All articles by chris cox
chris cox
Ease the pain: lidocaine infusion for fibromyalgia
In October 2013, a study presented at the American Society of Anesthesiologists’ annual meeting gave new hope to fibromyalgia sufferers: an intravenous lidocaine infusion. This treatment could help patients who are otherwise resistant to medication. But with the infusion so difficult to administer, what are the clinical implications? Abi Millar asks lead researcher Dr Billy Huh.
Stay connected: mobile medicine
As each generation becomes more technology dependent than the last, young doctors and new patients are increasingly more receptive to mobile technology in medicine. Nic Paton speaks to Dr Joseph Kvedar, director of the Center for Connected Health at Partners HealthCare, Boston, about telemedicine and connected health.
New wound order: regular debridement
According to a recent study, regular debridement may help to significantly cut the time required for chronic wounds to heal. Jim Banks speaks to one of the authors of the report, Dr D Scott Covington, executive vice-president of medical affairs at Healogics, about the implications of the study’s findings, how debridement should be incorporated into a broader plan for wound care, and what further research might be required in this area.
And the winner is… – Practical Patient Care Awards 2013
Welcome to the inaugural Practical Patient Care Awards. In this issue, we announce the winners across various categories that illustrate growing healthcare and patient management trends, innovations and priorities. Step forward, worthy winners.
New test for detecting BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations
A new test has been developed for detecting mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes that are associated with breast cancer.
Hearts and minds: the link between hypertension and Alzheimer’s disease
A recent study, featured in the journal Neurology, broke new ground in Alzheimer’s research. For the first time, it used PET scans to show that amyloid plaque build-up in the brain is related to arterial stiffness. But how exactly can hypertension influence the onset of dementia, and what are the implications for sufferers? Abi Millar talks to the study’s author, Dr Timothy Hughes, about the links between the heart and the brain.
Using FGD-PET for lung cancer prognosis
A major study has presented new hope for patients with inoperable lung cancer, showing that fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scans could be used after treatment to reliably determine prognosis. Lead study author Dr Mitchell Machtay tells Medical Imaging Technology about his findings and the implications for oncology care.
A tax on innovation?
This year, the US saw the introduction of the medical device tax. The industry’s heavy criticism of the legislation – amid claims by companies that they will be forced to make redundancies and cut their R&D budgets – has fuelled the belief that the tax will stifle innovation in the US. In this special report, JC Scott, director of government affairs at AdvaMed, and chairman of equipment manufacturer Cook Medical Steve Ferguson outline the effects of the tax on the US job market, medical firms’ bottom lines and overall patient care.
The software network
The growing global markets for medical imaging and image analysis are aided by innovative software solutions. Nic Paton speaks to Dr Eliot Siegel, professor at the Department of Diagnostic Imaging at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, US, to ascertain how future developments will propel the industry, and the realistic possibility of artificial intelligence.
Indecent exposure: exploring the relationship between GBCA and NSF
While there is a lot radiologists now know about nephrogenic systemic fibrosis and its relationship with gadolinium-based contrast agents used in MRI imaging, the disease’s progression is not yet cut and dried. Nic Paton speaks to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics’ cardiovascular and pulmonary imaging specialist Dr Archana Laroia about what is being done to prevent this unpredictable and sometimes debilitating disease.