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• LASIK

  28Feb
  Categories: Management and Treatment Comments: 0

  
  LASIK means Laser-Assisted in situ Keratomileusis, which is a refractive laser eye surgery done by opthalmologists to treat patients with astigmatism, myopia and hyperopia. This procedure results to less pain and faster healing period compared with other procedures like photorefractive keratectomy. With a successful LASIK surgery, a patient regains a healthy eyesight, and need not use corrective eye glasses or contact lenses.

  The procedure has three stages: the pre-operative stage where the patient’s cornea is examined to determine the area from which tissue will be removed; the operation proper where a flap of the corneal tissue is created to allow the surgeon to remodel the cornea with a laser; and the post-operative stage where the patient’s recovery is ensured by protective goggles and medications to avoid infections.

  (source)

• New Method for Diabetes Detection

  25Feb
  Categories: Diagnostics Comments: 0

  

  A new method to detect diabetes, even before symptoms occur, is being developed by a team of endocrinologists, engineers and microbiologists. A device projects light to the skin which measures levels of blood sugar, or the presence of advanced glycation endproducts. This device is called The Scout. Different wavelengths is flashed to the skin to determine diabetes risk. This will help patients go on a preventive health maintenance program. With this method, diabetes can actually be prevented. It is already being tested in several US hospitals. The new method is expected to cost about the same as existing diabetes testing methods.

  (source)

• Fast, Painless Vaccines

  23Feb
  Categories: Vaccines Comments: 0

  
  A painless flu vaccination technique was being developed by spraying viral genes directly through the skin. The vaccines are DNA-based. A few genes from the DNA of the flu virus are used to make a vaccine – the process of which is faster and safer. The vaccine is shot at the skin using a needle-free device. The DNA that gets in contact with the skin cells produces the strong immune response.

  This technique is envisioned to replace the traditional methods of developing flu vaccines wherein chicken eggs are used. The old method takes too long. With the new method, an outbreak may be prevented if suitable vaccines are developed at a shorter time, and are administered to patients before it’s too late.

  (reference)

• A Catalyst Worth More Than Gold

  19Feb
  Categories: News and Updates Comments: 0

  

  A new strategy in designing and manufacturing novel pharmaceutical compounds is being developed in the University of Buffalo. A rhodium-based catalyst of 1 gram can produce 10,000 grams of a pharmaceutical product. This catalyst – rhodium metal – is ten times more expensive than gold. It is available only through chemical supply companies.

  This new synthesis strategy generated compounds that react to diseases such as cancer, and inflammatory and microbial diseases.

  The new method allows a molecule to be transformed from a simple structure to a more complex drug-like material. The resulting compounds are mirror-images, but are closely studied as opposite mirror-images have different biological effects which may be harmful.

  Read the full article on this new technology.

• Brain cooler for heart attack victims?

  15Feb
  Categories: Management and Treatment, News and Updates Comments: 0

  
  A portable ‘brain cooler’ could help save the lives of many cardiac patients for whom current treatment is ineffective.

  Thousands of people suffer heart attacks each year, but only 5 to 10 per cent of people are successfully resuscitated. A defibrillator machine, which delivers electric shocks, is usually used to get the heart to restart.

  Brain cooling is being heralded as the technology with the greatest potential to improve survival rates.

  Two studies in 2002, published in the New England Journal Of Medicine, established the importance of body cooling after cardiac arrest. Researchers found patients whose bodies were cooled had improved survival rates and that their brains functioned better in the months following the arrest.

  A new portable cooling device, called the BeneChill, can be used conveniently and easily, even without medical training.

  The device was invented by Dr Denise Barbut, a UK-trained neurologist now living in New York. She took advantage of the unique anatomy of the nose, which contains many blood vessels designed to warm the air you breathe in.

  The device uses perfluorochemicals (PFCs) chemicals already widely used in eye surgery and for liquid ventilation of the lungs that are stored in small canisters and delivered to the nose in a fine mist through a nasal tube inserted into each nostril.

  Once PFCs hit the back of the nose, they evaporate and remove heat from the nose. The resulting temperature drop transfers directly to the brain, which lies adjacent to the nasal cavity. BeneChill can achieve a two degree drop in one hour up to six times faster than many other available methods.

  (Source)

• Less-invasive lung cancer removal

  08Feb
  Categories: Management and Treatment Comments: 0

  Lung cancer removal requires a patient to stay in the hospital for a week to recover. The traditional method used is open thoractomy incision where muscles are split and the ribs are spread to reach the lungs. Recently, a less invasive method has been developed and is being practiced to remove the cancerous cells. The procedure is called thorascopic lobectomy where only three small incisions are made and special instruments are inserted in the body to reach the lungs. A camera guides the doctors to the tumor, using a bag to remove the latter. Spreading of cancer cells is prevented. This procedure is done on patients with Stage one or Stage two lung cancer that has not yet spread.

  (source)

• Predicting the Recurrence of Prostate Cancer

  05Feb
  Categories: Diagnostics Comments: 0

  Prior to treatment, prostate cancer patients undergo endorectal MR imaging of the prostate to predict whether the cancer will recur after going through treatment. MR images of the prostate that show extracapsular extension before the patient undergoes therapy is an indication that metastases is more likely to occur in the future. This means regular treatment might not totally eradicate the cancer, therefore other treatment options and preventive measures should be discussed with the health care professional.

  This study was presented in May 2007 at the American Roentgen Ray Society Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida. The lead author was Antonio Wetphalen, MD.

  (source)