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Interim results of a pilot study using BACE cardiac device released

Mardil, Inc. today announced positive interim data from a pilot study investigating the safety and efficacy of its novel cardiac device - BACE (Basal Annuloplasty of the Cardia Externally) -- in treating mitral valve regurgitation. The condition arises when the heart's mitral valve leaks blood backward into the heart, causing a range of severe and debilitating symptoms.

25 Sep 2009

Stereotaxis showcases its remote magnetic navigation technology at TCT symposium

Stereotaxis, Inc. is showcasing the value of its technologies for interventional procedures at the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) symposium in San Francisco this week.

24 Sep 2009

Study compares benefits of laparoscopic and traditional open surgery for prostate cancer

The more things change, the more they stay the same, as the proverb goes. A study appearing in an upcoming edition of The Journal of Oncology appears to prove just that. The study compares the benefits of laparoscopic surgery versus traditional open surgery in the treatment of prostate cancer. With traditional surgery, surgeons remove the prostate gland via an incision below the belly button.

24 Sep 2009

"Top Docs" ad campaign suit resolved

Virtua may continue advertising that it has the most Top Docs as a result of a Consent Order agreed to by the parties in the suit brought by Cooper against Virtua in February 2009.

24 Sep 2009

Research study links cancer to excess body weight

At least 124,000 new cancers in 2008 in Europe may have been caused by excess body weight, according to estimates from a new modelling study. The proportion of cases of new cancers attributable to a body mass index of 25kg/m2 or more were highest among women and in central European countries such as the Czech Republic, Latvia, Slovenia and Bulgaria.

From The University of Manchester 24 Sep 2009

Scientist reveals that selecting optimal radiation dosage for a patient is possible

An international group of scientists has taken the first step on the road to targeting radiotherapy dosage to individual patients by means of their genetic characteristics, a radiation oncologist told Europe's largest cancer congress, ECCO 15 - ESMO 34, in Berlin today (Thursday September 24). Professor Dirk de Ruysscher, from Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands, said that his team's work might provide the basis for personalised radiotherapy in which, with a simple blood test, doctors may be able to select the optimal radiation dose for a particular patient.

24 Sep 2009

Palmetto GBA-TrailBlazer Health cover Renessa treatment of female SUI

Novasys Medical, Inc., a developer of innovative therapies in women's health, announced today that Palmetto GBA and TrailBlazer Health Enterprises, LLC -- two large regional Medicare carriers serving over 10.2 million beneficiaries in California, Nevada, Hawaii, Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, New Mexico and Virginia -- have agreed to cover the Renessa(R) treatment for female SUI (stress urinary incontinence) in appropriately selected patients with documented medical necessity.

24 Sep 2009

Hsp-27 protein: An indicator of prostate cancer progression

In the largest study of its kind, the international team of pathologists studied an initial 4,000 prostate cancer patients over a period of 15 years to further understanding into the natural progression of the disease and how it should be managed. The research, published in the British Journal of Cancer, could be used to develop a blood test to distinguish between aggressive and non-aggressive forms of prostate cancer.

24 Sep 2009

Two new studies test conventional wisdom about physician behavior

Two new studies test classic assumptions about doctor behavior, including whether fatigue, stress and even full moons impede their work. Meanwhile, separate reports investigate would-be physicians' behavior far from the exam room or operating table -- on Facebook, YouTube, and private blogs.

24 Sep 2009

Rescuing immune system cells can reduce risk of prostate cancer

Immune therapies have been explored as a way to treat cancer after it develops. But a new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center suggests that genetic risk of prostate cancer can be reduced by rescuing critical immune system cells.

24 Sep 2009

ProVation MD software for GI procedures

Wolters Kluwer Health, a leading global provider of information for healthcare professionals and students, announced today that Outpatient Surgery Center of Jonesboro has selected its ProVation® MD software for procedure documentation and coding. The software will be used to document Gastroenterological (GI) procedures at the facility.

24 Sep 2009

Hope for heterotopic ossificiation

A recent United States Army study found that excessive bone growth, also known as heterotopic ossificiation (HO), affects up to 70 percent of soldiers who are severely wounded during combat. A much smaller percentage of the civilian population also suffers from HO following trauma or invasive surgery. The excessive bone forms within muscles and other tissues causing severe pain, reduced mobility and even local paralysis if untreated.

24 Sep 2009

Hsp-27 protein helps identify aggressive prostate cancer

CANCER RESEARCH UK scientists have discovered a molecular 'flag' that predicts survival from prostate cancer at diagnosis, reveals a study published in the British Journal of Cancer.

24 Sep 2009

New palate reconstruction technique for post tonsil cancer surgery

A new technique for reconstructing the palate after surgery for tonsil cancer maintained patients' ability to speak clearly and eat most foods, a new study shows.

23 Sep 2009

Researchers make significant advances in the treatment of metastatic malignant melanoma

Researchers have made significant advances in the treatment of metastatic malignant melanoma - one of the most difficult cancers to treat successfully once it has started to spread - according to a study to be presented at Europe's largest cancer congress, ECCO 15 - ESMO 34, in Berlin on Thursday.

23 Sep 2009

Niti Surgical Solutions receives patent certificates for Hand CAC 30 and CAR 31 in Japan and China

NiTi Surgical Solutions, an innovative surgical device company, today announced the Japan Patent Office and the Patent Office of China have issued patent certificates that cover two of the company’s products, the Hand CAC™ 30 Compressions Anastomosis Clip applicator and CAR™ 31 Compression Anastomosis Ring.

23 Sep 2009

Melanoma patients could be spared from unnecessary surgery

Researchers have shown for the first time that patterns of ultrasound signals can be used to identify whether or not cancer has started to spread in melanoma patients, and to what extent. The discovery enables doctors to decide on how much surgery, if any, is required and to predict the patient's probable survival.

23 Sep 2009

Advancements in the treatment of metastatic malignant melanoma

23 Sep 2009

Spread of cancer in melanoma patients can be determined by ultrasound signals

23 Sep 2009

Survey reveals surgery residents concerned with motivations to pursue surgical careers

A survey of nearly 4,500 general surgery residents finds that the majority are satisfied with their training and relationships with faculty and peers, but also indicated concerns regarding motivations for pursuing surgical careers and the need to complete specialty training, according to a study in the September 23/30 issue of JAMA, a theme issue on medical education.

23 Sep 2009