New versions of neurological equipment• To be presented this year by Neuronic S.A., 2002 Export National Prize winner

BY LILLIAM RIERA —Granma International Staff Writer—

Neuronic S.A., 2002 Export National Prize winner in the medium business category, foresees putting its Version V Audix, Medicid and Neurónica medical equipment on the market in the second semester of 2003, said commercial specialist Tania Guerra to Granma International.

It was revealed that the new line of equipment will be smaller and can be configured according to work needs for both stimulation and neo-physiological studies. Furthermore, they will be developed with the latest software and hardware informatics technology.

Audix is designed to explore children’s audio capacity, particularly that of infants, and up until last year was the only one of its kind on an international level; Medicid consists of an electro-encephalograph, useful in detecting diseases like epilepsy and behavioral disorders; while Neurónica is used to study visual and audio potential and muscular problems; all are necessarily computer friendly.

At the International Medical-Technical Fair Health For All, Neurónica S.A. displayed products developed by the Cuban Neuroscience Center, some already functional in the national hospital network, while others are still awaiting approval. The medical firm exports to countries throughout Latin America, Canada, Europe, Asia and Africa.

Guerra stated that "139 Version IVs were sold to Venezuela for a total sum of $4 million USD." There are similar versions on the world market ranging from $18-$20 million USD.

La Coralina consists of biomaterial used in the reconstruction of bone tissue and eye aesthetics, while Diramic is useful for urinary analysis. Both are products of the National Scientific Investigation Center and marketed by Neuronic S.A.

Specialist Magalys Hevia explained that Coralina "is widely distributed throughout Cuban hospitals and is exported to Mexico and Costa Rica. It is registered in Colombia and Venezuela is currently soliciting registration."

The biomaterial’s success is notable in the areas of odontology, maxillary facial surgery, orthopedics and trauma. Over the last decade, both pre-clinical and clinical experiences have demonstrated its use in both chemical identity and bone structure, its high capacity in tissue regeneration, low risk of infection and the absence of signs of rejection.

It was revealed that over 25 Diramic systems are functional throughout the island’s hospitals, in addition to being exported to countries throughout the region. Alberto Ferreiro explained to Granma International that Diramic analyzes urine samples in less than eight hours, determines if there is an infection and gives medical staff information on the specific antibiotic to be prescribed." This process, he commented, "could take as long as 96 hours using traditional methods."

Ferreiro pointed out that at this time, Microdiramic is still awaiting approval: "While this system can conduct massive urinary investigations of any segment of the population, it is mainly used for pregnancies. Highlighting its small size, he noted that it makes work easier: "It is useful for all levels of the health system, including family doctors and nurses."

He mentioned that future marketing of the Medicid Fénex and Panda portable versions, useful for registering cerebral energy activity and dream studies, respectively, is still at the approval stage. Guerra said that, in concert with current market tendencies, "the Medicid Panda could even be connected to a lap top."