Eighteen years ago, orthopedic surgeon William Bargar, M.D. made history when, at Sutter General Hospital in Sacramento, he performed the first-ever hip replacement using a robotic device he developed called ROBODOC, which improves precision in joint replacement surgery. Warren Roberts of Davis was among Dr. Bargar’s first patients; in 1995, he underwent replacement of his left hip as a part of an FDA study using ROBODOC.

On May 26, Dr. Bargar made history again as he performed joint replacement surgery on Roberts’ right hip at Sutter General Hospital with the new-generation ROBODOC Surgical System, recently approved by the FDA for total hip arthroplasty procedures. The new ROBODOC Surgical System, which provides a higher level of precision and accuracy than is possible with the conventional technique, is the only “active” robotic system cleared by the FDA for orthopedic surgery.

The ROBODOC Surgical System has been used in more than 24,000 procedures worldwide, but Roberts’ surgery marks the first commercial use of the device in the United States since FDA clearance. Sutter General will become a demonstration site for ROBODOC as it begins to be used by other U.S. surgeons.

After the original surgery 15 years ago, Roberts’ left hip is still working well, demonstrating the longevity of the surgical procedure and implant. “It was like being born again,” said Roberts, 68, the former superintendent of the UC Davis Arboretum, of the first ROBODOC surgery. “The years of pain fell away.” Read the rest of this entry »


Americans’ confidence in their ability to access and pay for healthcare bounced back in April after dipping in February and March, according to a new consumer sentiment index from Thomson Reuters.

“We’re seeing a bit of volatility so far in 2010 — optimism tempered by uncertainty regarding the economy and the future of the healthcare system,” said Gary Pickens, chief research officer at Thomson Reuters.

The Consumer Healthcare Sentiment Index found that confidence increased two points from 97 in March to 99 in April, a statistically significant change.

The index, which is based on the Thomson Reuters PULSE(TM) Healthcare Survey, has two parts. A retrospective component gauges respondents’ experiences during the past three months. A prospective component gauges their expectations for the coming three months.

In April, respondents expressed growing optimism in their ability to access and pay for healthcare services in the next three months — resulting in the prospective consumer healthcare outlook climbing from 96 to 100. The retrospective picture was mixed: people were increasingly likely to postpone or delay care even as health insurance coverage improved.

“The index gauges the current use of medical services and predicts future healthcare utilization, making it an important indicator and guide for healthcare organizations,” Pickens said. Read the rest of this entry »


Childhood Obesity: It’s More Than the Number on a Scale

  • Author: Health Informer
  • Filed under: Health News
  • Date: May 27,2010

Parents are key in changing the lifestyles of the future generation

The first lady has kicked off a national campaign that charges young Americans to “get up and move,” changing the life goals of the newest generation. While the campaign and message are a strong effort, a national epidemic can only be changed with a personal choice to live better. It all starts with one parent, one effort, to take the time to live healthier, to want your children to live healthier. It’s more than the number on a scale; it’s a way of life.

“Children are young, impressionable individuals echoing the behaviors of their older generation role models,” said Kimberly Dennis, M.D., Medical Director at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, a leader in treatment for anorexia nervosa, bulimia, compulsive overeating and binge eating disorders. “Kids follow by example and unhealthy lifestyles from a guiding counterpart can set a precedent for how they are to act in the future, but so can the way we speak to our children about their bodies. Healthy eating is not something that should be stressed once the number on a scale reaches a high level, but for all children at all body sizes.” Read the rest of this entry »


New, Proprietary Volcano Device Uniquely Integrates Real-Time IVUS and Balloon Dilatation Therapy

Volcano Corporation announced that it has received CE Mark approval for the VIBE(TM) RX Vascular Imaging Balloon Catheter. The company also announced that it has completed its first clinical cases with the VIBE(TM) RX in New Zealand. A single VIBE(TM) RX Catheter can quickly access, prepare, and assess challenging lesions. IVUS guidance provides precise, targeted balloon dilatation with immediate confirmation of interventional results.

“VIBE(TM) RX represents the first of what we believe will be many Volcano image-guided therapy devices designed to allow physicians to see more detail right at the point of the therapy,” commented Scott Huennekens, President and Chief Executive Officer of Volcano. “Although our initial focus is on cardiovascular applications, we believe that this platform can and will be leveraged to many other applications throughout the body. We plan to pursue this broader platform expansion through our internal development and through partnerships with other device manufacturers. Volcano is well-positioned to lead this movement in combining therapy and on-board imaging.” Read the rest of this entry »


Categories

Archives

Blogroll

Meta