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Proton therapy safe and effective for men with prostate cancer

Proton therapy, a type of external beam radiation therapy, is a safe and effective treatment for prostate cancer, according to two new studies published in the January issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology-Biology-Physics (Red Journal), the American Society for Radiation Oncology's (ASTRO) official scientific journal.

6 Jan 2012

FDA asks makers of vaginal mesh to respond to safety queries

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ordered Johnson & Johnson and C.R. Bard Inc. to study rates of organ damage, infection and painful sex linked to vaginal mesh implants, in response to doctors and patients who say the devices have harmed women.

5 Jan 2012

Viewpoints: Sebelius on 'essential benefits'; WSJ columnist on Democrats' 'Mediscare' argument - is it a lie?

Insurance needs and health systems vary state to state, and experience tells us that the best way forward is not to mandate a one-size-fits-all answer. Instead, our approach gives states the flexibility to take their own paths, while ensuring they all end up in the best place possible: with an Affordable Insurance Exchange that offers access to comprehensive, quality, affordable health insurance to small business owners and individuals who currently have few good choices in an expensive and broken market.

5 Jan 2012

PIP breast implant update

The Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery update regarding French breast implant recall which may affect some Australian women

4 Jan 2012

Artimplant to take over responsibility for sales of Artelon CMC Spacer

With effect from January 1, 2012, Artimplant will take over responsibility for sales of Artelon® CMC Spacer, previously handled by the licensee SBi. This is an integral part of Artimplant's focus on reinforcing its presence on the very important US market.

3 Jan 2012

Changes in mouth bacteria precede development of pneumonia in hospital patients

New research from the Yale University School of Medicine discovered changes in mouth bacteria preceded the development of pneumonia in hospital patients. After studying 37 participants over the course of a month, Dr. Samit Joshi, leader of the study, concluded changes in oral bacteria play some role in a person's risk for developing pneumonia.

3 Jan 2012

Breast implant rupture risk scrutinized and assessed in depth

According to Tim Goodacre, one of the members of the government-commissioned panel investigating the PIP breast implant scandal, the rupture rates found by the country’s biggest cosmetic surgery company were ‘unacceptable’. Mr. Goodacre, president of the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) and an Oxford University lecturer, said that if the panel confirmed the findings – in which almost one in 14 implants had leaked – then they should all be taken out in every case.

2 Jan 2012

Poly Implant Prothèse misleads TÜV Rheinland over silicone-filled breast implants

TÜV Rheinland has in February initiated proceedings against Poly Implant Prothèse with the French prosecution service in Marseille. PIP continued to mislead TÜV Rheinland as the experts were shown the conforming silicone and the correct documents during the inspections that were regularly performed at PIP production site. Therefore, the TÜV Rheinland auditors must have the impression that the production was operated correctly.

31 Dec 2011

Venezuela offers to pay for removal of faulty breast implants

Venezuela's government has offered to pay for the removal of PIP breast implants feared to be at risk of rupture. They would cover the cost of the surgery for Venezuelan women but would not pay for replacement implants, Health Minister Eugenia Sader said. Ms Sader said many implants made by French firm Poly Implant Prothese (PIP) had been imported illegally.

29 Dec 2011

Evolution recognizes RTI Biologics for achieving 98.7% equipment performance rating

RTI Biologics Inc., a leading provider of orthopedic and other biologic implants, was recognized in the 2011 fourth edition of Evolution magazine for achieving a 98.7 percent equipment performance rating for its facilities and processing equipment. Evolution magazine is published by SKF Group, a global company which provides condition monitoring to RTI.

29 Dec 2011

Faulty PIP breast implant fears deepen

After the scare that some French breast implants may be faulty and may need removal at the government's expense the national health insurance agency will file a criminal complaint. The implants, made by now-defunct French company Poly Implant Prothese (PIP), were pulled from the market last year in countries around Europe and South America amid fears they could rupture and leak silicone into the body.

28 Dec 2011

Allergan seeks to reassure surgeons, patients about safety of breast implants

Allergan, Inc. seeks to reassure patients and surgeons around the world utilizing Allergan's breast implant devices that its products are not part of the recent investigation into breast implant devices manufactured by French manufacturer, Poly Implant Prosthese (PIP) by regulatory authorities in Europe.

26 Dec 2011

Graphitic carbon plays key role as lubricating layer on metal-on-metal hip implants

A team of engineers and physicians have made a surprising discovery that offers a target for designing new materials for hip implants that are less susceptible to the joint's normal wear and tear.

23 Dec 2011

Congress cuts federal funding for needle exchanges

Media outlets report on several public health issues, including a renewed funding ban on needle exchanges and a call for recalling a stent system.

23 Dec 2011

Surprising finding about implants used in hip replacement surgery

A new study, bringing together an interdisciplinary team of physicians and engineers from the United States and Germany, made a surprising finding about implants used in hip replacement surgery: Graphite carbon is a key element in the lubricating layer that forms on metal-on-metal hip implants. The lubricant has more in common with the lubrication of a combustion engine than that of a natural joint.

23 Dec 2011

First Edition: December 22, 2011

Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including articles on the Capitol Hill stalemate that threatens to cut Medicare payments to doctors and government efforts to keep details of a research experiment on bird flu secret.

22 Dec 2011

New pharma title from iSmithers ‘Update on Polymers for Ocular Drug Delivery’

The eye is the most easily accessible site for topical administration of a medication. Drugs are commonly applied to the eye for localised action on the surface or in the interior of the eye. A major problem in ocular therapeutics is the attainment of an optimal drug concentration at the site of action.

21 Dec 2011

Fear of cancer spurs breast implant recall

There are concerns regarding breast implants and the association with cancer. UP to 30,000 French women and perhaps tens of thousands more around the world may need to have defective breast implants removed after several suspicious cancer cases. The final decision on recall of the implants, produced by the Poly Implant Prothese (PIP) company will be made by the end of the week, after a report from France's National Cancer Institute on December 23.

21 Dec 2011

Regional variations persist in cervical spine surgery

If you're having surgery for degenerative disc disease of the cervical (upper) spine, the technique your surgeon uses may depend on what part of the country you live in, suggests a study in the January issue of Spine.

21 Dec 2011

Mazor Robotics announces purchase agreement with NSH Michigan

Mazor Robotics Ltd, the leader in innovative surgical robots and complementary products for spine surgery, announced a purchase agreement with NSH Michigan, Inc.

21 Dec 2011