Origami-inspired brain implants hold promise for Epilepsy surgery
Editor's Note Human trials may begin soon on patients in the UK using tiny, folding brain implants that could improve epilepsy surgery, according to an article published August 12 in The Telegraph. Developed by scientists at Oxford and Cambridge, who published their research in the journal Nature Communications, the implants…
Unpacking the impact of private investment on innovation, ASCs
One privilege of living at this time in history is the availability of choice, especially for health and surgical needs. Those who make healthcare their business understand this as well. According to Tanna et al, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) are spreading to rural areas, hospitals are creating hybrid outpatient surgery…
Smart knee’s advance heralds future of proactive postop care
Takeaways Transmitting health metrics directly from a surgical implant reduces the need for in-person followup and offers more objective data on recovery than patient-reported measures. This technology’s potential extends beyond knees. Whatever the nature of the treatment, postop monitoring is critical. Patient education is essential for setting up the data…
The toll of excess inventory and the role of ecommerce
I still recall being handed roughly 10 boxes of suture anchors to practice with years ago at New York University (NYU) medical school. “Aren’t these needed here?” I asked incredulously. “Not at all,” came the answer, despite a hefty price tag of $1,000 per box. In fact, getting the suture…
In-house 3D printing reduces hospital surgery times, costs
Editor's Note The medical 3D printing market is expected to double from $2 billion in 2022 to $4 billion by 2026, driven by customization, lower costs, and quick turnarounds, according to analysis from GlobalData. In a July 24 report on the analysis, Medical Device Network outlined this growth as well…
Voice-restoring larynx transplant shows progress for rare cancer treatment
Editor's Note A Massachusetts man, Marty Kedian, regained his voice after a pioneering larynx transplant at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona, The Associated Press (AP) reported July 9. According to the article, Kedian is only the third person in the U.S. to receive a total larynx transplant and the first…
Post-CABG cardiac shockwave therapy shows promise in early study
Editor's Note Using a device they call a “space hairdryer,” researchers in Austria applied gentle shockwaves to regenerate heart tissue after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) in a study with potential implications for millions of patients, BBC News reported June 20. Researchers are now seeking larger trials, European regulatory…
Kidney transplant performed on awake patient
Editor's Note In a first for Northwestern Medicine, surgeons performed a kidney transplant on an awake patient, CBS News reported June 24. John Nicholas, 28, of Chicago, experienced no pain during the May 24 procedure, in which he received an organ from a childhood friend. He was discharged the next…
Glowing dye could improve detection, removal of prostate cancer cells
Editor's Note A fluorescent marker dye that attaches to a protein specific to prostate cancer cells could help surgeons identify and remove them in real time, BBC News reported June 9. Developed by researchers from the University of Oxford in the UK, the dye reportedly performed promisingly in a trial…
3D-printed stem cell patches show promise as heart surgery alternative
Editor's Note Using a patient’s stem cells to 3D-print patches to place over damaged areas of the heart could provide an alternative to invasive surgery, according to new research detailed in a June 9 report from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Although the technology has yet to be tested on…
Free Daily News
- OR Business Management Conference: Lowest rates expire soon
- Study: Women face higher mortality risk than men for postop atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery
- Time to sign up for the ASC administrators CASC training course
- Brain implant leverages AI, neural sensors to restore speech for ALS patient
- Study: Nearly 10% of patients on prescription opioids develop dependency or disorder
- CMS expands social determinants of health screening to outpatient settings
- Origami-inspired brain implants hold promise for Epilepsy surgery
- Surveyed nurses more satisfied with electronic health records, but concerns remain
- Countdown to OR Manager Conference: Implementation of a training program in an ASC
- FDA approves single-dose propofol amid drug shortage