Prosthetic News and Research

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Prosthetic (Prosthesis) devices, such as an artificial leg, that replace a part of the body. Prostheses are typically used to replace parts lost by injury (traumatic) or missing from birth (congenital) or to supplement defective body parts. Inside the body, artificial heart valves are in common use with artificial hearts and lungs seeing less common use but under active technology development. Other medical devices and aids that can be considered prosthetics include artificial eyes, palatal obturator, gastric bands, and dentures.

Advances in prosthetic knee technology

These prosthetics are a big change from traditional models. The knees are designed with a programmable computer that is built in to the joint. This battery powered technology continuously controls both the swing and the stance phase of the prosthetic through real time data that the computer receives from its built-in sensors.

6 Feb 2017

Scientists develop artificial skin capable of detecting temperature changes

A team of engineers and scientists at Caltech and ETH Zurich have developed an artificial skin capable of detecting temperature changes using a mechanism similar to the one used by the organ that allows pit vipers to sense their prey.

30 Jan 2017

Bionic hand reconstruction offers hope for patients with global brachial plexopathies

Bionic hand? No longer only an image conjured by science fiction, bionic hands return functionality in cases of traumatic nerve and muscle loss.

17 Jan 2017

VisionCare receives FDA approval to begin clinical study of telescope implant in post-cataract patients

VisionCare, Inc. ("VisionCare"), a developer of advanced visual prosthetic devices for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the company's investigational device exemption for a new U.S. clinical study.

12 Jan 2017

Hospitals eliminate bedsore occurrence using early detection technology

Using technology adapted from NASA's Mars lander as part of a large-scale bedsore reduction program, over half of the 13 participating hospitals were able to eliminate the occurrence of new bedsores completely; an additional 3 hospitals achieved reductions ranging from 11% to 90%.

23 Dec 2016

Active older population, better technology may be cause for more hip and knee replacement surgeries

An active aging population is a good thing for society. It also keeps John Shields, M.D., very busy.

24 Nov 2016

Research shows how paralyzed limbs can be controlled via implanted electrodes

Patients with spinal cord injuries might one day regain use of paralyzed arms and legs thanks to research that demonstrates how limbs can be controlled via a tiny array of implanted electrodes.

23 Nov 2016

Mesoporous material can inhibit growth of bacteria linked to acne and hospital acquired infections

The mesoporous material Upsalite is shown to inhibit growth of bacteria associated with acne and hospital acquired infections.

18 Nov 2016

Using the CLARITY Technique for Spinal Cord Rehabilitation and Repair

News-Medical speaks to Dr. Quentin Barraud about his work on spinal cord repair and how he uses the CLARITY technique in his research.

From Logos Biosystems 15 Nov 2016

Microscopic crystals with superparamagnetic properties could revolutionize drug delivery

Microscopic crystals could soon be zipping drugs around your body, taking them to diseased organs. In the past, this was thought to be impossible - the crystals, which have special magnetic properties, were so small that scientists could not control their movement.

14 Nov 2016

ABHI's UK Pavilion at MEDICA to showcase cutting edge technologies and UK innovations

MEDICA 2016 (14 – 17 November, Dusseldorf, Germany) is attracting a high level of British healthcare technology companies keen to develop and nurture worldwide trade links post Brexit.

4 Nov 2016

Researcher develops nature-inspired adhesive that stays sticky when wet

Even the strongest glues collapse when soaked. Just watch a band-aid slide ungracefully off a finger or toe while in the shower. However, with support from the Office of Naval Research, one researcher has developed a nature-inspired adhesive that stays sticky when wet.

4 Nov 2016

Researchers identify underlying cause and potential treatment for phantom limb pain in amputees

Researchers have discovered that a 'reorganisation' of the wiring of the brain is the underlying cause of phantom limb pain, which occurs in the vast majority of individuals who have had limbs amputated, and a potential method of treating it which uses artificial intelligence techniques.

27 Oct 2016

Novel nanofiber coating shows potential to prevent bacterial infections of orthopaedic prostheses

In a proof-of-concept study with mice, scientists at The Johns Hopkins University show that a novel coating they made with antibiotic-releasing nanofibers has the potential to better prevent at least some serious bacterial infections related to total joint replacement surgery.

24 Oct 2016

New magnetic surgical device to be displayed in Texas for British Medtech mission

A pioneering magnetic surgical device that eliminates exposure to radioactive materials and offers a less invasive, more flexible alternative for breast cancer surgery will be showcased in Texas next week (15th – 21st October 2016)as part of a British Medtech mission.

19 Oct 2016

Mesh used to reinforce hernia repair provides mixed outcomes, study finds

Among patients undergoing incisional hernia repair, the use of mesh to reinforce the repair was associated with a lower risk of hernia recurrence over 5 years compared with when mesh was not used, although with long-term follow-up, the benefits attributable to mesh were offset in part by mesh-related complications, according to a study published online by JAMA.

18 Oct 2016

Contaminated devices used during open heart surgery could put patients at risk for infections

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning healthcare providers and patients about the potential risk of infection from certain devices used during open heart (open-chest) surgery.

13 Oct 2016

Immediate dental implant placement using osteotome technique offers advantages over traditional method

Immediate implant placement using the osteotome technique is a gentle technique and offers several significant advantages over the traditional graded series of drills.

4 Oct 2016

Inhealthcare introduces first self-testing mobile app for warfarin users

Digital health specialist Inhealthcare is bringing to market the first self-testing mobile app for warfarin users that connects directly to doctors.

From Inhealthcare Limited 21 Sep 2016

Study reveals risk factors and outcomes of infective endocarditis after TAVR

Among patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement, younger age, male sex, history of diabetes mellitus, and moderate to severe residual aortic regurgitation were significantly associated with an increased risk of infective endocarditis, and patients who developed endocarditis had high rates of in-hospital mortality and 2-year mortality, according to a study appearing in the September 13 issue of JAMA.

13 Sep 2016