Healthcare in Europe • Newsletter

New medical technology benefits healthcare professionals and their patients, but these advances might also bring about new pitfalls. Misapplication or defects of at-home devices, injuries from new surgery techniques, or cybersecurity risks in cloud-based systems are currently among the most pressing issues, according to a new list for 2023. We also take a look at new applications for photon-counting CT, an approach for reducing the carbon footprint of anaesthesia, and more. Enjoy reading!

Article • Appeal to healthcare providers and medical device vendors

ECRI reports top 10 health technology hazards for 2023

ECRI’s annual top ten technology hazard list alerts hospitals and healthcare providers of situations, products, and procedures they need to diligently monitor and/or take steps to improve. This non-profit technology Pennsylvania research firm has ...

Article • High-intensity focused ultrasound

HIFU ablation treatment for benign thyroid nodules

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation is a noninvasively treatment for benign thyroid nodules that are causing distress to patients. Brian H. H. Lang, MD, Clinical Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Hong Kong, ...

News • Primary tumor or metastasis?

Deep learning and radiomics for precise differentiation in brain tumors

The distinction between primary tumors and metastases can be made quickly and accurately in brain tumors using radiomics and deep learning algorithms, a new study shows.

News • Greenhouse gas emissions

Reducing anesthetics reduces climate impact without increasing patient risk

Reducing the dosage of inhaled anesthetics during surgery can contribute to decreasing a hospital's greenhouse gas emissionses without affecting patient care, a new study shows.

News • Angiography advances

Photon-counting CT enables lower contrast media for aortic imaging

Photon-counting detector CT reduces the amount of contrast needed for CT angiography (CTA) while maintaining image quality, according to a new study published in Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging.

News • Environmental pollution

Microplastics found in operating theatres

High levels of microplastics were detected in surgical environments in a new study. Microplastic was found in both the operating theatre and anaesthetic room, in cardiothoracic surgeries.

News • National research programme

Switzerland develops novel approaches to healthcare

Better coordination beyond purely medical aspects: the Swiss national research programme “Smarter Health Care” shows how resources in the health sector can be used more efficiently.