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Surgical technique may reduce pain after tonsillectomy

Researchers found that postoperative pain was less on days three, four, and five following surgery for patients in the microdissection group compared to those in the standard electrocautery group. The study suggests that microdissection needle cautery may be a more effective method for reducing post-tonsillectomy pain.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateDec 15, 2003

Drug may work on secondary clots in stroke

A new study has found that the drug abciximab can effectively break up secondary clots in stroke patients, with three out of four patients showing significant improvements in symptoms. The study suggests that secondary clots may occur frequently and provides evidence that abciximab may be beneficial for treating them.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMay 26, 2003

Comparison of HRTs finds progesteron

A recent clinical trial found that a combination of estrogen and micronized progesterone causes fewer days and less intense bleeding than commonly used hormone replacement therapies. The study suggests that estrogen plus micronized progesterone (MP) may be the form of HRT with the least bleeding and potentially lower health risks.

Abnormal chemical bonds cause bleeding disorder

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have found that a defective form of vWF causes chemical bonds to persist longer than they should, leading to a bleeding disorder. The defect in the vWF protein changes the kinetics of the chemical bonds between the protein and platelets, resulting in the disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJun 24, 2002

When every minute counts

QuikClot is a granulated material that rapidly absorbs all liquid in the blood and leaves behind clotting factors to effect coagulation within seconds. The product has been cleared by the FDA and is being distributed to US troops in Afghanistan, with plans for wider use in military and civilian settings.

Safety of home births

A Canadian study finds that home births attended by midwives have comparable perinatal outcomes to hospital births, including lower rates of maternal infection and neonatal complications. However, the authors recommend ongoing monitoring for rare adverse outcomes such as hemorrhage and ventilator support.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 4, 2002

Stopping internal bleeding without surgery

Researchers have made a breakthrough in stopping internal bleeding without surgery, using traditional ultrasound to locate bleeding combined with HIFU. The technique has been shown to be effective in stopping bleeding in blood vessels and solid organs like the liver and spleen, offering new hope for emergency medical treatment.

Method to restart the heart after traumatic injury and bleeding caused it to stop may help save lives now almost certainly lost

Researchers at UNC developed a technique to deliver oxygen-carrying fluid to resuscitate the heart after cardiac arrest. The method, selective aortic arch perfusion (SAAP), has shown promising results in animal studies and may help save trauma victims by allowing surgeons to repair damage.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateNov 12, 2001

Tubal sterilization poses no greater risk of menstrual abnormalities, study finds

A comprehensive study found that women who underwent tubal sterilization have no greater risk of menstrual abnormalities than those who did not. However, the study also reported a secondary finding of reduced menstrual pain and bleeding among sterilized women, which may be due to chance or unknown factors.

Less Bleeding On The Battlefield

Researchers have identified a compound with blood clot-forming abilities without normal clotting proteins, promising reduced bleeding on the battlefield. The Marine Polymer Technologies company found that poly-n-acetyl glucosamine effectively stops severe bleeding even without fibrin or thrombin.

Palm-Sized Ultrasound Scanner

A palm-sized ultrasound scanner can provide images of internal organs and detect sites of internal bleeding, assisting medics in treating battle victims according to injury severity. Prototype devices are currently under evaluation in civilian and military hospitals.

Study Provides Guidance For Treating Patients With Brain Aneurysms

The study found that the risk of rupture for small aneurysms (less than 10 mm) is low, especially in patients without a history of subarachnoid hemorrhage. The investigators advise against surgery for most patients with small aneurysms and no history of brain hemorrhage, suggesting monitoring as an alternative.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 9, 1998