Scottsdale Healthcare is only Arizona hospital, 1 of 35 worldwide in clinical study
Scottsdale Healthcare is the only Arizona hospital system testing a new under-the-skin device that uses an electrical shock to interrupt possibly fatal heart rhythms, restoring a normal heartbeat for patients at high risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
The first Arizona patient received the device Thursday at Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Medical Center. Scottsdale Healthcare is the only Phoenix area hospital and one of only 35 in the world participating in the study.
The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD) uses life-saving electrical impulses under the skin near the heart, instead of placing electrical wires through veins to access the heart used in conventional methods.
Clinical trials to study the S-ICD’s safety and effectiveness are underway at Scottsdale Healthcare under the guidance of Thomas Mattioni, MD, medical director of electrophysiology.
“The S-ICD is unique because it is implanted entirely under the skin and does not need wire placement inside the heart, which should simplify surgery and eliminate the need for x-rays, reducing patient exposure to radiation,” says Dr. Mattioni.
“This could be a big step forward in improving the safety of a well-established and highly effective therapy,” he says Dr. Mattioni.
Potential patients will be screened to determine eligibility for the device study at Scottsdale Healthcare. Those with implanted conventional ICDs are not eligible, unless removal of that ICD is required for other reasons, explains Dr. Mattioni. Read the rest of this entry »
World-class doctors, scientists and parents discuss the latest research, treatment options for autism spectrum disorders Second in a series of live, call-in shows on autism connects listeners from across the country with extraordinary lineup of experts
SIRIUS XM Radio announced that it will broadcast Doctor Radio Reports: Understanding Autism – Looking for Answers, a live, two-hour call-in show hosted by veteran journalist Perri Peltz on which a panel of world-class doctors, experts, scientists and parents of affected children will explore the latest research and treatment options for autism and disorders on the autism spectrum and take calls from listeners across the country.
Doctor Radio Reports: Understanding Autism – Looking for Answers will air live Friday, August 6 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm ET on Doctor Radio, SIRIUS channel 114 and XM channel 119. It will replay Saturday, August 7 from 12:00 – 2:00 pm ET and Sunday, August 8 from 8:00 – 10:00 pm ET. Topics include the role technology plays in helping individuals with autism better communicate and interact socially, the latest advancements in early screenings and genetic research, and advice for parents of affected children. The panel of experts will be taking questions throughout the entire two-hour show – listeners are encouraged to call 1-877-NYU-DOCS (I-877-698-3627) or email docs@siriusxm.com with their questions. Read the rest of this entry »
- Author: Health Informer
- Filed under: Health News
- Date: Aug 5,2010
Landmark Bill Would Create National Patient Registry, Increase Public Awareness of Deadly Lung Disease; House bill has 136 co-sponsors
The Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis (CPF) announced today the Pulmonary Fibrosis Research Enhancement Act (PFREA) has been introduced by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) in the U.S. Senate. The bill will fund the creation of a national Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF) patient registry, and call on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand and intensify PF research efforts. The companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives has been gaining steady momentum with 136 bipartisan co-sponsors to date.
The PFREA represents the first Congressional legislation to increase federal funding of PF – a progressive and ultimately fatal disease affecting more than 128,000 Americans. The PFREA was introduced in the House in early 2009 by Congressmen Brian Baird (D-WA) and Congressman Mike Castle (R-DE), who have each lost family members to the disease.
PF claims the lives of 40,000 Americans each year – the same number as breast cancer – and kills an estimated two-thirds of patients within five years of diagnosis. There is no known cause, no FDA approved treatment and no cure for PF. For more information on PF, visit www.coalitionforpf.org.
“Pulmonary Fibrosis has devastated so many families across the country, and we need to do everything we can to eradicate this terrible disease once and for all,” said Senator Patty Murray. “I was proud to work with Senator Crapo and Representative Baird to introduce this critical bill that would create a National PF Education and Awareness Plan and national PF patient registry. And I am going to keep working to pass this bill and help PF patients and their families.” Read the rest of this entry »
- Author: Health Informer
- Filed under: Health News
- Date: Aug 4,2010
The Pew Prescription Project, joined by major consumer, physician and chemical manufacturer groups, today announced support for a new bill that would give the FDA much-needed authorities to better protect pharmaceutical supply chains. The organizations made the announcement in a joint letter to Congress and during an audio news conference with Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO), who will introduce this drug safety legislation.
Consumers face a surge in drug recalls, with a 400 percent increase in 2009 compared with the previous year. This year, the trend has continued with the high-profile voluntary recall of over 130 million bottles of over-the-counter children’s drugs.
To boost consumer protections against adulterated drugs, the proposed legislation would establish quality standards for the FDA, drug companies and their contractors, who are increasingly based overseas, where safeguards may be lower than in the U.S. The legislation also would improve the federal government’s tracking systems of manufacturing sites. The FDA has recently signaled it will strengthen inspection and quality requirements for drug makers who outsource to suppliers and suggested the agency should have the authority, currently lacking, to require a company to recall drugs that have been found to be contaminated or unsafe.
In the wake of more than 100 U.S. deaths associated with contaminated heparin from China, Americans’ trust in imported drugs has been badly shaken. A survey commissioned this spring by the Pew Prescription Project found an overwhelming majority of Americans — 94 percent — support giving the FDA authority to recall drugs when they are found unsafe or contaminated. This poll of likely voters found that 70 percent of respondents have little or no confidence that drugs manufactured in China are free from contamination and safe for Americans and 54 percent expressed the same concern about drugs manufactured in India. The bipartisan polling was conducted by Hart Research Associates and Public Opinion Strategies. Read the rest of this entry »