Surgeon

Elon Musk says ‘disc replacement’ worked for him. But evidence this surgery helps chronic pain is lacking

Retrieved on: 
Mardi, avril 23, 2024
Uncertainty, Chronic pain, Biography, Exercise, Infection, Patient, Research, Neck pain, Spinal fusion, Low back pain, Surgeon, Leg, Clinical trial, Back pain, Fracture, Ketamine, Spine, Pain, Elon Musk, Musk, Movement, Neck, Dentistry

In comments following the post, Musk said the surgery was a “gamechanger” and reduced his pain significantly.

Key Points: 
  • In comments following the post, Musk said the surgery was a “gamechanger” and reduced his pain significantly.
  • So what is disc replacement surgery and what does the evidence tells us about its benefits and harms?

What’s involved in a disc replacement?

  • Disc replacement may be performed for a number of reasons, including slipped discs in the neck, as appears to be the case for Musk.
  • In Australia, even if you have health insurance, a disc replacement surgery may leave you more than A$12,000 out of pocket.
  • Disc replacement surgery is not performed as much as other spinal surgeries (for example, spinal fusion) but its use is increasing.
  • In New South Wales for example, rates of privately-funded disc replacement increased six-fold from 6.2 per million people in 2010–11 to 38.4 per million in 2019–20.

What are the benefits and harms?

  • But there has been very little research comparing disc replacement surgery with non-surgical treatments.
  • Unfortunately, these crucial first research steps have largely been skipped for disc replacement surgery for both neck and back pain.
  • There are no clinical trials we know of investigating whether disc replacement is effective for neck pain compared to nothing or compared to non-surgical treatments.
  • Complications are not uncommon, and can include disclocation of the artificial disc, fracture (break) of the artificial disc, and infection.
  • Revision surgery means a re-do to the primary surgery if something needs fixing.

Are there effective alternatives?

  • Many surgeons see disc replacement as an alternative to spinal fusion, and this choice is often presented to patients.
  • Indeed, the research evidence used to support disc replacement mainly comes from studies that compare disc replacement to spinal fusion.
  • Fortunately for patients, there are new, non-surgical treatments for neck and back pain that evidence is showing are effective – and are far cheaper than surgery.
  • Christine Lin receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), and Medical Research Future Fund.
  • Christopher Maher receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), and Medical Research Future Fund.

The world’s oldest conjoined twins have died – what we know about this rare condition

Retrieved on: 
Vendredi, avril 19, 2024
Twin, Brain, Gene, MRI, Growth, Surgeon, Magnetic resonance, Conjoined twins, The Royal Court, Ageing, Abdomen, Hospital, Female, History, Child, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Death, Pregnancy, Life, Royal, Magnetic resonance imaging, Thalamus, Skull, Liver, Medical imaging

The world’s oldest conjoined twins, Lori and George Schappell, recently died, aged 62.

Key Points: 
  • The world’s oldest conjoined twins, Lori and George Schappell, recently died, aged 62.
  • Conjoined twins are incredibly rare, accounting for about one or two in every 100,000 births.
  • Because conjoined twins are so rare, it is difficult to know exactly how they come about.

Types of conjoined twins

  • There are 15 recognised types of conjoined twins, based on the various places their bodies fuse.
  • Conjoined twins are usually picked up on routine ultrasound scans performed during pregnancy.
  • Conjoined twins who are diagnosed by imaging are typically delivered by caesarean section.

Separating twins

  • One of the longest operations to separate conjoined twins, who were fused at the cranium, took more than 100 hours.
  • The earliest recorded attempt at surgical separation of conjoined twins dates back to AD945 in Armenia where conjoined brothers lived until middle age before one of them died.
  • Separating conjoined twins requires a significant amount of planning before surgery can begin, including, of course, lots of imaging such as ultrasound, CT and MRI.
  • Twins who share vital organs – or whose organs are fused – have a lower chance of a successful separation.


Adam Taylor does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Hannibal AI Announces Diverse Suite of Artificial Intelligence Solutions

Retrieved on: 
Mardi, avril 2, 2024
Element, SOC, Autonomy, ROI, Smartphone, Documentation, Entrepreneurship, Binder, Intelligence, AI, House, Surgeon, HIPAA, Apple Store, EHR, SOC 2, Partnership, Customer service

Atlanta, Georgia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 1, 2024) - Hannibal AI announces the launch of its diverse suite of artificial intelligence solutions designed to streamline supply chain logistics, automate data analytics, and create new paradigms in customer engagement.

Key Points: 
  • Atlanta, Georgia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 1, 2024) - Hannibal AI announces the launch of its diverse suite of artificial intelligence solutions designed to streamline supply chain logistics, automate data analytics, and create new paradigms in customer engagement.
  • The Atlanta-based AI solutions provider, led by Paul Wallace (CEO and Co-Founder), Levi Perkins (CTO and Co-Founder), and Georgii Speakman (Senior Partner), has launched over three AI solutions: OrthoScribe AI for medical dictation, Autonomous Recruiter AI for employee recruitment, and House Binder AI for a comprehensive chronicle of home assets.
  • Hannibal AI aims to understand the unique challenges and aspirations of each business and founder they innovate for.
  • "We strike the perfect balance between cutting-edge technology and a deep understanding of the human elements driving business success," explains Paul Wallace, CEO of Hannibal AI.

Longeveron Issues Letter to Shareholders Highlighting Corporate Strategy, Clinical Pipeline and 2024 Key Priorities and Goals

Retrieved on: 
Lundi, avril 8, 2024
SOC, CDMO, Orphan drug, Letter, Cell, Science, Bone marrow, Disease, Partnership, Caregiver, Hypoplastic left heart syndrome, Patient, Fast Track, Research, Microsoft Exchange Server, Standard of care, Security (finance), CLEAR, Surgeon, Regenerative medicine, FDA, BLA, Development, Pharmaceutical industry

MIAMI, April 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Longeveron Inc. (NASDAQ: LGVN), a clinical stage biotechnology company developing regenerative medicines, today announced that the Company’s CEO, Wa’el Hashad, issued the following letter to Longeveron shareholders.

Key Points: 
  • MIAMI, April 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Longeveron Inc. (NASDAQ: LGVN), a clinical stage biotechnology company developing regenerative medicines, today announced that the Company’s CEO, Wa’el Hashad, issued the following letter to Longeveron shareholders.
  • Today, I am excited to update you on our overall strategy, business objectives, approach to capital allocation, and 2024 key priorities and goals.
  • Our focus remains steadfast on raising the funds necessary to continue our operations and delivering transformative solutions to patients and creating sustainable value for our shareholders.
  • In 2024, we are focusing our efforts on two of our most promising programs: Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS); and Alzheimer’s Disease.

TELA Bio Welcomes Acclaimed Surgeon as Vice President of Medical Affairs and Surgeon Strategy

Retrieved on: 
Lundi, avril 8, 2024
Surgeon, Plastic, Associate, Education, Matrix, National Cancer Institute, Bellevue Hospital, MD Anderson Cancer Center, NYU, University, General surgery, Surgical oncology, Health, FACS, Dentistry

MALVERN, Pa., April 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TELA Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ: TELA), a commercial-stage medical technology company focused on providing innovative soft-tissue reconstruction solutions, today announced Howard N. Langstein, MD, FACS, as Vice President of Medical Affairs and Surgeon Strategy.

Key Points: 
  • MALVERN, Pa., April 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TELA Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ: TELA), a commercial-stage medical technology company focused on providing innovative soft-tissue reconstruction solutions, today announced Howard N. Langstein, MD, FACS, as Vice President of Medical Affairs and Surgeon Strategy.
  • Dr. Langstein is the former Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Rochester Medical Center, known for his extensive expertise, especially in microvascular reconstruction and innovative approaches to complex surgical problems.
  • “With more than 30 years of experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery, I understand the needs and challenges in this space,” said Dr. Langstein.
  • "We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Langstein to our team," said Paul Talmo, Chief Technology Officer of TELA Bio.

Smith+Nephew signs exclusive distribution agreement to provide unique NAVBIT SPRINT™ solution in Australia

Retrieved on: 
Lundi, avril 8, 2024
Surgeon, Orthopedic surgery, Science, Partnership, Risk, International, Dislocation, SVP, Patient, Hospital, Registry, Senior, SPRINT, SNN, Elective surgery, THA

Compact, single-use, and simple-to-use technology offers surgeons a fast, reliable navigation solution for hip arthroplasty

Key Points: 
  • Compact, single-use, and simple-to-use technology offers surgeons a fast, reliable navigation solution for hip arthroplasty
    Smith+Nephew (LSE:SN, NYSE:SNN), the global medical technology company, announced an agreement with NAVBIT to exclusively distribute the NAVBIT SPRINT™ in Australia during the recent Australian Orthopedics Association COE Meeting in Sydney.
  • This exclusive distribution builds upon the agreement Smith+Nephew announced for Japan in April 2023.
  • Lynette Walter, NAVBIT’s CEO said, “We are absolutely delighted to expand our partnership with Smith+Nephew into the Australian market.
  • Today we have higher expectations around the accuracy and precision of our surgery,” said Professor Bill Walter, Orthopaedic Surgeon and Founder of NAVBIT.

OrthoPediatrics Corp. to Highlight its Pediatric Scoliosis Solutions at 8th Annual International Children’s Spine Symposium (ICSS)

Retrieved on: 
Jeudi, avril 4, 2024
ICSS, Patient, Orthopediatrics, Hospital, Rib, Cadaver, Surgeon, CME, Scoliosis, Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, Elective surgery, Nursing

WARSAW, Ind., April 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OrthoPediatrics Corp. (“OrthoPediatrics”) (NASDAQ: KIDS), a company focused exclusively on advancing the field of pediatric orthopedics, today announced it will attend the 8th Annual International Children’s Spine Symposium (ICSS), which will take place April 5th and 6th in Denver, Colorado.

Key Points: 
  • WARSAW, Ind., April 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OrthoPediatrics Corp. (“OrthoPediatrics”) (NASDAQ: KIDS), a company focused exclusively on advancing the field of pediatric orthopedics, today announced it will attend the 8th Annual International Children’s Spine Symposium (ICSS), which will take place April 5th and 6th in Denver, Colorado.
  • The meeting, put on by the Armstrong Children’s Orthopedic Alliance, offers a comprehensive program of lectures given by an outstanding, international faculty and cadaver labs centered on the cervical spine, lumbo-sacral junction, neuromonitoring, and various aspects of scoliosis.
  • We consider ICSS to be an interactive forum that allows us to engage with pediatric orthopedic fellows and attending surgeons and train on the latest technologies and surgical techniques.
  • The symposium is always well attended and receives great feedback from attendees, so I am looking forward to this being another productive event.”

Brainlab and Fujifilm Integrate Cutting-Edge Technology, Offering Advanced Capabilities to Neurosurgery Clinicians in the U.S.

Retrieved on: 
Jeudi, avril 4, 2024
Element, MRI, Surgeon, Brain, Digital, Patient, Brainlab, Neurosurgery, Neoplasm, Imri, Data, FDA, Health, Medical imaging

ARIETTA Precision , in conjunction with a Brainlab surgical navigation system , becomes a powerful intraoperative neurosurgery solution, delivering advanced guidance and image quality for critical surgical decisions.

Key Points: 
  • ARIETTA Precision , in conjunction with a Brainlab surgical navigation system , becomes a powerful intraoperative neurosurgery solution, delivering advanced guidance and image quality for critical surgical decisions.
  • Together, the systems serve as a deeply integrated end-to-end solution providing comprehensive intraoperative information leveraging the best of both worlds in imaging and navigation.
  • This combined solution is expected to be FDA cleared and available in the United States in mid-2024.
  • * The combination of these technologies provides neurosurgeons with real-time insights through live intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) during neurosurgical procedures.

EyePoint Pharmaceuticals Expands Scientific Advisory Board with World-Renowned Retina Specialists

Retrieved on: 
Mardi, avril 2, 2024
Patient, MIB, ARI, Therapy, AAO, Research, Surgeon, Thomas Jefferson University, German Research Foundation, Chairperson, American Diabetes Association, Macular degeneration, SAB, FACS, Food, Cornell University, Empire, University, Castle Connolly Medical, Laborie (company), Publication, Emerita, AMD, FDA, Cochrane (organisation), Moorfields Eye Hospital, American Academy, Most, Consultant, Physician, Royal college, Diabetic retinopathy, Commander, Pharmaceutical industry

WATERTOWN, Mass., April 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYPT), a company committed to developing and commercializing therapeutics to improve the lives of patients with serious retinal diseases, today announced the appointment of leading global ophthalmologists to its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), co-chaired by Carl Regillo M.D., FACS, Chief of the Retina Service at Wills Eye Hospital and Charles Wykoff, M.D., Ph.D., Director of Research of Retina Consultants of Texas. The SAB additions include Usha Chakravarthy, M.B.B.S., Ph.D.; Allen Ho, M.D. FACS FASRS, and Frank Holz, M.D., F.E.B.O., F.A.R.V.O. These three world-renowned retinal specialists will support advancement of the Company’s global clinical strategy ahead of the anticipated initiation of its Phase 3 pivotal trials in wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) in the second half of this year. Additionally, the Company announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has conditionally accepted the trade name, DURAVYUTM (vorolanib intravitreal insert) for the Company’s lead product candidate, EYP-1901.

Key Points: 
  • “The SAB’s strategic counsel, global expertise, and scientific knowledge will be incredibly valuable during this critical time in EyePoint’s growth and expansion.
  • Dr. Chakravarthy has authored or co-authored over 400 publications, and she is invited to lecture in the UK and abroad.
  • FACS FASRS is Attending Surgeon, Director of Retina Research and Co-Director of the Retina Service of Wills Eye Hospital and Professor of Ophthalmology at Thomas Jefferson University.
  • He is a Board Member of the German Ophthalmological Society, and of the Club Jules Gonin and is past president of EURETINA.

Largest Gift in SWBC History Makes Significant Impact on Pediatric Patients Needing Surgical Care

Retrieved on: 
Lundi, avril 1, 2024
Neurology, Rotation, Patient, SAN, History, Acquisition, SWBC, Insurance, Surgeon, Movement, Credit union, Medical device

The da Vinci Xi will be used across a spectrum of minimally invasive surgical procedures and is optimized for multi-quadrant surgeries.

Key Points: 
  • The da Vinci Xi will be used across a spectrum of minimally invasive surgical procedures and is optimized for multi-quadrant surgeries.
  • The unit provides 360-degree rotation and can operate on the smallest of patients without big incisions.
  • This gift is SWBC’s most significant donation in its history and comes as the company celebrates its 48th year in business.
  • “The SWBC Foundation’s gift of the da Vinci Xi robot at CHRISTUS Children’s has transformed the surgical care of our patients,” said Ian Thompson, CHRISTUS Children’s Foundation president and chief development officer.