observations
Cleveland Clinic Releases Top Ten Medical Innovations For 2009
by bethany on Nov.14, 2008, under observations
The Cleveland Clinic has recently released its list of Top 10 Medical Innovations for 2009. Chosen by a panel of Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists, the list was announced at the clinic’s 2008 Medical Innovation Summit ) “Once again, we are seeing a diverse list of technologies that have the potential to make an enormous medical impact in the near future,” explains Michael Roizen, M.D., who chaired the Top 10 Medical Innovations List. The selections are as follows:
1. Use of Circulating Tumor Cell Technology: Use of new technology to measure circulating tumor cells as a predictor of success of chemotherapy.
2. Warm Organ Perfusion Device:
Warm organ perfusion device to preserve organs for transplantation during transplant.
3. Diaphragm Pacing System:
Improvements in multi-spectral image analysis to assess multiple protein pathway configuration in a single sample/cell.
4. Multi-Spectral Imaging Systems:
Use of a diaphragm (phrenic nerve) stimulator to enable paralyzed patients to breath without the assistance of a mechanical ventilator.
5. Percutaneous Mitral Valve Regurgitation Repair:
Use of a special clip to percutaneously repair mitral valve regurgitation (MVR).
6. New Strategies for Creating Vaccines for Avian Flu:
Use of new strategies for creating vaccines for avian flu, including genetically-engineered virus-like particles (VLPs) as the basis for vaccines.
7. LESS and NOTES Applications:
Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) and Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopy (NOTES) for nephrectomy, cystectomy, prostatectomy, colon resection, and other applications.
8. Integration of Diffusion Tensor Imaging (Tractography):
Integration of diffusion tensor imaging (tractography) with surgical navigation of the brain to minimize damage to fiber tracts during brain surgery.
9. Doppler-Guided Uterine Artery Occlusion:
Doppler-guided non-invasive transvaginal uterine artery occlusion for treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids.
10. Private Sector National Health Information Exchange:
Use of a common exchange standard among participants to enable access through the Internet regardless of provider source.
Medical Tourism On The Rise
by bethany on Oct.27, 2008, under observations
Westerners and Arabs are flocking to Asia for affordable medical care. While medical tourism in the past was mainly relegated to cosmetic and dental procedures, a gowing number of patients are travelling abroad for procedures including coronary bypass surgery, transplants, and other complex procedures.
From the site My Sinchew:
With the cost of medical treatment skyrocketing in their home countries, more and more patients are travelling overseas for health care each year, a phenomenon now known as ‘medical tourism’.
And the most favoured destination is Asia where hospitals offer world-class medical services at just a fraction of the cost in the US or Europe with a vacation at an exotic resort as an inviting option.
A recent report, Asian Medical Tourism Analysis (2008-2012), said the region generated revenues worth US$3.4 billion from medical tourism in 2007, accounting for nearly 12.7% of the global market.
The Asian medical tourism market is expected to grow at an annual average of 17.6% between 2007 and 2012, the report said.
The report identified the five biggest Asian medical tourism markets as Thailand, Singapore, India, Malaysia and the Philippines.
