Pharma pulse
BY; Linu Mohan
SHOCK ABSORBING IMPLANT REDUCES JOINT STRESS
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease characterized by degeneration of cartilage and its underlying
bone within a joint as well as bony overgrowth. The breakdown of these tissues eventually leads
to pain and joint stiffness. The joints most commonly affected are the knees, hips, and those in
the hands and spine.
The specific causes of osteoarthritis are unknown, but are believed to be a result of both
mechanical and molecular events in the affected joint. Disease onset is gradual and usually
begins after the age of 40. It is regarded as a complex disease whose cause is not completely
understood. Furthermore, effective biomarkers, diagnostic aids and imaging technology are not
available to assist in the management of OA. There is currently no cure for OA. Treatment for
OA focuses on relieving symptoms and improving function.
Now we have a newly developed implant designed to relieve excess load on the affected joint. It
designed as a knee implant. This method is the first step in invasive OA treatment, as it does not
alter the anatomy of a patient. It consists of a spring loaded system designed to function
alongside the existing knee anatomy.
The principle behind the working is, as the knee extends, the spring compresses and absorbs
joint overload. As the knee flexes, the spring relaxes and becomes passive. The procedure is fully
reversible, and largely non-invasive, making it a particularly attractive option for physically
active OA patients. The system can prolong the usefulness of an affected joint and delay the need
for knee replacement surgery.
(Knee Implant)
DEVICE THAT CLAMPS DOWN TRAUMATIC BLEEDING
Haemorrhage is the loss of blood or blood escaping from the circulatory system. Bleeding can
occur internally, where blood leaks from blood vessels inside the body, or externally, either
through a natural opening such as the mouth, nose, ear, urethra, vagina or anus, or through a
break in the skin. Desanguination is a massive blood loss, and the complete loss of blood is
referred to as exsanguination.
If someone has been wounded and is bleeding, it is important to work quickly to control blood
loss, uncontrolled or severe bleeding can contribute to shock, circulatory disruption, or more
serious health consequences such as damage to tissues and major organs, which can lead to death
of the patient. The usual methods for the control of bleeding are applying firm pressure or use of
a tourniquet etc.
The scientists now designed a medical clamp that can stop traumatic wound bleeding in a matter
of seconds. This clamp seals the edges of a wound closed to create a temporary pool of blood
under pressure, which forms a stable clot that mitigates further blood loss. The clamp is useful
for smaller, cleaner wounds, as well as in places where tourniquets does not work (neck,
abdomen, and groin).The device helps medical people, soldiers and first responders to better treat
massive haemorrhage.
A NEW
DIMENSION IN BREAST CANCER DETECTION
Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer in females worldwide. Breast cancer is a kind
of cancer that develops from breast cells. Breast cancer usually starts off in the inner lining of
milk ducts or the lobules that supply them with milk. A malignant tumor can spread to other
parts of the body. A breast cancer that started off in the lobules is known as lobular carcinoma,
while one that developed from the ducts is called ductal carcinoma. The earlier breast cancer is
detected, the better it may be for the patient’s long-term health.
Mammography is an effective imaging tool for detecting breast cancer at an early stage and is the
only screening modality proved to reduce mortality from breast cancer. However, the overlap of
tissues depicted on mammograms may create significant obstacles to the detection and diagnosis
of abnormalities.
Breast tomosynthesis, a new tool that is based on the acquisition of three-dimensional digital
image data, could help solve the problem of interpreting mammographic features produced by
tissue overlap. The new system is a mammography device that provides digital 2D and 3D
images for the screening and diagnosis of breast cancer. It is comprised of hardware and software
upgrades, the hardware upgrades produces multiple, low-dose x-ray images of the breast; the
software upgrade uses the low-dose images to create cross-sectional (tomosynthesis) views
through the breast. . The screening examination will consist of a 2D image set or a 2D plus 3D
image set. 3D Mammography gives radiologists the ability to view inside the breast, layer by
layer, helping to see the fine details more clearly by minimizing overlapping tissue.
Tomosynthesis has comparable or superior image quality to that of film-screen mammography
and it has the potential to decrease the recall rate when used adjunctively with digital screening
mammography.
STENT DEVICE FOR TREATING ANEURYSMS
The aorta is the largest artery in the body and is the blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood
away from the heart to all parts of the body. An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal enlargement or
bulging of the wall of the aorta. An aneurysm can occur anywhere in the vascular tree. An aortic
aneurysm can occur as a result of trauma, infection, or, most commonly, from an intrinsic
abnormality in the elastin and collagen components of the aortic wall. In aneurysm, there is a
weak balloon-like bulge in the wall of the aorta.
Abdominal aortic aneurysms, the most common, occur in the section of the aorta that passes
through the abdomen. Thoracic aortic aneurysms occur in the portion of the aorta that passes
through the chest. Aneurysms are irreversible and the risk is that, as the aneurysm grows larger
over time, it will rupture, triggering massive internal bleeding, shock, and loss of consciousness.
Death is imminent in most of the cases. Screening for an aortic aneurysm, so that it may be
detected and treated prior to rupture, is the best way to reduce the overall mortality of the
disease.
The scientists now designed a modular stent device for the treatment of aneurysms that come
close to the renal artery. During the surgical procedure, a catheter is inserted through the femoral
artery in the leg and snaked up to the aneurysm, where it is positioned to release the stent graft
within the aorta. The underlying metallic stent portion of the fabric graft immediately expands
and holds it in place within the aorta, reducing pressure on the aorta. Blood flows through the
graft to arteries that go to the legs and, over time, the aneurysm eventually shrinks. The new
device is expected to reduce the mortality rate due to the condition, hospital stay of the patient
and it works as a lifesaving technique in patient with aneurisms.
VOLUNTARY RECALL OF BLOOD GLUCOSE TEST STRIPS
Glucose test strips are used to measure blood sugar levels. The U.S. Food and Drug
Administration is working with Nova Diabetes Care to recall 21 lots of glucose test strips
marketed under the brand names Nova Max Blood Glucose Test Strips. The test strips under
recall may report a false, abnormally high blood glucose result. Under certain conditions, a
false, abnormally high blood glucose level could result in an insulin dosing error, that may lead
to low blood glucose (hypoglycaemia) requiring the user to seek immediate medical attention.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------