October 10, 2011  Atlanta - As needle-free shots are being advertised for the fall flu season, some are discovering that needle-free is different from pain-free.  "We used a needless injection in our clinic.  One patient described the pain as 'gunshot'", said Sandeep Grewal MD, Vice-Chairman of the Piedmont Medical Center Department of Medicine.  "He said he'd prefer the needle anytime." 

22% of adults fear needles sufficiently to avoid health care, a public health problem healthcare workers are scrambling to address.  In addition to gas-propelled shots, smaller needles are being introduced this year, as well as the intranasal preparations that have been available for several years.  Dr. Amy Baxter researches needle pain, and explained why even shorter needles may fall short.  "We found that those who are more anxious about needles seem to actually feel pain more intensely." said Baxter.  "The good news is that the pain nerves are more sensitive to other sensations as well, so you can replace the fast pain alarm system with a continuous sensation that's stronger."

A new device, Buzzy, combines cold and vibration to block pain. Buzzy is a palm sized massager, with a slot for ice cold wings.  For children, the device looks like a friendly bee, while the adult version is plain black. Just like the dentist wiggling a gum for novocaine, Buzzy is placed on the skin "between the brain and the pain" to confuse the pain nerves with alternate sensations.  Research for intravenous access in adults and children has demonstrated significant pain relief.  While studies for injections are underway, the device has already met approval with patients.

"I got Buzzy last fall and had my first flu vaccine ever," said Dianne Lazzari, 59.  "At my age it's terrible to fear needles so much.  I even had natural childbirth to keep from having a shot.  Buzzy is one of the greatest inventions ever.  It was truly amazing, I felt nothing."

The device was designed for patients to take to the doctor or use at home.  Currently in over 300 hospitals, its use is growing.  After a mentions in parenting and women's magazines, more parents are bringing Buzzy with them for vaccinations. This method may be even more effective, states Baxter. "Once a patient is anxious, even smaller amounts of pain are magnified.  Knowing going in that you have a plan to feel less pain keeps the nervousness in check."

Regardless of the methods used, advised Dr. Grewal, "Expectations of the patient need to be addressed. Needle-less delivery does not mean no pain. It may in fact be more  pain. Otherwise be ready for a stunned patient."

April 5, 2011  Atlanta GA  Buzzy Receives Medical Design Excellence Award

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In its April issue published this week, Medical Device and Diagnostic Industry (MD+DI) magazine announced the winners of the fourteenth annual Medical Design Excellence Awards (MDEA) competion. 

The Medical Design Excellence Awards are the premier awards program for the medical technology community.  The award recognizes the achievements of medical device manufacturers, their suppliers, and the many people behind the scenes--engineers, scientists, designers, and clinicians--who are responsible for the groundbreaking innovations that are changing the face of healthcare.  MDEA-winning entries excel in the areas of product innovation, design and engineering achievement, end-user benefit, and cost-effectiveness in manufacturing and healthcare delivery. 

A comprehensive review of the entries was performed by an impartial, multidisciplinary panel of third party jurors with expertise in biomedical engineering, human factors, industrial design, medicine, and diagnostics.  The 2011 jury selected 37 winners in 10 medical product categories, including the Buzzy needle pain releif system for Over the Counter and Self-Care.  Manufactured by MMJ Labs LLC, Buzzy combines a unique ice pack and reusable vibrating bee-shaped device to numb sharp pain.  When pressed proximal to a painful procedure, Buzzy uses gate control and descending inhibition to diminish and physiologically block pain.  Supply and design credit to Formation Design Group Inc, Atlanta GA.

March, 2011:  http://www.aap.org/immunization/pediatricians/newsletters/march2011_enews.pdf  AAP Immunization initiatives newsletter.  Page 2:  "Use tools, when appropriate, to help reduce pain during vaccine administration:
o Buzzy4Shots –Buzzy has icy cold wings, and his tummy vibrates when you touch his head. This confuses the body's nerves to block sharp feelings http://www.buzzy4shots.com/How-to-use-Buzzy/how-do-you-use-buzzy-for-immunizations.html"

October 27, 2009

October 27, 2009 - Just in time for flu season, MMJ Labs presented data this week on a new over-the-counter device that decreased needle pain significantly over leading prescription interventions. In a randomized controlled trial, “Buzzy®” decreased children’s pain with intravenous catheter insertion significantly more than standard pain relief options. aap_press_release_letterhead.pdf

October, 2009

 

October, 2009 – Needle pain may be needless pain.  Results in this month’s Clinical Journal of Pain describe a new over the counter device that significantly decreased the pain of intravenous line insertion using the body’s natural pain defense systems....

Clinical Journal of Pain Adult Pilot

September 28, 2009

Atlanta, GA – MMJ Labs announced today its position as Finalist for the TechAmerica Southeast 2009 Spirit of Endeavor Awards, out of the most competitive field in the seven-year history of the awards.  MMJ was named finalist for Cool Technology of the Year, and Dr. Amy Baxter... 2009_spirit_of_endeavor.pdf

June 8, 2009

WASHINGTON D.C., June 8, 2009—Mmj Labs, LLC has been selected for the 2009 Best of Atlanta Award in the Medical Instruments & Equipment category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA). 2009_best_of_atlanta_medical_equipment.pdf

May 1, 2009

ATLANTA,GA–Hate needles?  After six years of development and testing, MMJ Labs presents an alternative solution to needle pain.  Buzzy is a reusable hand held device that numbs the skin on contact.  The big breakthrough – Buzzy is available directly to patients to take the sting out of shots!After a decade of pediatric emergency practice and national lecturing on pain prevention,... new_product_press_release_mayday_release.doc