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Illuminating neuro-vascular dynamics throughout the body: 3D-printed implants and bioluminescence duet shed light on brain–spinal interactions

A team of visionaries at the Carney Institute developed 3D-printed brain and spinal cord implants, revolutionizing surgical implantations and optical access. Bioluminescence imaging overcomes limitations of traditional fluorescent microscopy, providing unprecedented observation of neural and vascular activity.

Early diagnosis & treatment of peripheral artery disease essential to improve outcomes, reduce amputation risk

The 2024 AHA/ACC Guideline on the Management of Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease aims to improve patient outcomes by emphasizing timely diagnosis and treatment. Coordinated care among a multispecialty team is crucial in reducing the risk of amputation, heart attack, stroke, and death for individuals with PAD.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateMay 14, 2024

Weight-loss surgery before kidney transplantation improves health and eligibility of patients with obesity and renal failure, Mayo Clinic study finds

A Mayo Clinic study found that laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy can improve the health and eligibility of patients with advanced chronic kidney disease and obesity. The procedure reduced cardiovascular risks, including diabetes and hypertension, and improved access to kidney transplantation.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateMay 2, 2024

First-ever combined heart pump and pig kidney transplant gives new hope to patient with terminal illness

A combined mechanical heart pump and gene-edited pig kidney transplant has given new hope to a patient with heart and kidney failure. The surgery was performed in two stages, first implanting the heart pump and later transplanting the gene-edited pig kidney. This innovative approach has shown promise for patients who would otherwise no...

Multidisciplinary research team creates computational models to predict heart valve leakage in children

A multidisciplinary team is developing computational models to predict heart valve leakage in children with specific birth defects. The models use 2D and 3D echocardiogram data to simulate the shape of valves and potential weak spots, enabling surgeons to plan surgeries more effectively.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalAnnals of Biomedical Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 16, 2024

AI to improve cataract surgery in the Global South

Researchers develop AI-assisted algorithm to analyze surgical videos of cataract surgeries in Global South, aiming to improve surgical outcomes and training. The algorithm can work with conventional image material and smartphone videos, addressing the need for resource-saving solutions in these countries.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalTranslational Vision Science & Technology·DateApr 15, 2024

Stopping aspirin one month after coronary stenting procedures significantly reduces bleeding complications in heart attack patients

Researchers found that withdrawing aspirin one month after PCI significantly reduced major and minor bleeding incidents by 55% compared to dual antiplatelet therapy. The study, ULTIMATE-DAPT, showed no increase in adverse ischemic events, suggesting continuing aspirin may cause harm without benefit.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 7, 2024

Fontan circulation link to changes in the genetic code may lead to new treatment for heart conditions

Researchers found a link between Fontan circulation and accelerated epigenetic aging, which can cause complications like osteoporosis and renal impairment. The study suggests this acceleration starts in childhood and continues into adulthood, with potential new treatment opportunities to delay progression.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJACC Advances·TypeObservational study·DateApr 4, 2024

Social media use may help to empower plastic surgery patients

A survey of 473 patients found that those who used social media to gather information scored higher in patient empowerment categories. Facebook and RealSelf platforms were associated with increased empowerment in treatment options. Plastic surgeons are encouraged to engage with and contribute to social media to promote patient autonomy.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateMar 28, 2024

Study shows improved outcomes in hospitals accredited for rectal cancer surgery

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that hospitals accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC) demonstrate significantly better outcomes for patients undergoing rectal cancer surgery. These institutions show lower rates of mortality, complications, and morbidity comp...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 28, 2024

Patient recovery after surgery for esophageal cancer isn’t influenced by using standard or keyhole incisions

Researchers found no significant differences between standard and keyhole surgical incision types on short-term clinical outcomes, physical function recovery, or NHS resource costs for oesophageal cancer patients. The ROMIO study suggests that surgeons can maintain their preferred procedure type without compromising patient care.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·TypeObservational study·DateMar 25, 2024

Gotta go? New bladder device lets you know

A new implant and smartphone app monitor bladder fullness in real time, offering a game-changer for people with paralysis, spina bifida, or end-stage bladder disease. The device's success has been demonstrated in small animal studies and non-human primate trials.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2024

Breast cancer patients can safely avoid extensive removal of lymph nodes if they respond well to primary systemic treatment

A new study suggests that tailored treatment can predict the response of breast cancer patients to chemotherapy, allowing for safe omission of extensive lymph node removal. The MARI protocol showed a 95% overall survival rate and 89% disease-free survival rate in patients who achieved pathological complete response.

Scientists’ discovery could reduce dependence on animals for vital anti-blood clot drug

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a patented process to produce heparin in the lab, offering a consistent and safe supply of the essential medicine. The discovery has the potential to revolutionize the production of heparin, reducing reliance on animal-derived sources and addressing global supply chain issues.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2024

Weight loss and diabetes management drug linked to increased residual gastric content before anesthesia

A study published in JAMA Surgery found that 56% of patients using GLP-1 RAs had significant gastric contents on ultrasound before elective procedures, despite adequate fasting. The study suggests that conventional fasting times may need to be reexamined for this patient subset.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJAMA Surgery·TypeObservational study·DateMar 6, 2024

Radioguided surgery accurately detects and removes metastatic lymph nodes in newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients

New research reveals that radioguided surgery can effectively detect and remove metastatic pelvic lymph nodes in newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients. The procedure targets the prostate-specific membrane antigen, improving nodal staging to guide treatment recommendations.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateMar 5, 2024

Uptick in behavioral disorders reported in children following prenatal exposure to anesthesia

A new study published at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that prenatal exposure to general anesthesia for maternal surgery during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of disruptive or internalizing behavioral disorders, including ADHD and autism, in children. The study suggests that safer anesthetic drug...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalBritish Journal of Anaesthesia·DateFeb 29, 2024

Study shows bariatric surgery provides superior long-term treatment for type 2 diabetes in patients with obesity

A 12-year study found that bariatric surgery significantly improves blood glucose control and reduces the need for diabetes medications. Patients who underwent bariatric surgery experienced greater weight loss and higher rates of complete diabetes remission compared to those receiving medical therapy.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 27, 2024

Inaccurate pulse oximeter readings could limit transplants, heart pumps for Black patients with heart failure

Researchers found that pulse oximeters underestimate blood pumping and overestimate resistance, affecting treatment decisions. Direct blood oxygen measurement is crucial for accurate guidance, especially for Black patients already at higher risk.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2024

A new glue, potentially also for you

Researchers create a simple method to instantly bond layers made of the same or different types of hydrogels using a thin film of chitosan. The new approach has potential to broadly advance new biomaterials solutions for multiple unmet clinical needs, including regenerative medicine and surgical care.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2024

Chinese Medical Journal Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine study reports a novel prognostic biomarker for lung cancer

Researchers identify a promising prognostic biomarker for lung cancer using circulating tumor DNA-based minimal residual disease detection. The study found that this method can effectively guide treatment decisions and predict recurrence risk, potentially modifying the lung cancer treatment paradigm.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal - Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 14, 2024

Gastric bypass improves long-term diabetes remission, even after weight recurrence

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that gastric bypass surgery results in high rates of Type-2 diabetes remission five years after the operation, even after patients regain a significant amount of weight. In contrast, patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy and regained their weight were five t...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateFeb 13, 2024

Korea University researchers unveil benefits of perioperative radiotherapy for treating liver cancer with high recurrence risk

Korea University researchers found that perioperative radiotherapy significantly improves survival rates among HCC patients at high risk of recurrence. The study suggests that radiotherapy can reduce recurrence and improve survival in these patients, providing a significant adjuvant treatment option.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Surgery·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 6, 2024

A tie between the most common obesity surgeries

A study of over 1,700 adult patients found that gastric bypass and sleeve surgeries have few short-term complications and are equivalent in terms of risk. The results suggest that patients and doctors can choose between the two procedures without worrying about short-term surgical risks.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateJan 30, 2024

Researchers suggest changing gold standard of spine surgery from operative microscope to 3D exoscope

A recent study published in World Neurosurgery found that the use of a 3D exoscope in spinal surgery resulted in more favorable outcomes for patients, including shorter hospital stays and operating room times. The device allows for increased visualization during procedures, leading to fewer errors and better patient outcomes.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalWorld Neurosurgery·DateJan 24, 2024