Radiofrequency ablation in breast cancer
By Beate M Stoeckelhuber MD, Associate Professor and Radiology (Interim) Director at the Department of Radiology, Luebeck University, Germany, with Smaragda Kapsimalakou MD, also at Luebeck
New technology to reduce biopsies
Although about 75% of biopsies are negative, the side effects of that invasive procedure, plus the length of time to results, disturbs patients. Now, however, a new technology might be able to differentiate benign and malignant tissue due to an adjunct of a normal breast ultrasound examination.
Ireland Pulling into Europe's fast lane for digital screening
In Ireland, breast cancer is particularly virulent: 18.5% of all cancer related deaths among the women are due to breast cancer.
CTLM for cancer detection in dense breasts
Paolo Belli MD, Carmen Malaspina MD and Professor Lorenzo Bonomo, of the Department of Radiology, UCSC, Policlinico A. Gemelli, Rome, discuss results from using computed tomographic laser mammography (CTLM) to detect cancers occult to mammography in dense breasts, and their comparison of CTLM with MRI to follow results of neo-adjunctive chemotherapy
Greater bonding of radiation oncologists and diagnostic radiologists sought by RSNA
Radiation oncologists and diagnostic radiologists will be encouraged to forge partnerships at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) congress in Chicago this November helped by a new programme, called Bolstering Oncoradiologic and Oncoradiotherapeutic Skills for Tomorrow (BOOST)
Sectra will lead EU research-project to decrease mortality in breast cancer
The Swedish IT and medical-technology company Sectra, together with clinical and industrial partners from six European countries, has been awarded EUR 3.6 million from the European Union to combat breast cancer through a research project for high-resolution, low-dose X-ray imaging.
European Parliament opens door for advanced therapies
The European Parliament voted for an EU Regulation on advanced therapies like gene therapy, cell therapy and tissue engineering. The decision, if adopted by the council, could open the door for innovative therapies which have a huge potential for curing diseases such as Parkionson´s, Alzheimer or cancer.
FDA clears sale of patient-controlled ventilator
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given 510(K) clearance to Maquet Critical Care of Solna, Sweden, to market its Servo-i ventilator with the NAVA (Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist) option. Sales of the system, which aims to treat and monitor neonatal, infant and adult patients, should begin this year. In addition, current Servo-i users can upgrade their system with NAVA.
Studies confirm adjustable colour temperatures benefit surgeons
After their debut at the 2005 Medica trade show, the first LED lamp made by Trumpf Medizin Systeme (iLED) found new users worldwide.
See saw blades on the Web
Komet Medical has developed rotating and oscillating instruments since 1923.
Pioneering vertebral procedure
Czech Republic - In 2001, when doctors at the Motol Faculty Hospital first saw Dusan Matras, he was diagnosed with a thyroid gland problem. However, they later found he had a tumour. Six years later, Dusan has become the first in the world to undergo a unique surgical procedure on the vertebral column in the neck area.
Bespoke operating theatres
'Supersuite' describes a valuable service provided by Berchtold, specialist manufacturer of operating theatre lights (e.g. Chromophare), camera systems, monitor arms, surgical tables (Operon) and equipment management systems (surgical and anaesthesia booms, but not the device control units).
New device leads airway management evolution
i-gel, a new single-use, supraglottic airway device designed for quick, easy insertion, also comes ready to use.
Knowing the right procedure
DGCH promotes studies for evidence-based medicine (EbM) in surgery to establish guidelines.
Changing operations and work patterns
Along with advanced training courses, a training laboratory, video presentations, careers advice, satellite symposia to simplify the collation of clinical data, the forum will present a platform for young scientists.
Fast track surgery
`The term fast track surgery refers to a combination of findings from current, high quality studies of anaesthetics, surgery and perioperative care for a certain medical indication,´ explained Professor Schwenk.
Nutrition and health
In Europe today, obesity is assuming epidemic proportions.
Reward for silent 'sentry' guarding babies
A system that aims to prevent newborns from being swapped or kidnapped in hospitals, has received the RFID Award in the German Innovations Prize 2007, granted by Initiative Mittelstand, an association for small and medium businesses.
ICT improves patient safety
Improving patient safety and quality of care is of key importance for European citizens, and both the European Commission and Member States (MS) expect great benefits from new, information and communication technology (ICT)-based healthcare solutions.
Dutch hold "mini" conference on tissue vigilance
To help improve transfusion safety, in accordance with EU Directive 2002/98/EC, the Dutch National Haemovigilance Office, TRIP, receives and analyses reports of transfusion reactions and promotes haemovigilance.
Cops hunt "cash for ops" surgeons
France - The country's health ministry is facing growing calls for a full public inquiry after allegations that surgeons have been demanding huge cash payments from patients keen to jump hospital waiting lists, and for charging exorbitant fees for "private" operations.
Bless you! The allergy season has begun
The beautiful weather not only causes high spirit but also seasonal allergies. And as every year, over-the-counter allergy medications are booming, whereas most of the patients are extremely thoughtless concerning the use of antihistamines, not being aware of the side effects.
Toxic chemicals in medical devices must be labelled
Due to a revised EU law, manufactures of medical devices are forced to label certain chemical ingredients in their products. This decision will enable hospitals to protect their patients against harm caused by toxic devices - if they are interested in. Because alternative products of course are connected with higher costs.
MPOWER
The MPOWER project aims to help older people to live independently and well, in their own homes, for as long as possible.
Italy
IT introduction is increasingly considered a strategic element, since it is capable of supporting different decision processes at various levels (top management, middle management and professionals) and guiding them towards concrete objectives: cost control and containment, improved efficiency, evaluation and enhancement of service quality.