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.
Smartphone microscope launched
A simple smartphone device could help physicians determine the effectiveness of treatments, according to a recent study in the journal ACS Nano. The device converts the phone into a powerful mini-microscope, allowing physicians to detect individual viruses for the first time.
New way to cut radiation exposure in children who require repeat CT scans
Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in Baltimore have found a way to minimise radiation exposure in children who require repeat CT scans, it was announced in October 2013. According to a report in the Journal of Neurosurgery, this reduction was achieved without compromising diagnostic accuracy or affecting treatment decisions.
Leading lights: Medical Imaging Technology Awards 2013
Welcome to the inaugural Medical Imaging Technology Awards. Here, we announce the winners across various categories that illustrate medical imaging trends, innovations and priorities. As our winners demonstrate, today’s medical imaging devices fuse breakthrough technologies with ease of use, benefitting patients and imaging professionals alike.
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.