionals in this daunting task. This simple yet sophisticated instrument can provide early detection of DPN and quantitative documentation enabling tracking over time. Additionally, its ergonomic design and portability make it a truly point-of-care instrument easily incorporated into any clinical exam.

    

   

4. APMA Region One Conference

   October 22, 2015 8:23 pm Leave a Comment

   Glad to return to the APMA Region One Meeting this year as a vendor for the first time. Met with lots of new and old friends while working at the booth in the exhibit hall. Thanks to all who stopped by to check out the ETF.

   

5. What is a TVT?

   May 9, 2015 8:34 pm Leave a Comment

   The timed vibration test or TVT is a simple but powerful method of gauging neurological function. In particular, vibration testing assesses the large myelinated A-alpha and A-beta sensory fibers. TVTs have been done in research settings and to a limited extent in clinics for decades. In the past, this exam was performed with a traditional tuning fork and a handheld timer. The clinician would hit the tuning fork and then apply it to the patient’s anatomy while simultaneously starting the timer (alternatively the clinician would count). The patient would then indicate when the vibrations subsided beyond perception. Obvious draw backs included variability in tuning fork vibration (different clinicians applying different forces, multiple manufacturers making the tuning forks) and difficulty in accurately timing when the patient lost perception of the vibration. This lack of standardization and difficulty in performing the test limited its clinical use.

   The advent of the ETF¹²⁸ has given new life to this valuable test. Now TVTs can be performed in a quick, standardized fashion at the point-of-care. Those testing the feet of diabetic patients will find the Hallux TVT Scale of the front of the device particularly helpful for assessing diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). The times generated by successive TVTs can also be used to track the patient’s status over time. This not only alerts the clinician to the progression of any neurological deficits, it can be used as an educational tool to better inform patients.