Method to diagnose atrial fibrillation wins Fresenius Inventors' Prize 2008

The tenth Fresenius Inventors' Fair will give 20 chosen researchers, developers and inventors the opportunity to present their ideas to a broad audience during the world's largest medical trade fair MEDICA in Düsseldorf from November 19 to 21, 2008. The top three entries will be selected by Fresenius and receive awards totaling €10,000. The winning entries are picked on the first day of MEDICA by a jury comprising medical specialists and business representatives. About 50 doctors, scientists, engineers, technicians and care professionals are among the entrants this year. Their proposals include a broad spectrum, ranging from methods to detect cancer to a novel, synthetic heart valve to a vibrating training device for wheelchair users. The Fresenius Inventors' Fair is held every two years during MEDICA.

The winning project of the last Fresenius Inventors' Fair came from a team of scientists from Regensburg University of Applied Sciences as well as Passau University. They developed a pen equipped with sensor technology to record neuromuscular activity of the hand. The sensor pen provides data that can prove useful in the diagnosis of diseases, such as Parkinson's, schizophrenia and stroke. The second place was awarded to two new orthopedic surgical instruments, which are already being marketed, that allow for careful removal of worn implants while causing minimal bone damage. Other winners in past years have included a needle to easily draw blood from premature babies, a device for a virtually pain free colonoscopy, a new method for the manufacture of nitrogen monoxide and a mobile device to wash bedridden patients.

"The Fresenius Inventors' Fair offers exhibitors the chance to present their innovations to industry representatives and doctors," Jury Member and physician Martin Hepper said. "Fresenius hopes to help link inventors with companies that will further develop or market their innovations. Groundbreaking ideas should help treat the sick rather than land in an archive somewhere." Past fairs have proven to be useful platforms for inventors to network with businesses. In the past year, more than 137,000 foreign and local visitors have attended MEDICA.

The Fresenius Inventor's Fair can be found at MEDICA in Hall 8b. The award ceremony starts at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, November 19. MEDICA is open from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. from November 19 to 21 in Düsseldorf. Additional information on the Inventors' Fair may be found at www.fresenius-erfindermesse.de, and on MEDICA at www.medica.de.