Editor's Note Human trials may begin soon on patients in the UK using tiny, folding brain implants that could improve epilepsy surgery, according to an article published August 12 in The Telegraph. Developed by scientists at Oxford and Cambridge, who published their research in the journal Nature Communications, the implants…

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Editor's Note Combining dexterity and cost-effectiveness, handheld robotic devices offer potential to bridge the gap between traditional laparoscopy and more expensive robotic platforms, researchers concluded August 8 in the journal Surgery. The mini-review of clinical trials covered clinical applications of three handheld robotic devices: the HandX powered laparoscopic instrument from…

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Editor's Note MD Anderson Cancer Center shared insights on overcoming OR capacity challenges during a session at last year’s OR Manager Conference that highlighted creative solutions to staffing shortages and capacity constraints. With the ongoing pressures exacerbated by COVID-19, which is hitting a peak this summer, MD Anderson has implemented…

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Editor's Note A newly developed biomaterial could treat crippling arthritis by prompting the growth of new cartilage, according to an animal study conducted at Northwestern University and published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. According to an August 6 article by U.S. News and World Report, the…

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Editor's Note In a first step toward battery-free wearable electronics, researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a healthcare device powered by the patient's body heat. According to an article published July 16 in MedicalXpress, the device combines a pulse oximetry sensor with a flexible, stretchable thermoelectric energy generator made…

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One privilege of living at this time in history is the availability of choice, especially for health and surgical needs. Those who make healthcare their business understand this as well. According to Tanna et al, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) are spreading to rural areas, hospitals are creating hybrid outpatient surgery…

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Takeaways Transmitting health metrics directly from a surgical implant reduces the need for in-person followup and offers more objective data on recovery than patient-reported measures. This technology’s potential extends beyond knees. Whatever the nature of the treatment, postop monitoring is critical. Patient education is essential for setting up the data…

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I still recall being handed roughly 10 boxes of suture anchors to practice with years ago at New York University (NYU) medical school. “Aren’t these needed here?” I asked incredulously. “Not at all,” came the answer, despite a hefty price tag of $1,000 per box. In fact, getting the suture…

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Editor's Note An increasing number of young and middle-aged adults are opting for knee and hip replacements earlier in life, breaking the stereotype that such surgeries are primarily for seniors aged 65 or older. That is according to a July 24 article in U.S. News & World Report. Citing research…

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Editor's Note The medical 3D printing market is expected to double from $2 billion in 2022 to $4 billion by 2026, driven by customization, lower costs, and quick turnarounds, according to analysis from GlobalData. In a July 24 report on the analysis, Medical Device Network outlined this growth as well…

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