Medical
Transcranial stimulation for OCD cleared in US
The FDA has permitted marketing of the Brainsway Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation System for treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). “Transcranial magnetic stimulation has shown its potential to help patients suffering from depression and headaches,” said Carlos Peña, Ph.D., M.S., director of the Division of Neurological and Physical Medicine Devices in the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological He...
3D-printed placenta simulates structure of membrane
In order to better understand important biological membranes, it is necessary to explore new methods. Researchers at TU Wien (Vienna) have succeeded in creating an artificial placental barrier on a chip, using a high-resolution 3D printing process. The placenta has an essential and highly complex task: it must ensure the exchange of important substances between the mother and her unborn child, whilst simultaneously blocking other substances ...
Developing new ways to grow blood vessels
Formation of blood vessels, a process also known as angiogenesis, is one of the major clinical challenges in wound healing and tissue implants. To address this issue, researchers from Texas A&M University have developed a clay-based platform to deliver therapeutic proteins to the body to assist with the formation of blood vessels. The team is led by members of the Inspired Nanomaterials and Tissue Engineering Lab in the Department of Bio...
Peripheral nerve stimulation systems receive FDA clearance
SPR Therapeutics has announced that the FDA has cleared its SPRINT endura (single lead) and extensa (dual lead) Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) Systems. The SPRINT System is the only percutaneous PNS System cleared by the FDA and indicated for up to 60 days in the back and/or extremities for both chronic and acute pain and is the industry’s only dual lead capable PNS platform.
Research shows that glaucoma may be an autoimmune disease
Glaucoma, a disease that afflicts nearly 70 million people worldwide, is something of a mystery despite its prevalence. Little is known about the origins of the disease, which damages the retina and optic nerve and can lead to blindness. A study from MIT and Massachusetts Eye and Ear has found that glaucoma may in fact be an autoimmune disorder. In a study of mice, the researchers showed that the body’s own T cells are responsible for ...
Intense therapeutic ultrasound device cleared in Europe
Guided Therapy Systems has received CE Mark approval via its development partner and manufacturer, Ardent Sound for its Intense Therapeutic Ultrasound (ITU) Actisound device to be used by medical professionals across the UK and Europe. Actisound ITU acts like an invisible scalpel—working beneath the surface of the skin—precisely delivering small thermal ablations to tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissue to stimulate collagen ...
Conductive mesh for implantable and wearable bioelectronics
A research team at the Center for Nanoparticle Research, within the Institute for Basic Science (IBS), has succeeded in developing a wearable and implantable device, that measures electrophysiological signals and applies electrical and thermal stimulations. It provides information on muscle and cardiac dysfunctions, and thus could be implemented for pain relief, rehabilitation, and prosthetic motor control.
Feeling as if a prosthetic limb belonged to one's body
Amputees still feel their missing limb, even if it is physically gone, and this ghost limb aka phantom limb is perceived as much smaller that the lost limb. Next, the commercially available prosthetic limb does not yet provide sensory feedback other than what the patient sees, meaning that the patient has no sense of touch from the prosthetic limb and must constantly watch it for correct use.
Researching the physical properties of giant cancer cells
Polyploidal cancer cells—cells that have more than two copies of each chromosome—are much larger than most other cancer cells, are resistant to chemotherapy and radiation treatments and are associated with disease relapse. A new study by Brown University researchers is the first to reveal key physical properties of these 'giant' cancer cells.
Solution for better asthma and COPD management launched in the US
Adherium has officially launched the Hailie solution in the U.S., following its recent FDA 510(k) over-the-counter clearance to enable sales direct to consumers. The Hailie solution helps patients with asthma and COPD access better care through a seamless digital experience that includes a smartphone app, available on both iOS and Android, and a sensor that attaches to patient’s prescription inhaler medication.