Ask the Brains: Are our Brains Constantly Making Subconscious Calculations? Nov 18, 2009
Occlusion, a monocular cue whereby an object that is closer partly obstructs the faraway one, enables the brain to judge relative distances. When one object occludes another, the observer can rank the relative distances of these objects. (Scientific American)
Camp Alva, Part 3 Oct 29, 2009
Englebert Mayer died from an occlusion of the coronary artery, and two prisoners (Erwin Grams and Eric Schindler) hanged themselves. Some sources say the hangings were suspicious, implying that they may have been killed by other prisoners. (Alva Review Courier, OK)
Essure for Female Sterilization Oct 28, 2009
Occlusion or total blockage of the fallopian tubes is confirmed with a (HSG) test about three months after the Essure procedure. To manage birth control in the interim, patients must rely on their regular birth control method. (Suite101.com)
ASK DR. H: Essure is a minimally invasive form of birth control Oct 8, 2009
Essure reports that complete occlusion can be expected in 96. 5 percent of women at three months, with the remainder occluded by six months. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
AGA Med wins patent case, sets IPO terms Oct 8, 2009
AGA Medical, based in Plymouth, had sued German medical device maker Occlutech GmbH in German federal patent court last year regarding AGA s occlusion devices and manufacturing processes. The devices are used to treat structural heart problems. (Twin Cities Business Journal, MN)
Drug-eluting stents safe, effective for treatment of chronic total occlusions Sep 22, 2009
SAN FRANCISCO, CA SEPTEMBER 21, 2009 A multicenter study in Asia found drug-eluting stents effective with a low rate of acute complications in patients with chronic total occlusions (CTOs) undergoing PCI. Results of the study will be presented at the 21st annual Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) scientific symposium, sponsored by the Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF). The aim of the study, "Drug-Eluting Stents for the Treatment of Chronic Total Occlusion: A Comparison... (EurekAlert!)
Mount Sinai first in nation to ablate atrial fibrillation using new visually-guided balloon catheter Sep 19, 2009
Last month, they were the first in the U.S. to perform left atrial appendage occlusion as an alternative to Coumadin therapy on an AFib patient using a non-surgical, catheter-based suture delivery system. Dr. Vivek Reddy, the principal investigator on this study, receives financial compensation for conducting training cases from CardioFocus, Inc., the study sponsor. (EurekAlert!)
Laser Treatment For BRVO Is Safer Than Corticosteroid Injections And Equally Effective, Study Finds Sep 16, 2009
15, 2009) Scientists have found that laser therapy is equivalent to two different dosages of corticosteroid medications for treating vision loss from the blockage of small veins in the back of the eye, a condition known as branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) ... This research was part of the Standard Care vs. Corticosteroid for Retinal Vein Occlusion (SCORE) Study, a phase III clinical trial conducted at 84 sites and supported by the National Eye Institute (NEI) at the National Institutes of... (Science Daily)
Steroid Injections May Help Restore Vision In Some Patients With Blocked Eye Veins Sep 16, 2009
15, 2009) Injecting the eye with the corticosteroid triamcinolone appears effective in improving the vision of some patients with retinal vein occlusion, an important cause of vision loss that results from blockages in the blood vessels in the retina, according to two reports in the September issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals ... Retinal vein occlusion is an important cause of vision loss in the United States and worldwide, according to background information... (Science Daily)
Steroids Tested On Diabetic Eye Condition Sep 15, 2009
-- Retinal vein occlusion, a condition in which blood vessels in the retina become blocked, is an important cause of vision loss - especially in diabetics. While blockages in smaller branches of the blood vessels can be treated with laser therapy, there is currently no effective therapy for treating blockages in the central vein that provides blood to the eye. (KERO 23, CA)
New Large-Scale, Global Study Provides Additional Information About an Intensified Dose-Regimen of PLAVIX(R) in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients Undergoing Angioplasty Aug 30, 2009
"An artery opening procedure with stent placement exposes a patient to an increased risk of stent occlusion and subsequent heart attack," said Doctor Jean-Pierre Lehner, Chief Medical Officer, sanofi-aventis. "CURRENT-OASIS 7 provides important new information about a high-dose regimen of PLAVIX((R)) in ACS patients planned for PCI. We are pleased to contribute to furthering the understanding of patient care during the acute phase of coronary intervention.". (PR Newswire)
Study finds women slightly more likely to die than men in the 30 days following a heart attack Aug 26, 2009
"Among STEMI or more severe heart attacks - 30 day mortality was significantly higher among women than men. For NSTEMI or less severe heart attacks and unstable angina women had lower 30 day mortality than men. The lower risk in women after a less severe presentation is likely explained by the less severe blockages seen in women. The higher risk of women after a more severe presentation following total coronary occlusion STEMI - may be explained by the reduced collateral blood flow observed in... (EurekAlert!)
Elevated Arginase Levels Contribute To Vascular Eye Disease Such As Diabetic Retinopathy Aug 25, 2009
"It's taking L-arginine away from the nitric oxide synthase so it can accelerate wound healing but the lack of substrate for nitric oxide synthase leads to vascular constriction and occlusion which causes further tissue damage, " Dr. Ruth Caldwell says. The researchers, who also are studying this process in a model of diabetic retinopathy, want to fully delineate the complex scenario. (Science Daily)
Mount Sinai first with new technique to prevent a major cause for heart-related stroke Aug 22, 2009
In addition to open-heart surgery, which is rarely performed as a stand-alone surgical procedure because of the associated morbidity, non-pharmaceutical treatment options involve occlusion of the LAA via an implant, a technique that is not yet approved by the U.S. Food Administration (FDA), commented Samin K. Sharma, MD, Director of Mount Sinai's Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory. The patient, a 78-year-old woman from Miami, presented with a history of stroke and a fall. (EurekAlert!)
Sanofi-Aventis could increase ophthalmology footprint with Allergan seen as strong candidate Aug 7, 2009
Allergan has two glaucoma products - Lumigan X, near approval, and a second generation prostaglandin moving through Phase II - while its Ozurdex is expected to be launched in 3Q09 for the treatment of macular edema following branch and central retinal vein occlusion ... Goupit commended the success of Genentechs Lucentis (ranibizumab), which is indicated for macular edema due to branch retinal vein occlusion, similar to Ozurdex. (FT.com -- Markets)
Pair accused of using device to steal gas at pump Jul 30, 2009
The affected devices have one or more failures associated with the Occlusion Warning Message, Syringe Volume Warning Message, Electrostatic Discharge protection circuitry, and Fluid Ingress into the device's pumping mechanism. This recall also updates the labeling for the Inter Unit Interface (IUI) connectors on the Alaris(R) System. (Fresno Bee)
FDA okays Hologic birth control system Jul 10, 2009
The Adiana procedure is indicated for women who desire permanent birth control by occlusion of the fallopian tubes. In the Adiana procedure, a slender, flexible instrument is inserted to deliver a low level of radiofrequency (RF) energy to a small section of each fallopian tube, company officials say. (Boston Business Journal, MA)
Gladstone scientists identify genetic factors that hold promise for treatment of vascular diseases Jul 6, 2009
VSMCs have the unique property that they can start dividing when an artery is injured or during atherosclerosis, ultimately causing narrowing of the vessel leading to occlusion. miR-145 and its sister microRNA, miR-143, work together to stop the pathologic division of VSMCs. (EurekAlert!)
UPMC eye center studies 'seeing' Jun 19, 2009
" The center was formally renamed the Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration of UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh during yesterday's gathering at the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, when it was announced that Mr. Fox made a $3 million donation to the center, and UPMC matched the grant. The Fox Center is a joint program of the UPMC Eye Center and the McGowan Institute, in the Pittsburgh Technology Center off Second Avenue in Hazelwood. A Pennsylvania native, Pitt alumnus and... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
New UPMC vision center looks to restore sight Jun 19, 2009
The money, to be matched by the university, comes from Louis Fox, a retired commodity and merchant banker who began losing his vision about 10 years ago after a central retinal vein occlusion _ or an eye stroke. Distraught over the loss of sight that made it impossible for him to continue his piloting hobby, Fox sought a solution. (Rhinelander Daily News, WI)
Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion — Closure or Just the Beginning? Jun 18, 2009
NEJM -- Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion -- Closure or Just the Beginning ... Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Closure or Just the Beginning. (New England Journal of Medicine)
ev3 Inc. to Present At the Banc of America Securities-Merrill Lynch 2009 Health Care Conference May 7, 2009
The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of treatment options, including the primary interventional technologies used today - peripheral angioplasty balloons, stents, plaque excision systems, embolic protection devices, liquid embolics, embolization coils, thrombectomy catheters and occlusion balloons. More information about the company and its products can be found at. (Primezone Releases)
Single Gene Defect Can Cause Stroke, Other Artery Diseases May 4, 2009
During the research, Milewicz identified a large family with persistent livedo reticularis, a purplish mesh-like skin discoloration caused by the occlusion of arteries in the skin. This family also had a history of premature onset coronary artery disease and premature stroke without the risk factors know to cause these diseases (smoking, high cholesterol). (Science Daily)
Chemical can reproduce complications for some patients May 1, 2009
After this baseline assessment of reflex function, CHX or saline was infused and allowed to circulate for 30-40 minutes, followed by another round of occlusions. A subsequent identical infusion was given and allowed to circulate for an additional 30-40 minutes, followed by a final round of occlusions ... In protocol 2, prior to infusions, both saline and CHX groups exhibited similar significant baroreflex pressor responses to carotid occlusion. (EurekAlert!)
Bayer and Regeneron Extend Development Program for VEGF Trap-Eye to Include Central Retinal Vein Occlusion Apr 30, 2009
BERLIN and TARRYTOWN, N.Y., April 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Bayer HealthCare AG and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ) today announced that the companies are extending their global development program for VEGF Trap-Eye, an investigational agent for the treatment of certain eye diseases, to include Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) ... In the Phase 3 CRVO program for VEGF Trap-Eye, Regeneron and Bayer HealthCare will conduct two identical multinational clinical studies: COPERNICUS... (PR Newswire)
ASA Plus Clopidogrel Reduces Heart Attack Risk In Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome, Study Suggests Apr 29, 2009
28, 2009) In order to better prevent blood clots, clopidogrel can be prescribed to patients with acute ischaemia of the heart muscle, in addition to acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). The Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) has now investigated whether the combination of clopidogrel and ASA actually has a higher benefit for patients than ASA alone. (Science Daily)
Fibrosis and Myocardial Infarction Apr 9, 2009
The wound, caused by necrosis and apoptosis after coronary-artery occlusion, triggers the healing process, resulting in a strong fibrotic scar and the restoration of pump function. Healing is accomplished through. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Fast Camera Shows Even Small Variations In Blood Circulation Mar 21, 2009
They are now, though, according to researcher Wiendelt Steenbergen: We can now see rapid variations in blood circulation, too, for example when the circulation gets going again after occlusion of an arm or after a transplant. The measured reaction gives an immediate impression of the condition of the vascular bed. (Science Daily)
Distinct gene subsets in pterygia formation and recurrence: dissecting complex biological phenomenon using genome wide expression data Mar 10, 2009
Pterygium is a common ocular surface disease characterized by fibrovascular invasion of the cornea and is sight-threatening due to astigmatism, tear film disturbance, or occlusion of the visual axis. However, the mechanisms for formation and post-surgical recurrence of pterygium are not understood, and a valid animal model does not exist. (BioMed Central)
Plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 -- a potential link between heart failure and diabetes Feb 24, 2009
The research team, Dr. A.K.M. Tarikuz Zaman, a research associate, Mr. Christopher J. French, medical and graduate student, Dr. David J. Schneider, Professor of Medicine and Director of the Cardiology and Vascular Biology Units, and Dr. Burton E. Sobel, Professor of Medicine and Director of the Cardiovascular Research Institute, performed studies in 10 week old mice subjected to coronary occlusion ... 6 weeks after coronary occlusion the PAI-1 overexpressing mice exhibited a 2-fold increase in... (EurekAlert!)
Stroke Therapy Window Might Be Extended Past Nine Hours For Some Feb 19, 2009
18, 2009) Some patients who suffer a stroke as a result of a blockage in an artery in the brain may benefit from a clot-busting drug nine or more hours after the onset of symptoms. "Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the U.S.," said the study's lead author, William A. Copen, M.D., Director of Advanced Magnetic Resonance Neuroimaging at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston. (Science Daily)
Sickle Cell Disease Feb 7, 2009
Intravenous fluids are given to address vascular occlusion as well as opioid medications for pain. For anemia, blood transfusions are often indicated but have questionable efficacy and the risk of iron overload with multiple transfusions. (Suite101.com)
Efficacy of stents is improved when their placement is determined by arterial blood flow measurement Feb 7, 2009
The cornerstone of PCI is the technique of angioplasty, by which either bare-metal or drug-releasing stents are located within the coronary arteries at points of occlusion. The FAME study, reported in the 15 January issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, was a randomised trial designed to assess the most effective method of locating the stent in patients with multivessel disease: conventional angiography (visualisation of the artery) or a new technique of "fractional flow reserve" (FFR),... (EurekAlert!)
