Latest news with #cardiacsurgery
Arab News
5 days ago
- Health
- Arab News
Robotic-assisted implantation is world's first
RIYADH: King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Riyadh has performed the world's first implantation of two artificial pumps for biventricular support using robotic technology on a patient with advanced heart failure. The groundbreaking procedure opens new horizons in circulatory support techniques for patients with complex cardiac conditions and marks a medical achievement that culminated in the patient's recovery within a short period following the surgery. The procedure represents a major advance in the treatment of bilateral heart failure, which was traditionally performed through full sternotomy, an approach associated with higher surgical risks and prolonged recovery. However, the cardiac surgery team, led by Prof. Feras Khaliel, performed the operation through small incisions using remotely controlled high-precision robotic arms, resulting in reduced blood loss, lower risk of infection, and faster patient recovery. The milestone reflects the integration of expertise across multiple departments at the hospital, including cardiac surgery, cardiology, anesthesia, critical care, biomedical engineering, and advanced life support. The procedure was meticulously planned and benefited from 3D imaging technologies, real-time surgical navigation, and innovative solutions.
National Post
15-07-2025
- Health
- National Post
AtriCure Completes Enrollment in LeAAPS Clinical Trial for Stroke Prevention
Article content Article content for the over one million cardiac surgery patients globally without a preoperative Afib diagnosis Article content MASON, Ohio — AtriCure, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATRC), a leading innovator in surgical treatments for atrial fibrillation (Afib), left atrial appendage (LAA) management, and post-operative pain management, today announced the completion of enrollment in the left atrial appendage exclusion for prophylactic stroke reduction (LeAAPS) clinical trial (NCT05478304). Initiated in January 2023, LeAAPS enrolled 6,500 patients across 137 centers globally. Article content LeAAPS is a prospective, randomized, blinded, superiority, investigational device exemption (IDE) trial evaluating the AtriClip ® LAA Exclusion System for the prevention of ischemic stroke and systemic arterial embolism in cardiac surgery patients without a history of Afib—a large and often underserved population at elevated risk for these events. It is estimated that well over one million cardiac surgery procedures occur annually and more than 70% of these patients have no history of Afib before surgery. Article content 'The LeAAPS trial is a bold clinical evidence initiative that demonstrates AtriCure's unwavering commitment to improving care for cardiac surgery patients,' said Michael Carrel, President and CEO of AtriCure. 'The rapid pace of trial enrollment is a testament to the exceptional team of clinical trial investigators and broader clinician interest in changing the standard of care in cardiac surgery. LeAAPS presents an incredible opportunity to drive improved long-term outcomes for patients while significantly expanding our market leadership through the increased use of our AtriClip devices.' Article content Results of AtriCure's LeAAPS trial are expected to inform clinical practice and treatment guidelines for stroke prevention, using AtriClip platform technology, in patients undergoing planned cardiac surgery. The trial will continue with five years of follow-up to assess long-term outcomes. LeAAPS is being conducted in collaboration with the Population Health Research Institute (PHRI), affiliated with McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. PHRI brings extensive experience in designing and executing large-scale international clinical trials. Article content 'For decades, the medical community has sought to better understand the role of the LAA in stroke following cardiac surgery,' said Dr. Richard Whitlock, Cardiothoracic Surgeon at McMaster University and Global Principal Investigator for the trial. 'LeAAPS aims to deliver definitive evidence to guide optimal care for high-risk patients without Afib who may benefit from LAA exclusion.' Article content AtriCure first entered the LAA management market with FDA 510(k) clearance of the AtriClip System in 2010. Today, AtriClip devices are the most widely used LAA management device worldwide. The company plans to use LeAAPS data to support an expanded indication for stroke prevention in patients at elevated risk of ischemic stroke. Article content About AtriCure Article content AtriCure, Inc. provides innovative technologies for the treatment of Afib and related conditions. Afib affects more than 59 million people worldwide. Electrophysiologists, cardiothoracic and thoracic surgeons around the globe use AtriCure technologies for the treatment of Afib, reduction of Afib related complications, and post-operative pain management. AtriCure's Isolator ® Synergy™ Ablation System is the first medical device to receive FDA approval for the treatment of persistent and long-standing persistent Afib. AtriCure's AtriClip ® Left Atrial Appendage Exclusion System products are the most widely sold LAA management devices worldwide. AtriCure's Hybrid AF™ Therapy is a minimally invasive procedure that provides a lasting solution for long-standing persistent Afib patients. AtriCure's cryoICE cryoSPHERE ® probes are cleared for temporary ablation of peripheral nerves to block pain, providing pain relief in cardiac and thoracic procedures. For more information, visit or follow us on X @AtriCure. Article content Forward-Looking Statements Article content Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking in nature and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us. Actual results may differ materially from those projected by any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: our estimate of the market for our products; the rate and degree of market acceptance of our products; negative clinical data, including data that does not demonstrate sufficient safety and efficacy with respect to our products; the timing of and ability to obtain and maintain regulatory clearances and approvals for our products; our ability to comply with extensive FDA regulations; the timing of and ability to obtain third party payor reimbursement of procedures utilizing our products; the impact of tariffs or other restrictive trade measures; and litigation, administrative or other proceedings. These risks and uncertainties, as well as others, are discussed in greater detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ('SEC'), including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the SEC on February 14, 2025, and our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. There may be additional risks of which we are not presently aware or that we currently believe are immaterial which could have an adverse impact on our business. Any forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, estimates and assumptions regarding future events and are applicable only as of the dates of such statements. We make no commitment to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may change. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content
Daily Mail
19-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Doctors reveal the hidden dangers lurking in household staple used daily by nearly every American
It's a daily routine more than 200 millions Americans partake in, but a growing number of health experts are warning about the negative effects of mouthwash. While mouthwash is part of healthy oral hygiene recommended by dentists to reduce bacteria, prevent gum disease, fight bad breath, and strengthen teeth, not all solutions are equal. As well as killing off harmful bacteria, studies have shown that some mouthwashes contain ingredients such as chlorhexidine or alcohol, which can kill microbes that make nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a chemical produced when breaking down food, and its presence has been linked to improved blood pressure and better heart health. Experts have also suggested nitric oxide could help immune cells communicate - leading them to respond faster to an infection. It has also been claimed that it can improve muscle performance by allowing cells to work faster. Dr Jeremy London, who is based out of Georgia, also advises against using mouthwash. In a TikTok video, he explains that as a cardiac surgeon, it is the one household staple that he 'absolutely avoids'. Like Dr Kahng he warns that the breath-freshening agent can kill healthy bacteria that helps control your blood pressure. He points out that this can then have a knock-on effect, as high blood pressure 'is a risk factor for both strokes and heart attacks.' Dentists are also telling people to watch out for - and avoid - washes that contain alcohol. Alcohol is a common ingredient in mouthwashes as it helps to dissolve active ingredients like essential oils for plaque and gingivitis efficacy. But California-based dentist Dr Joyce Kahng says that popular brands with alcohol in them 'disrupt the oral microbiome' - the diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that live in the mouth and throat The alcohol content varies depending on the specific product, but it typically ranges from 14 percent to 27 percent by volume. Dr Kahng added in a TikTok that alcohol also dries out the mouth. When saliva production is reduced, it can cause discomfort, bad breath, and even contribute to other oral health issues. And for pregnant women, it's even more important to avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes as 'you are assumed to swallow around 15 percent of your oral hygiene products,' the dentist added. '[Some mouthwashes] have a higher alcohol content than wine,' she adds. Finally, Dr Kahng warns that many mouth washes are acidic, with pH levels ranging from three to six, which can be harmful to tooth enamel and gums, especially for those with receding gums or sensitivity. A pH below 5.5 is generally considered potentially erosive to teeth. To solve bad breath, Dr London suggests some alternatives to mouthwash, including flossing and tongue scraping. He tells viewers: 'Now look, using mouthwash is a personal choice. I did it for many years until I was educated. Your body, your choice. Inform yourself, understand the data and make good decisions.' Backing up Dr Kahng and Dr London's claims, in 2019 researchers at the University of Puerto Rico found that people who used mouthwash twice a day or more had a greater risk of having high blood pressure compared to less frequent users. And an earlier study, in 2017, by the same Puerto Rico-based research group found that overweight people using mouthwash at least twice daily had a 50 percent increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes over a three-year period compared to non-users. The researchers put this down to the fact that killing these key bacteria in the mouth reduces the body's ability to make nitric acid, a natural compound that plays a role in regulating insulin - the hormone that keeps blood sugar levels steady. Therefore, the destruction of this beneficial bacteria could lead to unstable blood sugar peaks and encourage the development of diabetes. And that's not the only potentially harmful side-effect of mouthwash. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Intensive Care Medicine found that antiseptic mouthwash used by patients who have been hospitalized may increase their risk of death from sepsis - this is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to an infection, leading to organ failure which can be fatal. Scientists aren't entirely sure what is behind the increased risk but suggest that killing the oral bacteria responsible for nitric acid production stops the body being able to absorb enough of this compound, which plays a key role in healthy circulation - and we know that circulation is one of the body systems that shuts down in sepsis. Last year, Listerine users sued the mouthwash's manufacturer Johnson & Johnson over claims it put them at risk of cancer. A previous study found the company's Cool Mint flavor mouthwash increased levels of mouth bacteria linked to throat and colon cancer. The $5 mouthwash tells consumers to use it for 30 seconds twice a day to kill 99.9 percent of all the bacteria in their mouth. But research suggests daily uses causes levels of two species of bacterium — Fusobacterium nucleatum and Streptococcus anginosus — to rise. These have been linked to cancer in the esophagus — the tube that connects the throat and the stomach — and in the colon. Researchers from the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Belgium also saw a decrease in a group of bacteria called Actinobacteria, which may protect against cancer by helping to reduce inflammation. A spokeswoman for Kenvue, formerly part of Johnson and Johnson, said in response to the findings that were published last year: 'Studies on the impact of Listerine on oral health have been published in hundreds of peer-reviewed publications for more than a century, making it one of the most extensively tested mouthwash brands in the world. 'We continuously evaluate the latest science and monitor safety signals to evaluate the benefit risk profile of our products.'
News.com.au
26-05-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
CFMEU administrator Mark Irving hospitalised, reportedly undergoes cardiac surgery
The man tasked with reforming the militant CFMEU union Mark Irving KC has been hospitalised after reportedly undergoing cardiac surgery. The 57-year-old underwent surgery due to a blocked artery, where surgeons inserted a stent to open the artery and ensure blood flow, The Australian reported on Monday. A spokesperson for the administration said Mr Irving was 'recovering well'. 'He is expected to return to work next week. The work of the administration is continuing,' he said. Newly installed Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth also shared her well wishes. 'I wish Mark all the best with his recovery and am reassured the administration's work will continue as planned until he returns,' she said. Mr Irving was appointed the role in August 2024 after the Albanese government placed the union's construction and general division into administration following several allegations of union official using standover tactics, violence and corruption. During his three-year term, he will receive a total salary package of $643,640 a year, or about $1.9m over his tenure. The fees will be paid by union member fees, with some union heavyweights opposing the forced takeover. In October, Nine newspapers reported Mr Irving had been subjected to death threats due to his work with the union, with a spokesperson for the administration saying it work 'will not be distracted or diverted'. Former CFMEU national chief Zach Smith also announced his departure from the union last week, a role he has held since March 2023. In a statement to members, Mr Smith said it was a 'time for tough decisions' and said he could not 'do justice' as both national secretary and as the acting Victorian branch secretary, previously held by disgraced union boss John Setka. He also described the administration as a 'tough chapter' in the CFMEU's 'proud history 'I have also decided that while I am willing to take responsibility for decision I make, I cannot be asked to take responsibility for decisions that are not mine,' he said.
Medscape
23-05-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Paravertebral Blocks Cut Opioid Use After Peds Heart Surgery
In children undergoing cardiac surgery by thoracotomy, paravertebral blocks with ropivacaine reduced opioid consumption by nearly half within 24 hours after surgery compared with local anesthetic, while also reducing pain scores at 6 and 12 hours after the operation. However, the approach did not speed recovery from the procedure. METHODOLOGY: Researchers conducted a randomized double-blind trial to compare the efficacy of paravertebral blocks and local anesthetic for postoperative pain relief in children recovering from thoracotomies for cardiac surgery. They enrolled 100 children aged 6-14 years (mean age, 7 years; 43% boys) with atrial or ventricular septal defects who were scheduled to undergo cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass via thoracotomy at a Chinese hospital between March and August 2024. All patients received a paravertebral block and wound infiltration. They were randomly assigned to one of two groups: One received a paravertebral block at the T4-T5 level with 3 mg/kg of 0.375% ropivacaine after surgery, with saline as a placebo for wound infiltration (n = 50). The other received local wound infiltration with the same dosage of ropivacaine bilaterally at the incision and drainage sites, with saline as a placebo for the block (n = 50). The primary outcome was total opioid (sufentanil) consumption within 24 hours after surgery. Pain intensity was self-reported at 6-hour intervals using the Faces Pain Scale–Revised (FPS-R) for children, scored from 0 (no pain) to 10 (severe pain). TAKEAWAY: Children who received paravertebral blocks consumed significantly lower sufentanil within 24 hours after surgery than those who received local anesthetic wound infiltration (mean consumption, 0.3 vs 0.6 μg/kg; P = .004). = .004). Pain scores were lower among children who received paravertebral blocks than among those who received local anesthetic wound infiltration, with the most significant and clinically meaningful reduction observed at 6 hours after surgery (mean FPS-R score, 1.7 vs 3.3; P < .001 ). The scores were comparable between groups at 24 hours. < .001 ). The scores were comparable between groups at 24 hours. The two groups showed no significant differences in the duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation, stay in the intensive care unit, or hospitalization. No patients in either group experienced a paravertebral hematoma, vascular or neurologic injuries, or hypotension. The rates of postoperative nausea and vomiting were similar between the two groups. IN PRACTICE: 'Paravertebral blocks reduced sufentanil consumption and pain during the initial 18 hours after pediatric cardiac surgery but did not speed recovery or shorten ICU stays or the duration of hospitalization,' the researchers reported. SOURCE: This study was led by Jingfei Guo and Yuan Jia, from Fuwai Hospital in Beijing, China. It was published online on May 14, 2025, in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine . LIMITATIONS: Sufentanil was administered by nurses, which may not have been titrated precisely as per the needs of the patient. The researchers did not differentiate between pain evoked by movement, which is usually worse, from pain at rest. DISCLOSURES: This study received support from National High-Level Hospital Clinical Research Funding from Fuwai Hospital. The authors declared having no competing interests.
