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Lumenis' 2009 revenues down 12% to $226.1M

Lumenis Ltd., a global leader in developing, manufacturing and distributing a broad range of high-end medical lasers and sophisticated energy delivery equipment for surgical, ophthalmic and aesthetic applications, today announced its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2009 and that it has filed its 2009 annual report on Form 20-F with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

From Lumenis Inc. 7 Apr 2010

Frequency of complex fusion procedures for lower back increased among Medicare recipients

The frequency of complex fusion procedures to treat spinal stenosis of the lower back increased between 2002-2007 among Medicare recipients, while the rates of decompression and simple fusion procedures decreased, according to a study in the April 7 issue of JAMA.

7 Apr 2010

FDA approves TachoSil adjunctive hemostatic agent for use in cardiovascular surgery

Baxter International Inc. and Nycomed today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of TachoSil (Absorbable Fibrin Sealant Patch) for use as an adjunct to hemostasis in cardiovascular surgery. TachoSil is the first and only adjunctive hemostatic agent available in the U.S. that combines a collagen patch with a coating of human coagulation factors.

From Baxter International Inc. 7 Apr 2010

Src can be most promising targets for cancer therapy

Src (short for sarcoma) is a family of proto-oncogenic tyrosine kinases active in many cancer tumors, including medulloblastoma, the most common malignant cancer in children. Src represents one of the most promising targets for cancer therapy.

6 Apr 2010

SANUWAVE Health announces completion of patient enrollment in dermaPACE Phase III clinical trial

SANUWAVE Health, Inc., an emerging medical technology company focused on the development and commercialization of non-invasive, biological response activating devices in the regenerative medicine area, today announced that patient enrollment was completed in March in its dermaPACE™ Phase III pivotal, randomized, double-blinded, sham controlled, multicenter clinical trial comparing its Pulsed Acoustic Cellular Expression technology, utilizing the dermaPACE™ tissue regeneration device, to sham control for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.

6 Apr 2010

New head-mounted display system lets anesthesiologists focus on monitoring data during surgery

A new head-mounted display system lets anesthesiologists keep an eye on critical monitoring data during surgery—without having to turn their attention away from the patient, reports a study in the April issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia, official journal of the International Anesthesia Research Society.

6 Apr 2010

DLVSC offers Zeltiq procedure to freeze away unwanted fat cells

Zeltiq™, an innovative technology that freezes away unwanted fat, is now available at Dermatology, Laser and Vein Specialists of the Carolinas – making DLVSC one of the first medical practices in the Southeast to offer this breakthrough in fat reduction.

6 Apr 2010

First Edition: April 6, 2010

Among today's headlines is news about a lawsuit filed by Massachusetts insurers who are seeking to reverse the state insurance commissioner's decision and allow them to raise rates.

6 Apr 2010

Nanoparticle-core polymer holds promise as weight-bearing replacement for traditional graft materials

Orthopedic surgeons are often hamstrung by less-than-ideal grafting material when performing surgeries for complex bone injuries resulting from trauma, aging or cancer. Conventional synthetic bone grafts are typically made of stiff polymers or brittle ceramics, and cannot readily conform to the complex and irregular shapes that often result from injury; in addition, they often require metallic fixation devices that require open surgeries to insert and remove.

6 Apr 2010

Achievements of AFC, Abbott to be highlighted at AFC's 25th Anniversary Gala

Two events occurred in 1985 that proved pivotal in the local and national fight against AIDS: the founding of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and the development of the first-ever diagnostic test licensed to identify HIV in the blood by Abbott.

6 Apr 2010

Australian women increasingly unhappy with cosmetic surgery outcomes

Cosmetic surgery has always been fraught with unrealistic demands and sometimes legal action in cases of dissatisfactory results. Tens of thousands of cosmetic surgeries are performed each year and the numbers are climbing fast. A new study shows that Australian women who volunteer for cosmetic surgeries often have such unrealistic expectations for the outcomes of the surgeries.

6 Apr 2010

Comprehensive cardiac health study provides superior results

Kenneth "Buddy" Conant hit some clothing stores for a little shopping spree recently, but it wasn't because he'd suddenly become enthralled with the latest fashions. The truth was, he was starting to resemble a kid wearing a grown man's clothes.

6 Apr 2010

TachoSil blood-clotting patch receives FDA approval for cardiovascular surgery

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved TachoSil, the first absorbable fibrin sealant patch for use in cardiovascular surgery to prevent mild and moderate bleeding from small blood vessels, when standard surgical techniques are ineffective or impractical.

6 Apr 2010

New study to compare Botox against oral medications for urge incontinence in women

A new study is underway at Loyola University Health System to compare botulinum toxin A or Botox® versus common oral medications for urge incontinence in women. Urge incontinence is urinary incontinence with a strong or sudden need to urinate. Millions of women suffer in silence each day from this condition.

6 Apr 2010

Preventive care, illegal immigrants and other health law notes

Reports continue to explore elements of the health reform debate such as the politically contentious issue of illegal immigrants' coverage, health care coverage for young adults, disease prevention and the next tanning-salon tax.

6 Apr 2010

Mass. municipalities could be hard hit by Cadillac tax

The Boston Globe: "Massachusetts municipalities that offer employees, retirees, and elected officials the most generous and costly health insurance plans will feel the squeeze of the new national health care law's tax on 'Cadillac' insurance plans. A family health plan that costs more than $27,500 would be subject to a 40 percent tax on every dollar spent above that threshold.

5 Apr 2010

Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota announces opening of new Cardiovascular Center

Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota is opening a new world-class Cardiovascular Center—the only one of its kind in the Upper Midwest—that integrates all pediatric cardiac services in one location. The new Cardiovascular Center reflects Children's dedication to family-centered care with all private patient rooms with the latest in technology for both the patient and care team, a state-of-the-art hybrid operating room, and 24/7 access to specially trained cardiac intensivists to ensure the best possible care for patients.

5 Apr 2010

Request for lift of full clinical hold on Proellex program

Repros Therapeutics Inc. today announced that the Company has requested a lift of the full clinical hold on its oral drug Proellex® being developed for the treatment of uterine fibroids and endometriosis. On August 4, 2009, the FDA noted that further testing of Proellex® was placed on full clinical hold due to findings of serious adverse events associated with liver toxicity.

5 Apr 2010

Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center reviews top cancer stories

Surgeon Jeremy Richmon, M.D., at Johns Hopkins is using robotic assistance to cut away tumors of the tongue and tonsils. Conventional surgery leaves disfiguring neck and jaw scars, but the robotic procedure leaves no scar except for inside the mouth, and he says, patients retain good function of speech and swallowing.

5 Apr 2010

Fear of ruptures spurs recall of silicone breast implants in France

Breast enhancement surgery utilizes implants that are essentially bags containing silicone gel. One of the commonest complications of this procedure is the rupture of these silicone implants that may necessitate a repeat procedure. In a new development the implants made French company Poly Implant Prothese (PIP), have reportedly double the risk of rupturing than other implants. Many breast implants used by Australian women have been recalled overseas for containing unauthorised silicone gel.

5 Apr 2010