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Increased use of CAS procedures to treat carotid stenosis associated with adverse clinical outcomes

Among eligible Medicare beneficiaries, increased use of carotid arterial stenting (CAS) procedures to treat carotid stenosis-the narrowing of the carotid artery-is associated with higher rates of mortality and adverse clinical outcomes, including heart attack and stroke, according to researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

7 Nov 2009

NIH grants $1 million to study whether Transcendental Meditation can prevent future heart attacks in CHD patients

The National Institutes of Health's National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute will fund a $1 million collaborative study by the Center for Natural Medicine and Prevention at Maharishi University of Management Research Institute and Columbia University Medical Center to determine whether the stress-reducing Transcendental Meditation technique can help patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) prevent future heart attacks, strokes and death.

7 Nov 2009

Facet Solutions announces Archus Orthopedics acquisition

Facet Solutions, Inc. announced today that it has acquired all of the assets of Archus Orthopedics. The acquisition creates an undisputed leadership position in product offerings, intellectual property and clinical experience in posterior motion preservation. "This is a win for patients suffering from lumbar spinal stenosis," stated Facet Solutions' President & CEO, Geoff Pardo. "This consolidation further strengthens Facet Solutions' position in lumbar spine motion preservation surgery, which is the fastest growing sector of the surgical spine marketplace."

6 Nov 2009

cbm's initiative to help families break the cycle of poverty and disability

How can the gift of a goat this holiday season transform the life of a child in Africa?

6 Nov 2009

New breast reconstruction surgery for women

Since her teens, Jennifer Jablon had watched family members deal with breast cancer during their 40s, 50s, and 60s. She wondered whether it would be her fate too.

6 Nov 2009

Non-invasive "optical biopsy" to detect breast cancer

Most biopsies following mammograms reveal benign abnormalities, not cancer.

6 Nov 2009

CABG completed "off-pump" has no advantages in patient outcomes: Study

A study of 2,203 cardiac surgery patients from Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers nationwide revealed that coronary-artery bypass grafting (CABG) completed "off-pump," meaning without a heart-lung machine, had no advantages in patient outcomes compared to the traditional "on-pump" procedure.

6 Nov 2009

SAVI 6-1Mini applicator is the only brachytherapy solution for patients with small breasts, says study

The SAVI™ 6-1Mini breast brachytherapy applicator is the only brachytherapy solution for patients with small breasts, hard-to-reach lumpectomy cavities, or cavities close to the skin surface, according to a new study.

6 Nov 2009

Lack of evidence a problem for policymakers, doctors and patients

One category of medical mysteries that stumps expert doctors and policymakers alike falls under the heading: What works? News reports on two new studies - and one that was never completed - offer insight into that issue.

6 Nov 2009

SpineSmith Partners signs product development agreement with GenOsteo

SpineSmith Partners has signed an initial agreement with GenOsteo, Inc. to co-develop a unique scaffold that mimics the structure of natural cancellous bone.

5 Nov 2009

Doctors scrutinize defensive medicine, surgeons oppose Senate reform bill

Doctors and lawyers are disputing the true costs of defensive medicine, while surgeons oppose provisions being considered by the Senate for health reform.

5 Nov 2009

William D. Carey Award for Boston University School of Medicine professor

Francis A. Farraye, MD, MSc, FACG, FASGE, a professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) and clinical director in the Gastroenterology Section at Boston Medical Center (BMC) recently received the William D. Carey Award from the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG). The award is reserved for an exceptional individual who has served the Board and the College with distinction.

5 Nov 2009

Nanoparticles may cause DNA damage across a cellular barrier

Scientists have shown in the laboratory that metal nanoparticles damaged the DNA in cells on the other side of a cellular barrier. The nanoparticles did not cause the damage by passing through the barrier, but generated signalling molecules within the barrier cells that were then transmitted to cause damage in cells the other side of the barrier.

5 Nov 2009

Abiomed reports second quarter fiscal 2010 results

Abiomed, Inc., a leading provider of breakthrough heart support technologies, today announced second quarter fiscal 2010 revenue of $20 million.

5 Nov 2009

New laser therapy for cataract treatment

A new laser therapy that can potentially remove cataracts from people's eyes more efficiently and with greater precision was presented on October 24, 2009 at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) annual meeting.

5 Nov 2009

US military veteran shares his views and experience in military service

A pediatric cardiologist - - not necessarily the kind of doctor you think would be stationed with a battalion of Marines in one of the most volatile areas of Iraq. But for nearly a year in 2003-2004 that is exactly where Joel Hardin, M.D., pediatric cardiologist, found himself. Embedded with the 3rd Battalion, 24th Marines he brought medical care to soldiers as well as Iraqis.

5 Nov 2009

Study suggests three-week course of radiation therapy effective for breast cancer patients

According to a study presented November 4, 2009, at the 51st Annual Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), a shortened, more intensive course of radiation given to the whole breast, along with an extra dose of radiation given to the surgical bed of the tumor (concomitant boost), has been shown to result in excellent local control at a median follow up of two years after treatment with no significant side effects.

5 Nov 2009