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Aston University researcher develops new optical technique that could revolutionise medical diagnostics

Aston University researcher has developed a new technique harnessing Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) light to improve imaging and data transmission through skin and biological tissues. The OAM-based approach shows unmatched sensitivity and accuracy, paving the way for non-invasive medical diagnostics and imaging.

SourceAston University·JournalLight Science & Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2024

New model identifies best candidates for epilepsy surgery

A new scoring system helps doctors predict which patients will likely become seizure-free after minimally invasive epilepsy surgery. The model is based on eight clinical factors and has been shown to outperform other predictive models in predicting seizure freedom.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 8, 2024

In surgery for localized muscle-invasive bladder cancer, extended lymph node removal offers no survival benefit but does increase morbidity

A randomized phase 3 trial found that extended lymph node removal in bladder cancer surgery does not improve disease-free or overall survival but increases the risk of complications and death. The standard bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy is considered a sufficient approach for these patients.

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 2, 2024

Nursing shortages can be deadly

A new study found that nursing shortages result in longer hospital stays and worse patient outcomes, including higher mortality rates. Understaffing by registered nurses and nurse assistants is associated with increased risks of adverse events, such as readmissions, deep vein thrombosis, pneumonia, and pressure ulcers.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalBJS·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 24, 2024

Two common surgeries equally effective for treating blinding condition of the eyelid

A large NIH-funded trial compares three surgical approaches for treating trachomatous trichiasis, finding that one technique is just as effective as another in reducing post-operative complications. The study suggests that existing standard surgeries are better options than a modified method with a larger incision height.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 17, 2024

Long-course radiotherapy is better than short-course for organ preservation in rectal cancer

A new study published in Annals of Oncology found that long-course radiotherapy is safer and more effective than short-course radiotherapy for preserving organs in rectal cancer patients. The treatment was shown to prevent regrowth of the primary tumour, but had similar overall survival rates.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 11, 2024

Infections following hip replacement associated with an increased risk of death, study finds

Patients with periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total hip replacement have a five-fold increased risk of mortality within 10 years. Researchers found that PJI patients had a significantly higher 10-year mortality rate than those who didn't develop an infection, highlighting the need for prevention efforts and best practice gui...

SourceInstitute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·TypeObservational study·DateSep 4, 2024

Women, Black people, and disadvantaged less likely to get heart surgery in England

Research published in the journal Heart found that women, Black people, and those from low-income households are less likely to be offered heart surgery than men, White people, and affluent individuals. When they do receive surgery, they are more likely to die within a year. The study highlights the need for prompt action to tackle the...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalHeart·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 3, 2024

Fallopian tubes can be safely removed during sterilization

A study by the University of Gothenburg finds that removing Fallopian tubes during laparoscopic sterilization results in marginally more surgical complications than cutting them. The procedure may help protect against future ovarian cancer, a serious disease with limited early symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 11, 2024

VA’s Disrupted Care National Project discovers vascular surgery rates still decreasing since COVID-19 pandemic

The study analyzed 21,031 vascular surgeries and found that the number of procedures has continued to decrease, particularly for younger and minority patients. The drop in vascular surgeries has been attributed to various factors, including elective surgery cancellations and resource scarcity during the pandemic.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalAnnals of Vascular Surgery·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 9, 2024

Cell atlas of regenerating liver

Scientists analyzed 21,000 cells from tissue samples to develop a cell atlas of regenerating liver tissue. The study reveals changes in cell composition, gene expression, and intercellular communication that facilitate liver regeneration after portal vein embolization.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2024

Method enables fast, accurate estimates of cardiovascular state to inform blood pressure management

A new mathematical method, validated with experimental animal data, provides fast, reliable, and minimally invasive way of determining how to treat critical blood pressure changes. The method accurately tracks cardiac output and systemic resistance, mirroring estimates from more invasive catheters in some cases.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2024

Lancet Oncology publication establishes imaging guidelines for head and neck cancers, a step toward practice change

The study establishes criteria for identifying extranodal extension on imaging, allowing radiologists to make accurate calls and provide patients with less invasive treatments. This shift towards practice change has the potential to reduce side effects and improve outcomes for patients with HPV-associated head and neck cancers.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeSurvey·DateJul 16, 2024

Weight loss surgery reduces widespread pain among people of color, although disparities persist

A new study found that surgical weight loss significantly reduces widespread pain in Black and Hispanic patients, with the greatest benefit seen within the first three months after surgery. However, disparities persist, with these groups still experiencing a higher pain burden than the general population.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Pain·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 11, 2024

Mayo Clinic marks medical milestone with world’s first known successful total larynx transplant performed in a patient with an active cancer as part of a clinical trial

Mayo Clinic's surgical team successfully performed the rare procedure, which included multiple organs, on a Massachusetts man with a rare form of laryngeal cancer. The landmark surgery, conducted as part of a clinical trial, marks a significant step towards making larynx transplantation available to a wider population.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateJul 9, 2024

Safer, swifter, smaller scar: new brain surgery approach targets difficult tumors at skull base

Researchers have developed a minimally invasive surgical technique to remove lesions in the skull base region, reducing damage to the brain and preserving neurological functions. The endoscopic approach results in shorter operative times and less blood loss compared to conventional microscopic surgery.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·TypeCase study·DateJul 2, 2024

Female heart patients less likely to have additional problems fixed during surgery

Research from Michigan Medicine found that female patients with atrial fibrillation and tricuspid regurgitation are less likely to receive simultaneous procedures during cardiac surgery, despite guideline recommendations. This disparity may be related to perceived higher risk among women.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·TypeObservational study·DateJun 27, 2024

Gastroenterologists generally trust and accept use of AI medical tools in clinics and hospitals, finds NTU Singapore study

A study by Nanyang Technological University found that eight in 10 gastroenterologists in the Asia-Pacific region accept and trust AI-powered tools for diagnosing colorectal polyps. The study also highlights the need for more research into what influences doctors' acceptance of AI in their medical practice.

Mono-canalicular lacrimal stent intubation for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction treatment

Researchers found that mono-canalicular Lacrijet stent insertion is a safe and effective treatment for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in children, with success rates unaffected by age or previous failed probing. The study suggests early assessments and stenting as an option for pediatric epiphora management.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Ophthalmology Journal·DateJun 13, 2024

AI model may yield better outcomes for prostate cancer

A new AI model has been shown to significantly improve the accuracy of diagnosing prostate cancer by 45 times compared to doctors' measurements alone. The system assists in mapping out the boundaries of cancerous tissue, reducing the risk of underestimation and enabling more precise treatment planning and effective surgical procedures.