Internet and Technology

Each year, millions of people are affected by ventricular arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats. If left untreated, fast or irregular heartbeats can lead to sudden cardiac death, a condition that kills about 300,000 people in the United States each year,1 more than lung cancer, breast cancer and HIV/AIDS combined.2,3

The key to preventing an arrhythmia from becoming a serious health issue is knowing the warning signs, seeing a doctor for recommended tests to determine if your heart is beating irregularly and receiving an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillator (CRT-D) if an arrhythmia is detected.

Symptoms of rapid heart beating, also called ventricular tachycardia, can include palpitations, rapid heart beats, chest pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting or near fainting if the heart is beating too fast to circulate blood effectively. If you experience any of these symptoms, visit a doctor to determine if your condition requires treatment.

ICDs and CRT-Ds Effectively Treat Fast or Irregular Heartbeats

For the past 30 years, ICDs, or small, pocket-sized computers inserted directly under the skin in the upper chest, have been saving lives by delivering a lifesaving shock or painless pacing to stop life-threatening fast or irregular heartbeats. While the majority of shocks delivered are necessary to treat potentially fatal arrhythmias, studies estimate that up to 20 percent of patients with implantable defibrillators may experience inappropriate shocks in response to a benign arrhythmia or electrical noise sensed by the device.4,5,6,7

Protecta XT and ProtectaTM: The Latest Innovation to Reduce Inappropriate Shocks

Medtronics new Protecta portfolio of implantable defibrillators includes exclusive features to reduce inappropriate shocks. With SmartShock Technology, six Medtronic-exclusive algorithms distinguish between life-threatening and non life-threatening arrhythmias and electrical noise within the device system and deliver lifesaving shock therapy.

“With the advanced technology now available, I know Im providing my patients with the best care for their heart and also offering them increased peace of mind,” said Hafiza Khan, M.D., electrophysiologist at The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano. “This new technologys proven ability to virtually eliminate inappropriate shock will significantly improve my patients confidence and quality of life.”

With the introduction of the Protecta portfolio, patients with an arrhythmia can now continue to live an active life without the worry of their heart condition. To learn more about implantable cardiac devices and the conditions they treat, visit: www dot medtronic dot com.

Some people are probably uncomfortable whenever they are told to collect their stool and urine for laboratory examination.  So how much more do you think those who get to examine other people’s excretions as part of their work feel?   This profession as “waste examiner” may not be something an ordinary person may want to do everyday.  But bear in mind that these professionals are much needed in the field of medicine and even in crime laboratories.

Just like in any other medical profession, it requires years of study, training, and a lifetime of learning and dedication as well.  This study is known as Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology.

Medical Technology can be considered one of the most underrated professions.  There is more to being a medical technologist than collecting blood, urine, and stool samples.  They also spend the rest of their time examining those specimens and producing reports for doctors to base their diagnoses on.

Blood samples are collected for various purposes, depending on the request of the physician.  For instance, a procedure called CBC (complete blood count) can be used to determine if a patient has enough leukocytes and erythrocytes.  Many diseases can be determined through blood analysis.

Medical technologists are faced with offensive odors as part of their job.  Stool analysis, for example, can help determine presence of parasites in the intestinal tract.  Urinalysis (urine analysis), on the other hand, can determine the amount of uric acid in the urine, as well as detect certain kinds of urinary infections.

A medical technologist is not confined to being an examiner of grime and gore.  They serve as aides to physicians in terms of providing accurate diagnoses and effective modes of treatment.  The role they play is vital not only in the area of treating diseases.  A bulk of the data that they obtain is used in medical researches.  For instance, one seemingly insignificant laboratory finding could lead to the development of a cure for a deadly disease.

Article by iguidebkk

Thailand is now gearing up for the development of medical service to be converted into one of the best medical centers in the world. The country is ready to offer keen visitors not merely high-standard health-related service and medical advancement but also the Thais’ kindness and service-orientated mind. This makes Thailand more than prepared to become the medical hub of the world. At present, Thailand is thinking of not only promoting medical tourism, magnetizing millions of visitors each year by providing low-priced medical care. Today, the country attempts to step into the forefront of the hospitality and healthcare industries with the objective of becoming one of the best medical hubs in the world.

Apart from ancient heritages, breathtaking temples and palaces, wonderful beaches, friendly people and delectable cuisines, people from all corners of the world come to Thailand to avail of its medical service. Hospitals and services that abound in the country are on par with the world’s best with their skilled doctors, medical staff and up-to-date technologies. As a result of the country’s capable medical personnel, good basic infrastructure, the quality of life of foreigners in Thailand and the credibility of medical trials, the transformation of Thailand into the medical hub of the world is not too far from the reality!

What is more, with the constant growth of health-related research and medical technology innovation,Thailand is soon to become the fantastic venue for discerning foreigners both to obtain first-class medical care and to seek sound medical investment opportunities. Today, Thailand has apparently become a medical hub for patients from the United States, Europe, the surrounding countries and the Middle East including the United Arab Emirates. The country has a universal health program with more than 600 accredited hospitals and 400 medical facilities which are globally well-known for their adeptness.

Interestingly, overseas patients who aspire to recover from illnesses can enjoy magnificent sightseeing and travel, soft adventure options, sports and activities that Thailand can offer. Some lifestyle centers, spas, golf courses and accommodations will be helpful not only to the would-be patients but also to their accompanying friends and family. In Bangkok, patients can also marvel at a choice of health and beauty like aesthetic centers, wellness centers, lasik centers, plastic surgery centers and dental clinics which are the unique experience in the city. (Patients can find out more details on http://www.iguidebangkok.com)

The “Land of Smiles” can provide the patient with the same kind of treatments as back home whilst enabling him or her to revel in the holiday of a lifetime as the country is blessed with many intriguing attractions and activities. The uptrend of medical tourism in Thailand is growing to dramatic heights. Westerners are presently arriving in Thailand in exciting numbers to undergo medical treatments at an affordable cost as that charged in their home countries. On top of having treatments performed by highly trained doctors, patients can also relish a marvelous holiday in one of Asia’s prime tourist destinations. There are several reasons why visitors come to Thailand to get medical treatments. Not only is Thailand a superb destination for stunning beaches, islands, mountains, cuisines, low costs and hospitable people, there are other reasons too. The country is home to some of the best hospitals in the world.

The country has established over 30 English-speaking hospitals, numerous dentistry clinics and other alternative healing centers. Some are accredited to prominent boards including the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and the International Organization for Standardization.

Significantly, Thailand has incredible service, extraordinary value for money and unique healing procedures. Namely, some of Thailand’s hospitals have been known for performing outstanding treatments for various procedures whilst producing excellent outcomes. Thailand is also amazing for relaxing. After the treatment, patients can experience spas and resorts which are internationally famous for exceptional service and comfort, whilst looking over attractive virgin beaches or verdant jungles and mountains. Thailand’s top hospitals even provide prompt response in any emergency situation and are recognized outside of Thailand as having standards equivalent to that of those in the West.

International accreditation also contributes to make Thailand the medical hub of the world. The standard of treatments in Thailand is considered being one of the highest in the world with most of its doctors graduating, training and holding Europe and US professional certification. All of Thailand’s hospitals also have to be licensed by the Health Ministry and the same applies to the doctors. Last but not least, the world-class technologies have been introduced in Thailand to enhance medical facilities and treatments. Of course, with these reasons and factors, Thailand can easily be the medical hub of the world.

Article by Sandy Winslow

With the ongoing advances in medical technologies, it’s becoming more and more difficult for hospitals and doctor’s offices to keep their costs under control. Since having the most up to date medical supplies is crucial to giving patients the best care possible, many medical providers are turning to cheap medical equipment to manage costs while continuing to give their patients the care they deserve. The challenge is how to find the medical equipment you need when you are on a budget.

As a health care provider, the first thing you need to realize when you are trying to stay on a budget is that very seldom will you ever find cheap medical equipment at a conventional retail store or through a medical supply salesperson. Remember, these types of suppliers have very high overhead and business models that don’t allow them to offer much, if any, discount on their products. A retail store needs to pay all the costs associated with having a brick and mortar operation and a medical supply salesperson is normally working on a commission that could amount to a large percentage of the price of the product.

While it’s true that the old style ways of purchasing medical supplies have their advantages, like more personalized service and being able to deal with someone face to face, they have their drawbacks too. Often times, a retail outlet or salesperson will only be able to offer you a limited variety of the equipment that’s out there. The problem is that the advances in medical technology are happening at such a rapid rate that it’s nearly impossible for one retail outlet or salesperson to be able to offer everything that’s available, let alone at a price that will fit your budget.

One possible solution to finding low cost medical equipment is to look for it second hand. Second hand or used equipment will almost always be cheaper than buying it brand new. While buying used may make sense for some items, in most cases it’s better to have the most up to date equipment with the most advanced technology, so your facility will run smoother and your patients will receive better care and keep coming back to you.

Fortunately, with all the resources available online, you can get the new equipment you need at the lowest possible prices from online outlets that cut out the overhead of having a retail store and cut out the commissions normally given to a salesperson. What’s more, they are usually able to carry much larger inventories because they don’t have the space limitations of a retail outlet.

When you shop for your medical supplies online, there are a few things you need to keep in mind: First, compare the prices of several online suppliers. When you are looking for medical equipment online, depending on the item you are looking for, there can be wide fluctuations in the price. It is best to compare many different websites to make sure you are getting the best quality equipment at the best possible price.

Second, designate someone in your office to do thorough research of the item you are thinking of purchasing and the online store you are considering buying it from. Read testimonials, feedback and customer ratings, but also ask around in several medical forums to make sure the company you are dealing with has a positive reputation. This may be somewhat of a time consuming task, but it will save you lots of head ache in the long run knowing you got your equipment from a supplier with good credentials.

Finally, when it finally comes time to buy your cheap medical equipment, use a credit card. This will give you an extra layer of protection in case something goes wrong with the purchase. If you fail to receive the item you ordered or it is damaged and you need to return it, you will have the ability to dispute the purchase with the credit card company if the online merchant refuses to cooperate.

Article by Bhumika Shah

Advancement in the field of medical technology has not been limited to diagnostic equipment. However, for a variety of reasons, including a lack of high-speed internet access or insufficient mobile hardware, the health care industry, especially smaller private offices and providers, have remained behind the national curve for adopting technology in various levels of information management. But since 2006, the adoption of electronic medical records has played a vital role in ushering medical organizations into the digital age and now that the federal government is offering incentives for adoption, the pace is quickening.

An EMR is an electronic file containing a patient’s medical record. But it’s more than just a digitally coded paper chart. An EMR also has the ability to record and update patient information, consolidate and correlate records among health care providers, order medical tests, display hi-tech imaging, lab results, and so on. By applying the appropriate EMR interface, this data can be retrieved or amended by networked computers internally within an organization or externally, across a wide system of healthcare professionals and hospital groups.

With the assistance of EMR hardware, health care administrators can better assist doctors communicate with external labs, pharmacies, clinics, imaging centers, and other health care providers. It can also aid in coordinating patient accounts and loss prevention by integrating billing systems directly into the individual files.

Recent product innovations have drastically helped increase the ease and speed with which organizations can integrate EMR technology into their current systems. There are technologically advanced companion services that allow for features such as voice recognition. There has never been a better time to seize the opportunity of updating old, outdated systems of file management and to become a competitive player in the medical industry. More affordable high-speed internet, advancement in wireless technology, and tools like the EMR Tablet PC all help make implementing EMR easier than ever before.

With slumping reimbursement returns from clients, rising increases in administrative costs, rapid changes in format and fees from insurance providers, and increased costs for malpractice, health care organizations are under pressure to optimize their budgets while keeping up with the demands of more educated patients in the digital age. EMR integration can help organizations meet their financial goals, while at the same time improving the quality of service to patients.

Article by Ian Gould

The research by William Mason and Jesse Summers, entitled “Replication of Hepatitis B,” discussed their study of the hepatitis B virus in infected duck liver.

After studying their duck model theory, Tyrrell speculated if the hepatitis B virus (HBV) might be susceptible to antiviral agents, and consulted with a colleague, who specialized in nucleoside chemistry. Both medical professors became excited about the possibility of inhibiting the HBV virus with nucleoside analogues. Thus began the infectious disease specialist’s first leg of a journey, which led to the use of lamivudine as a therapy for chronic HBV infections.

More than 350 million people across the world, especially in Asia, now had new hope, some for their lifelong infections contracted vertically at birth from their mothers. In 2003, the Center for Disease Control estimated 73,000 Americans were infected with HBV, and about 5,000 die each year from sickness caused by HBV. It is reportedly 100 times more contagious than the AIDS virus. Many in North America, who had been infected with the virus from sexual transmission or intravenous drug use, were offered a potentially life-saving therapy.

Licensed in 1998, lamivudine is now used in 120 countries as a standard therapy for chronic HBV carriers. The compound is also used in combination with other drugs, such as protease inhibitors, for HIV therapy. Development rights were licensed to Glaxo Wellcome in 1990, which is now sold under the brand name Epivir®. For his pioneering efforts in developing the antiviral agent, Dr. Tyrrell was awarded the gold medal by the Canadian Liver Foundation and the Canadian Association for the Study of Liver in 2000. In 2005, he won the prestigious EnCana Principal Award for his development of the first effective oral medication for Hepatitis B.

HIS UNANSWERED QUESTIONS LAUNCHED A NEW HBV INVESTIGATION

Despite the awards and recognition, questions remained for Dr. Tyrrell about the shortcomings of lamivudine. He was troubled that some viruses would develop resistance to the compound. “I was disappointed the sustained viral response was not complete,” Tyrrell told us. In April 2003, the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy published a study in Japan showing, “long-term (lamivudine) therapy is associated with increased emergence of lamivudine-resistant strains of HBV.” Researchers concluded in this study, “The therapeutic challenge to effectively treat chronic HBV infection continues.”

Having screened lamivudine for use in Hepatitis B at Glaxo’s research lab at the University of Alberta, Dr. Tyrrell was able to observe the immune response of various HBV patients. “What really got me interested in doing more work in this area was that we noticed patients, who have an immune response to the virus and take lamivudine, will have a better sustained response rate,” Tyrrell explained. “A patient with elevated liver transaminases taking lamivudine had a higher probability of a sustained viral response,” Tyrrell said with excitement in his voice. “In a patient with normal liver enzymes, who gets lamivudine, the virus will go down, but as soon as you stop the therapy, the virus comes right back up.” He told us the sustained viral response is only about two to three percent. Only about 30 percent remain free of the virus, about one year after patients have stopped taking lamivudine.

“How do you break tolerance?” Tyrrell asked himself, hoping to develop a way to stimulate an immune response. All of the patients, he had observed, seemed to be tolerant of the hepatitis B virus. He pondered the dilemma, “Was there some way to break tolerance to hepatitis B by stimulating the immune response?” Tyrrell studied what others were attempting and wasn’t satisfied with the approaches others were taking to stimulate immune response. His ViRexx Medical research team brainstormed about different ways to target the antigen into the dendritic cells.

“That’s where we came in with the Chimigen™ technology,” Tyrrell said. “The dendritic cells have receptors on their surface that will bind the Fc portion of an antibody.” He pointed out a key feature of the Chimigen™ platform, “We used the Fc portion of a murine (mouse) antibody to hook onto our hepatitis B antigens. This would direct the viral antigens into dendritic cells in vivo.” Because the dendritic cells are the sentries of the immune system, they guard what comes in. Recognizing a ‘foreign situation’ in the murine antibody, it treats the whole molecule including the virus antigen as foreign.

LINK RECOGNITION MAY HOLD THE KEY

Dr. Rajan George, ViRexx Medical’s vice president of research and development, told us, “The dendritic cells chop up this protein into small pieces called peptides, also known as epitopes. The dendritic cells have a system where they put the T-cell epitope on another protein, MHC Class I, and bring it to the surface of the dendritic cell. They are presented as a complex on the surface of the dendritic cell to attract the T-cells.” When the T-cells arrive to inspect the foreign entity, the cytotoxic T-cells are activated. Then, they begin attacking and killing the virus-infected cells.

Research at Tokyo’s Cancer Institute Hospital, published in 1987 in Nippon Sanka Fujinka Gakkai Zasshi, suggested a feasibility of linked recognition of a virus antigen as a helper in tumor immunity with a target antigen. In the case of ViRexx Medical, Tyrrell’s team has created a new molecule, called “chimigen.” The term is shorthand for a chimeric antigen, meaning it is an antigen created from two different sources, part virus and part murine monoclonal antibody.

Dr. Tyrrell’s work at ViRexx Medical with Dr. George suggested the linked-recognition theory might be the key to breaking tolerance. Dr. George emphasized, “The new ‘chimigen’ stimulates an immune response to the antigen as well as the viral antigen. This is very important because the virus antigen was previously being ignored.” That brings us back to why lamivudine had limited success. The immune systems of some HBV carriers failed to recognize the viral infection as a threat to the body. Tyrell’s ViRexx Medical research team hopes the body’s immune system sees the threat, thus stimulating the immune system, and breaking tolerance. It appears Dr. Tyrell may soon find out whether or not the questions he asked will bring the answers he hoped for

In recent years, electronic medical records systems, have gained much popularity and without a doubt becoming standard in the medical community. While EMR systems can drastically boost the efficiency of the office and worker productivity, the problem lies often in choosing the right vendor and system. The purchase process can sometimes be overwhelming and confusing. The following information will hopefully make the decision process easier and less stressful.

The Decision Making Process about EMR Systems

When deciding on EMR technology for your medical office be sure to evaluate the different companies and examine their level of service and technical support programs. Be certain the EMR vendors is committed to the job and wants your company to be successful. Look for EMR companies that have been in business and have a proven track record of success. Read all the available reviews for the system, and if possible, test the demo screens and get references. Sometimes, inquiring with EMR companies existing clients about their satisfaction can help influence the decision making process. More than likely that company has adapted to the ever changing market, technology and regulations. Some newer EMR companies may claim to have a more advanced EMR system, but could be lacking experienced management, customer service and technical support. If considering a support contract, discuss exactly what procedures are covered as well as if any backups and built in security is included. Well-made EMR systems and software should be simple and easy to use, but should have the ability of being complex.

Cost of Training and EMR Company Support Services

Regardless of how much computer experience users have, learning a new EMR system takes time. EMR vendors typically offer an initial period of support at no cost, around 2 to 3 month in duration, since the majority of users experience problems during the installation and training period. If you are a large medical practice, it’s more of an option to hire a dedicated IT person with understanding in managing software to save the company money. An office without an IT expert might benefit from a packaged support plan. Various support options allows companies to receive the correct amount of help without paying for the most expensive package. While it is normal to have issues with a newly implemented EMR technology, if problems are frequently occurring, it might be a good idea to look for a replacement. In short, look for an EMR company with experience and a proven track record.

Article by Andrew Decosta

The doctors are all now know everything about a medical setting. They expected to be updated on the latest technologies and medical practices alike. This assumption is based on an increasingly urgent need to be vigilant to keep the rat-race. However, contrary to this belief, even if doctors need a regular income when an emerging technology and medical solutions. Thus, a series of conferences and events organized.

Events and medical conferences, Open Stage exchange of valuable information on the latest shades and medical technology, among the fraternity. It brings together the whole batch of medical experts and refreshes the current innovations and improvements. Teachers with experience and fame for the more the grace of these performances.

These conferences have the primary purpose of updating the medical community with the recent developments in the medical field and bring them together for an enriching experience again, to promote socially friendly relations between ensuring maximum participation of all four of the medical community and to attract public opinion and attention as well.

In the promotion and advertising today – corporate culture directed aggressive advertising and promotion have become explicit importance. Therefore, to promote large events such as health, many internet portal has increased in large cities. Many web portals to meet the needs of the conferences as well. However, the requirement is a web site that sets this conference apart from each other and promotes a more effective way of ensuring maximum participation of all sectors of the medical community and attracts attention and decision, and general knowledge.

Medical events is a unique portal that addresses the need to update the mass involved with the latest medical events, conferences, exhibitions, latest innovations, research and updates in the various fields of medicine and the prominence of the medical industry. They act as a catalyst to bring together a varied genre of medical practitioners under one roof to interact, promote and do business in this industry that will lead to better health care for the common man. Some upcoming events are listed on the portal:

• Pharmac India 2011, September 17-19, 2011, at Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

• India Lab Expo 2011, Dec. 8-10, 2011, at New Delhi, India

• Healthex 2011, August 5-7, 2011, at Bangalore, India

Knowledge grows when shared, is a common learning that most of us soaked and learned during our childhood. And the meaning of what strikes us as he discusses the upcoming medical events where doctors and medical professionals have learned to talk about the latest news and developments in the world of medicine to keep up with everyone later in the medical front. And these sites are impressive achievements in promoting these events are at your best potential.

Article by Christine Macguire

Medical Tourism can be defined as the provision for patients to travel offshore in search of faster, cost-effective and safer medical and surgical procedures. A combination of various different factors have led many people from industrialized countries to migrate in order to get high quality medical treatment. The various reasons are the cost issues, ease and affordability of international travel, long frustrating queues in many nations and above all improving technology standards of health care in many countries of the world. Both the health sector and the tourism industry help to facilitate the process in these countries.

The concept of medical tourism actually traces back to ancient Greece, where pilgrims and patients from all over the Mediterranean came to the sanctuary of healing god, Asklepios, at Epidaurus. In the 18th century the wealthy Europeans from Germany traveled to the Mediterranean spas. The 21st century has taken the medical tourism industry beyond the wealthy and the desperate providing low cost treatment and transportation services. The leisure, fun and relaxation together with health care attached to it have made medical tourism a common form of vacation.

Medical tourism presents an opportunity for hospitals to tap the potential of the international healthcare market and eventually leverage their business. The advancement of medical technology, increased transportation facilities and necessity of immediate quality healthcare has encouraged the healthcare providers to go global. Medical tourists travel great distances to seek world-class doctors and hospitals. The healthcare providers worldwide are investing to acquire the cutting edge technology and venture into the areas of latest medical research. They even provide lucrative non-medical services such as hospitality services, spa facilities, and pick-up services to facilitate the stay and treatment of their international clientele.

One major reason that medical tourism is attractive to many people is that it offers medical treatments at a comparatively low cost. Moreover the public healthcare systems in developed countries are very much overburdened and traveling to foreign land for immediate treatment is often a solution to the problem. Medical tourism is popular and generally accepted because it provides the patients with medical assistance accompanied by five-star treatment and exclusive vacations. Thailand and India are among the emerging popular spots for medical tourism. The Government of India has successfully exerted its leadership to assist in the development of the medical tourism industry in the country.

India is one of the leading players in the medical tourism industry today. Cosmetic surgery and dental treatments is usually what the medical tourists have been looking for, but recent studies reveal even eye surgery, kidney dialysis and organ transplantation are among the most common procedures sought by medical vacationers. In particular, India excels in open-heart surgery, pediatric heart surgery, bone marrow transplants and cancer therapy. Indian hospitals are equipped with the latest electronic and medical diagnostic equipment. Indian pharmaceuticals meet the stringent requirements of U.S. Food and Drug Administration and even qualify for the American standards for quality of care.

The medical tourism in India has become one of the booming business sectors. Marketing ones facilities with informative websites outlining the transparent pricing schemes and availability of latest medical accoutrements are the trend of the day. As more and more patients from affluent nations look for effective options in India, the medical tourism industry has been expanding at a fast pace. Developments will of course lead to various other economic activities where the main element will always remain quality.