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Archive for August, 2011

ADV bubbles may alleviate clinical high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation, by lessening the therapy time, and furnish imaging response of the thermal treatment.

 

Acoustic droplet vaporization (ADV) is a procedure to utilize ultrasound to phase-transition/transform liquid droplets (super-heated) into gas bubbles; the bubbles can be put in use for following and more – drug deliverance, occlusion therapy, aberration correction etc.

ADV demonstrates hope for spatial control, and increased-rate of thermal lesion production; the research objective was to evaluate whether microbubbles produced by acoustic droplet vaporization could augment high-intensity focused ultrasound thermal ablation, by increasing and managing topical energy absorption.

Thermal lesions were generated in phantoms (tissue-mimicking) through concentrated ultrasound in degassed water; through with T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, and apparent shift in optical opacity, the average lesion volume was gauged by.

More to that, in vivo high-intensity focused ultrasound lesions were produced in a canine liver, prior and after an intravenous injection (droplets) with an identical acoustic setting.

Of results, in comparison to phantoms devoid of droplets, thermal lesions were observed the most in phantoms with droplets; the mean lesion volume with a 2-second high-intensity focused ultrasonic approach in phantoms with droplets was equal to that through 5-second exposition in phantoms, devoid of droplets.

The mean lesion volumes with and otherwise droplets were equated through, in the in-vivo study; the form of acoustic droplet vaporization bubbles imaged with ultrasound (B-mode) was identical to the real lesion shape, as estimated optically and by MR approach.

Conclusion: ADV bubbles may alleviate clinical high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation, by bringing down therapy time, and furnish imaging response of the thermal treatment.

Have an insight, for how strong radio-waves and magnetic fields have transformed the healthcare sector, for the diagnostic approach!

 

Magnetic resonance imaging, or well known as MRI is a diagnostic imaging approach, where strong radio-waves and magnetic fields are being utilized for cross-sectional imaging of internal body structures and organs.

Magnetic properties and water content of specific regions of the body vary, and this show effect on the signal identified by an MRI equipment, during the process; this facilitates for to differentiate varied tissues/substances from each other, in the image.

Magnetic resonance imaging is feasible for ‘diverse’ information about body structures that can be acquired through the following – computed tomography, ultrasound or an x-ray; as examination of a joint over MRI facilitates for detailed visualization of cartilage and ligaments that are not plausible through other diagnostic approaches.

Contrast agents – magnetically active constituents are often utilized for to demonstrate irregularities/internal body structures, in a more distinct manner; contrast agents can be grave for patients with kidney disorders.

In majority of the MRI equipment, electric current is allowed through coiled wires for transitory magnetic field about the body of the patient; open MRI devices use invariable magnets.

A receiver/transmitter in the device sends off and receives radio-waves; the signals are put in use for digital images, of regions under study.

Magnetic resonance imaging is practicable for plethora of medical conditions, viz. cysts, tumors and irregularities in varied body parts; joint abnormalities and injuries; specific type of heart issues; irregularities of spinal cord and the brain; disorders of liver/abdominal organs; reasons of pelvic pain, specially in women, like in case of endometriosis and fibroids; and, for varied uterine abnormalities, in women with sterility issues.

Different from a computed tomography or an x-ray approach – magnetic resonance imaging does not involve high-energy radiation, which could show adverse effect on DNA, the genetic information carrier.

No fallouts of MRI scan is known yet, with the temporal exposition to the strong magnetic field; contrast agents used during the process can cause allergic reactions to the patients, under study.

Due to magnetic field generated by the equipment – chances are there that artificial limbs, pacemakers and other fixed devices (that comprise metal) stop functioning, in an appropriate manner; for the same reason, MR-compatible devices are suggested always for an MRI setting.

Other than skin burns through medication patches, and lead wires carelessly placed for an ECG – patient risks associated with the MRI technology is scarce; long-run exposure to the waves can inconsiderably warm the body of the patient.

For more on the MR Imaging technology, and healthcare blog, stay connected with MedicExchange!

From bone to fetus; heart to visualization of blood flow – ultrasound has diverse applications; have an insight over!

 

Sonography, or an ultrasound imaging is not a new concept for many; high-frequency ultrasonic waves are utilized for visualization of soft tissues, viz. internal organs and muscles; the technology facilitates for real-time imaging, to have a view of internal body organs in motion, and is even practicable for blood flow through vessels.

Hand-held transducers are put in use over the skin, for various ultrasound examinations; transducer transmits sound waves of high-frequency – the reverberated waves (echo) are demonstrated over the display monitor.

Image is generally based on amplitude and frequency of the signal (of sound), and the time of reverberation to the transducer from the patient; akin to x-ray therapy, it does not involve ionizing radiation.

Ultrasonography is widely used for varied procedures and examinations; bone sonography is used for osteoporosis (irregular loss of bony tissue), while an echocardiogram is done for to view the heart.

Fetal ultrasound is quite common in medical scenario, to ascertain growth/development of the fetus; about Doppler fetal heart monitors – are utilized for to listen to the heart beat.

Doppler ultrasound imaging is plausible for visualization of blood flow through the vessel; ultrasound is even used for image guided biopsies for sampling, and related.

Since no ionizing radiation is involved, ultrasound is safe for patients, and it does not pose hazards similar to x-rays and other forms of radiations.

Even though ultrasound is safe for diagnostic imaging, the waves when pass through the body – heat up the body tissues; cavitation/empty cavities in tissues and body fluids are common due to this, but long-run effects of tissue-heating are unknown, yet.

For more on the ultrasound technology, and other Healthcare blogs, stay connected with MedicExchange!

MRI evaluation of tumor regression grade and circumferential resection margin prefigure survival outcomes – for extra therapy options prior conclusive surgery.

 

The medical research was contributed by Gina Brown (MBBS, MD, FRCR, Dept of Radiology, The Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Trust, Sutton, United Kingdom) and associates.

In neoadjuvant therapy (pre-surgery), therapeutic agents are administered before the main treatment; the research objective was to evaluate pathologic staging and MRI after neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer.  (Courtesy: Journal of Clinical Oncology)

About 111 patients with rectal cancer that were treated with therapeutic agents prior the main course enrolled this prospective cohort study; they were evaluated for pathology staging and MRI by T, N and circumferential resection margin status.

Tumor regression grade was even evaluated by MRI; through with Kaplan–Meier estimates, overall survival was appraised.

Cox model was put in use for affiliations amid staging of poor and good responders on survival outcomes and MRI/pathology, after checking for patient characteristics.

MRI-evaluated tumor regression grade hazard ratios were severally substantial for the endurance level, on multivariate analysis; pre-operative MR-indicated circumferential resection margin autonomously prefigured local recurrence; five-year survival for various stages were evaluated.

Conclusion: MRI evaluation of tumor regression grade and circumferential resection margin are imaging markers that prefigure survival outcomes for poor and good responders, for extra therapy options prior planning conclusive surgery.

RX Herculink Elite Renal Stent System of Abbott Vascular has approval from the FDA!

 

Abbott Vascular is a segment of Abbott, and is into cardiac/vascular care products.

Renal arteries furnish blood to the kidneys, and the RX Herculink Elite Renal Stent System from Abbott Vascular is feasible for constricted regions of the renal arteries.

RX Herculink Elite Renal Stent System is comprised of two constituents – delivery system and the stent; the renal stent system is introduced following balloon angioplasty. (Courtesy: U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

A wire is put into the vessel (groin/arm), and directed towards the region along kidney, with blockage; the RX Herculink Elite Renal Stent on the delivery catheter is directed over the wire to the obstructed region; the stent is then set free from the delivery catheter, and clears over the obstruction by distending a balloon, which is below the stent on the delivery equipment.

The RX Herculink Elite Renal Stent System is practicable for patients with constricted regions of the renal arteries, after abortive balloon angioplasty, except for the following (to name a very few) patients that have bleeding issues, and/or are sensitive to chrome or cobalt etc.

For more stories about new and innovative medical equipment and solutions, stay attached with MedicExchange!

HDR-08A Imaging System for Kalare, from Toshiba America Medical Systems has authorization, now from the FDA

 

With advanced user interface, Kalare – digital x-ray imaging technology from Toshiba America Medical Systems is here for healthcare organizations to improve work-flow, for augmented staff productivity, and efficiency.

Enhancing the active range of fluoroscopy, the HDR-08A Imaging System for Kalare has same attributes like R&F technology, with more advanced image processing software attributes.

Clinicians through this new technology can acquire more image information – ensuing in swift, more precise diagnostic approaches; care providers with this HDR-08A Imaging System for Kalare can seamlessly go for various examinations, with self-assurance, to improve quality of patient care and treatment.

For more data and stories about x ray supplies and other related from industry leaders, stay affixed with MedicExchange!

Aplio MX – the advanced ultrasound technology from Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation proved feasible for fetal echocardiography program

 

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has adopted one for fetal echo program, to enhance clinical performance.

Aplio MX, with the ‘differential tissue harmonics imaging’ technology ensures comprehensive diagnostic information, during fetal heart imaging; augmented contrast resolutions aid care providers tell apart tissues more clearly.

Aplio MX ascertains detailed visualization, for enhanced diagnosis during cardiac examinations; the Aplio MX from Toshiba is about 30% lighter, and consumes 35% less power, in contrast to traditional ultrasound equipment; smaller size, portability features make it easy to work with, for ultrasound procedures.

Swift and more precise cardiac examinations have become possible through Aplio MX system for Sibley Heart Center – make it one for you, too; for more on ultrasound technology of Toshiba, and many other, stay tuned with MedicExchange!

A new wearable patient monitoring device is up for the ambulatory patients, at hospitals from the Philips Healthcare.

 

The innovation – IntelliVue MX40 – wearable monitoring device, from Royal Philips Electronics ensures that the patients are being continuously monitored, no matter even if they are not restrained to their hospital beds. (Courtesy: Healthcare IT News, HIMSS)

The technology demonstrates following over the touch-screen device: name of patient, vital signs and alerts.

The mobile monitor specially devised for the ambulatory setting, incorporates well with healthcare organization’s electronic medical record, and facilitates for real-time supervision, information/data storage, reportage etc.

IntelliVue MX40 is feasible for patient supervision/monitoring, at the bedside – enhances work-flow of clinicians; care providers get to spend more time with their patients; during transfer and medication drips, the mobile monitoring device ensures security of the patient.

Besides, the device (MX40) brings down the requirement to carry heavy monitoring devices, to keep a tab on patients, and enhances communication efficiency of health professionals.

The real-time patient monitoring capacity ensures the doctor can be alerted of the patient, during emergency, no matter where they are situated, in the hospital.

The wearable monitoring device from Philips Healthcare is surely an apt solution for vital sign acquirement of patients, in healthcare settings, as help care providers get to restructure their work-space for enhanced quality of care, and treatment.

For more on patient monitoring solutions, and other Health IT blogs, stay tuned with MedicExchange!

Radiation safety is a matter of concern, and effective usage of radiation is to be ensured through safety initiatives and programs.

 

With x-ray and other imaging technologies in place, medical application of these have increased with patients, across the globe; age, sex and radiation dose are vital for radiotherapy, as improper means dealing with any such can bring in grave medical scenario.

Radiation safety is a matter of concern, in the healthcare domain; safe utilization of radiation emitting devices is the need of this hour, and many safety programs are in place from medical professional associations, and related; and the U.S. FDA is not behind, in one.

Professionals from the healthcare domain and public, in specific, are required to be updated of hazards associated with varied types of radiation through medical imaging equipment, and associated procedures.

Effective usage of radiation is to be ensured for each and every patient; healthcare organizations that have electronic medical records in place can easily track various imaging examinations on patients – through reserved patient history and all; this way the patients get saved of unnecessary/repeat examinations, thus keeping them less exposed to various radiations.

Relevant radiation dosage through appropriate imaging tool (relevant to the medical condition of the patient), at apposite time is to be ascertained, always; this saves cost and time for both healthcare organizations and the patients, and ensue in better health outcomes.

Medical professional associations always urge manufacturers that are into diagnostic imaging tools/equipment to ensure their devices are safe for the patients.

To keep a tab on unnecessary radiation exposure – technicians and other users of these medical imaging equipment at healthcare organizations require to be skilled and trained – this will ascertain both patients and the equipment users are safe of harmful radiation, the most possible manner.

Besides, patients have to be well acquainted of radiation risk, associated with the therapy they are going through; they should not mind checking with their care providers for alternative therapies, at any time, and this is even recommended by, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that approves medical devices and other, for applications in such.

Stay affixed with MedicExchange for more on radiation safety initiatives/programs, and for new and latest about Radiology imaging solutions.

Quality and reliable performance of medical device data systems are essential for safety and effectualness of healthcare delivery

 

Medical device data systems (MDDS), might not be a new terminology for many, as are – software or hardware products that facilitate for to convey/transmit, reserve, transform formats and demonstrate medical device data. (Courtesy: U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

Medical device data systems do not alter the data, or its display; not meant for active patient monitoring, it does not even govern the parameters or functions of any other medical equipment.

Here are some of the types: software that reserve patient data, viz. blood pressure studies/readings, to be examined later; software which transforms digital data produced by a pulse oximeter into the printable format; and, software that demonstrates a formerly reserved electrocardiogram for a specific patient.

Credible performance and quality of medical device data systems are vital for the security and effectualness of healthcare delivery; insufficient design and quality, undependable performance, or improper functioning of it can have grave impact on public health.

For more Healthcare blogs, and other related stories, be with MedicExchange!