Philips Healthcare (NYSE:PHG) threw its support behind a long-term program to provide screening and preventative care to women in under-served areas of India after a pilot program proved successful.
Colonoscopy
Over-diagnosis threatens patients, economies | MassDevice.com On Call
MASSDEVICE ON CALL — Over-diagnosis – when patients are diagnosed and treated for conditions that will never cause them harm – is a growing problem that may have repercussions for patients and economies of care, Australian researchers said.
The researchers cited a Canadian study which found that almost a third of patients diagnosed with asthma likely didn’t have the condition. They also noted figures suggesting that 1 in 3 breast cancers detected through screenings may be over-diagnosed.
Colonoscopies reduce mortality risk, new study shows | MassDevice.com On Call
MASSDEVICE ON CALL — Doctors and researchers reaffirmed the important role that colonoscopies play in saving lives as studies show that even insured patients are skipping the procedure amid increasing co-pays and a lingering recession.
A new study of more than 2,600 patients found a 53% reduction in risk of death from colon cancer among patients undergoing colonoscopy and excise of intestinal polyps.
Brazilian Braile Biomedica launches new TAVI system | MassDevice.com On Call
MASSDEVICE ON CALL —Brazilian device maker Braile Biomedica announced the launch of its Inovare transcatheter aortic valve replacement system this week.
The device won approval from Brazilian regulators in November 2011 after hitting clinical endpoints in 93% of procedures in the company’s clinical trials.
Med-tech lobby AdvaMed approves construction plans for charity clinics in China | MassDevice.com On Call
MASSDEVICE ON CALL — Medical device industry lobby AdvaMed’s construction plans were approved by its Hope Fund management committee, making progress on plans to build clinics for under-served populations in China.
AdvaMed plans to build two hospitals and 10 clinics in impoverished areas of Hubei Province in central China, part of an agreement signed with national non-profit organization China Youth Development Foundation last year.
Physicians who play Mozart while performing colonoscopy may improve adenoma detection rate
New study highlights importance of adenoma detection rate as quality indicator for colonoscopy
Washington, DC — Physicians who listen to Mozart while performing colonoscopy may increase their detection rates of precancerous polyps, according to the results of a new study unveiled today at the American College of Gastroenterology’s (ACG) 76th Annual Scientific meeting in Washington, DC.
iCAD and Vital Images team up on colonoscopy imaging
Medicare: Pols propose visions for health care reform
MASSDEVICE ON CALL — As a federal appeals court prepares today to consider a pair of challenges to the health care law, Beltway legislators are unveiling their visions for reforming the American health care system.
The proposals range from President Barack Obama’s landmark Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act to a radical plan to spike Medicare, Medicaid and Obamacare and replace them with a single-payer system run by the states.
Screening can prevent even more colon cancer: ACS
Colon cancer’s been on the run for nearly 30 years and the American Cancer Society wants to keep it that way.
The Atlanta-based group is launching a high-profile campaign, featuring the likes of newscaster Katie Couric, to encourage more people to have their colons examined. This year alone, according to the society, colon cancer will strike about 141,000 Americans and kill more than a third of them.
iCAD wins FDA nod for computer-aided detection in virtual colonoscopies
Federal regulators cleared a new device for U.S. sales that produces three-dimensional images of the colon, specifically identifying polyps and other suspicious tissue that can be an early sign of cancer.
Nashua, N.H.-based iCAD Inc. (NSDQ:ICAD) developed the system, called the VeraLook, and already markets similar computer-aided detection equipment for breast and prostate cancers.
The Veralook had previously been approved for sale in Europe and Canada and 510(k) clearance by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration has been quietly anticipated for some time inside the company.