Medical News

RSS

Breast brachytherapy with strut-based applicator effective for early-stage breast cancer

Breast brachytherapy with a strut-based applicator is a well-tolerated and effective treatment for early-stage breast cancer, according to a multi-site study with a median follow-up of four years. The research was presented as a scientific poster at the European Society for Radiology & Oncology (ESTRO) World Congress of Brachytherapy in Barcelona, May 10-12.

14 May 2012

U-Systems somo•v Automated Breast Ultrasound system granted FDA PMA approvable letter

U-Systems, the leader in automated breast ultrasound, announced today it has received a PMA approvable letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) for the company's somo•v® Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) system.

14 May 2012

USAID reports to congress on global health, child survival

"In the last 20 years, the world has saved more than 50 million children's lives and reduced maternal mortality by one-third," "accomplishments [that] have been the result of good science, good management, bipartisan political support, the engagement of USAID and many other U.S. Government agencies, and the participation of faith-based organizations, civil society, and the private sector," according to a summary of USAID's "Global Health and Child Survival: Progress Report to Congress 2010-2011."

14 May 2012

InterSystems introduces new version strategic informatics platform for interoperability and active analytics

InterSystems Corporation, a global leader in software for connected care, today launched the next generation of its InterSystems HealthShare strategic informatics platform for interoperability and active analytics. Designed originally for public health information exchanges (HIEs) at regional, state and national levels, HealthShare has been extended and rearchitected to also deliver the advanced technologies needed by integrated delivery networks (IDNs).

14 May 2012

Excess weight before, during pregnancy can have long-lasting health consequences for the baby

That overweight during pregnancy can lead to overweight children and adolescents has been known for some time, but new research at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and in the US indicates that excess weight before and during pregnancy can have long-lasting health consequences for the offspring of such mothers even later in life.

14 May 2012

Neusoft Medical introduces NeuViz 64 multi-slice CT scanner

Neusoft Medical Systems Co., Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Neusoft Corporation, today announced its introduction of NeuViz 64 multi-slice CT scanner into the global market. This device, developed independently by Neusoft Medical, debuted at the 67th China International Medical Equipment Fair (CMEF) Spring 2012.

14 May 2012

Energy-efficient LED devices use UV light to kill pathogens

Research from North Carolina State University will allow the development of energy-efficient LED devices that use ultraviolet (UV) light to kill pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. The technology has a wide array of applications ranging from drinking-water treatment to sterilizing surgical tools.

14 May 2012

Examining health sector funding agreement between Liberia, USAID

"[A] new and complementary agreement between Liberia and USAID, called the Fixed Amount Reimbursement Agreement (FARA)," is "quite revolutionary," Amanda Glassman, director of global health policy and a research fellow at the Center for Global Development (CGD), and Jacob Hughes, write in CGD's "Global Health Policy" blog.

14 May 2012

Groundbreaking biohybrid device to control acute inflammation to prevent sepsis

The body's natural inflammatory response is an essential reaction to injury and infection. When acute inflammation escalates out of control, such as in sepsis, it causes nearly 10% of deaths in the U.S. and more than $17 billion in healthcare costs each year. A group of researchers have developed a groundbreaking biohybrid device that can control acute inflammation to prevent sepsis and other related life-threatening complications, as described in an article in the inaugural issue of Disruptive Science and Technology.

14 May 2012

Viewing a needle prick leads to enhanced pain perception

Health professionals commonly say, "Don't look and it won't hurt" before administering an injection, but is there any scientific basis for the advice? A group of German investigators has found that, in fact, your past experience with needle pricks, along with information you receive before an injection, shape your pain experience. Their research is published in the May issue of Pain.

14 May 2012

Boston Scientific launches Innova Self-Expanding Bare-Metal Stent System in Europe

Boston Scientific Corporation announces CE Mark and European market launch of the Innova Self-Expanding Bare-Metal Stent System, which is designed to treat peripheral vascular lesions in arteries above the knee, specifically the superficial femoral artery (SFA) and proximal popliteal artery (PPA). The company plans to launch the product immediately in Europe and other CE Mark countries.

14 May 2012

Genetic cause of rare genetic disorder, Hamamy syndrome

Scientists at A*STAR's Institute of Medical Biology (IMB), in collaboration with doctors and scientists in Jordan, Turkey, Switzerland and USA, have identified the genetic cause of a birth defect known as Hamamy syndrome .

14 May 2012

Doctors turn to blood pressure tests in kids, BMI tests in adults to fight obesity

Doctors and insurers are considering how best to combat obesity in America including screening kids early via blood pressure checks and using body mass index tests in adults to monitor weight and potential problems.

14 May 2012

FDA clears MAQUET's new MEGA larger volume intra-aortic balloon catheters

MAQUET Cardiovascular LLC, a leading provider of cardiovascular technologies, today announced that it has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its new MEGA 7.5Fr. 30cc and 40cc intra-aortic balloon (IAB) catheters. These new, larger volume catheters will allow clinicians to provide patients with greater hemodynamic support, regardless of their height.

14 May 2012

New Jefferson Hepatitis C Center

Thomas Jefferson University Hospital recently opened its new Jefferson Hepatitis C Center, one of only a few comprehensive, multidisciplinary centers dedicated to the study of hepatitis C virus and hepatic disease in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware tri-state area.

14 May 2012

Researchers barcode different strains of influenza virus and HRSV

Dr Julian Hiscox and Dr John Barr of the University's Faculty of Biological Sciences are working with the Health Protection Agency Porton (HPA) to build a bank of molecular signatures that will help identify the severity of virus infection from characteristic changes seen in cells. Currently the team is barcoding different strains of influenza virus and human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) - a virus associated with the onset of asthma in young children.

14 May 2012

Important role played by nurse helplines

A survey by Cancer Research UK's helpline nurses has revealed that patients mainly need information to understand their situation and for peace of mind - not just to make treatment choices. The results are published today in Cancer Nursing Practice.

14 May 2012

Accretive gives detailed response to Sen. Franken inquiry

The Minnesota attorney general says the company has some overly-aggressive billing and collection practices.

14 May 2012

ESIM announces ‘Excellence in Integrative Medicine Research Awards’

The European Society for Integrative Medicine (ESIM), with support from Heel, announces a new international research prize in integrative medicine: the "Excellence in Integrative Medicine Research Award." Applicants are asked to submit papers by May 30, 2012.

14 May 2012

MedNPV, SurgLine partner to supply low cost spinal orthopedic implants

Thomas Toland, CEO of SGLN and SurgLine, Inc. announced today it has signed an agreement with MedNPV, LLC, a well-established management company and surgical group operator with business throughout the state of California. The agreement between the parties will permit SurgLine to supply its' low cost spinal orthopedic implants.

14 May 2012