Archive for the ‘Technology’ Category

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Thought-controlled robotic arm for paralysis patients

Thursday, May 17th, 2012

A study published in Nature has detailed how paralysed patients in the US are amongst the first to trial the use of a robotic arm which is controlled using thoughts.

A minute sensor is implanted onto the surface of the motor cortex which translates electrical signals from the brain into commands for the device. Thinking about moving an arm or hand activates neurons in the cortex and the electrical activity is sent via a cable to a computer, which commands the arm to move in response.

As the cortex which deals with movement continues to function more than a decade after paralysis, the chip can be controlled even by those with long-term paralysis. The two participants in the latest research project were paralysed by strokes for over 15 years with no viable movement below the neck.

The team behind the device state that they have four goals:

  • To develop effective communications systems for people with locked-in syndrome, giving them control over a cursor on a computer screen
  • To create improved neural control of robotic-assistive devices for patients with paralysis
  • To use the system to allow amputees to control a prosthetic limb by the neural interface
  • To enable paralysed patients to reconnect their brain to their limbs using this system so that they could use their own hand to pick up a coffee cup.

The team assert however that whilst technology is years away from practical use, the research showed “significant promise for people with brain injuries and disorders”.

Original Source Nature

About Pathway Software

Pathway Software (www.pathwaysoftware.com) specialises in the design and development of patient information systems for Allied Health professionals.

Its flagship product, Therapy Manager, is an Electronic Patient Record (EPR) system specifically designed for Therapy Services to provide decision makers with the ability to track and manage clinical activity and analyse cost of care by patient, episode or service. The system also demonstrably reduces administration time and the costs of managing Therapy Services.

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Microscopic scaffold could repair nerve damage

Wednesday, April 25th, 2012

Researchers from the University of Sheffield have created microscopic computer-generated implants that are thought could help restore feeling in severely damaged limbs.

The tiny scaffold designed to help nerves in the limbs reconnect after they have been damaged. The honeycomb-like device contains minute channels designed to guide the growth of nerve cells and speed up their repair. The device is also made of a substance that dissolves in the body, meaning it would not need to be surgically removed if used in patients.
Nerve damage can cause significant loss of mobility and physical functioning, whether it occurs in the central nervous system or the peripheral nervous system. While it is technically possible to repair damage to the peripheral nervous system, the process is challenging, slow and not guaranteed to work.

So far, the device is only in laboratory testing stage, meaning that whilst the potential for nerve repair is large, testing has yet to be carried out on live subjects. Further experimental clinical studies will be required to see if it aids nerve growth in animals, and whether any nerve repair performed will improve functions such as movement.

The device is being developed to aid the repair of the peripheral nervous system which controls the limbs and body, and not to repair the spinal cord, which is part of the central nervous system. However, the researchers state that if successful, the treatment of other types of nerve damage could be investigated.

Original Source Littlehampton Gazette

About Pathway Software

Pathway Software (www.pathwaysoftware.com) specialises in the design and development of patient information systems for Allied Health professionals.

Its flagship product, Therapy Manager, is an Electronic Patient Record (EPR) system specifically designed for Therapy Services to provide decision makers with the ability to track and manage clinical activity and analyse cost of care by patient, episode or service. The system also demonstrably reduces administration time and the costs of managing Therapy Services.

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Innovative 3D imaging software launched

Thursday, April 19th, 2012

A report published in The American Journal of Pathology has revealed the development of simple 3D imaging software for tissue reconstruction and examination which can be directly used by clinicians.

By allowing examination of tissues at a microscopic scale, the system is thought to be able to considerably enhance the study of normal and disease processes, and in particular those that involve structural changes.

Previously, problems with 3D imaging had arisen due to low resolution and difficulties in amassing large quantities of images.

The system can be used on any stained tissue section and generate high-resolution digital images, as well as 3D tissue reconstructions at a cellular resolution level by using automated virtual slide scanners. The scanners automatically digitize the tissue, whilst the software communicates with the imaging software to align the images and produce a visible image in one integrated package.

Leading researcher, Dr. Darren Treanor of the University of Leeds and the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust states that the system will be particularly beneficial as it can be used directly by medical staff without the need of input by computing specialists.

“Many fields, including tumor biology, embryology, and cardiovascular disease could benefit from correlation of structure and function in three dimensions, but getting high quality 3D reconstructions has always been difficult. We have demonstrated that our software is accurate and robust enough to use without significant computer science input. This system provides the opportunity for increasing use of 3D histopathology as a routine research tool.”

Original Source Medical News Today

About Pathway Software

Pathway Software (www.pathwaysoftware.com) specialises in the design and development of patient information systems for Allied Health professionals.

Its flagship product, Therapy Manager, is an Electronic Patient Record (EPR) system specifically designed for Therapy Services to provide decision makers with the ability to track and manage clinical activity and analyse cost of care by patient, episode or service. The system also demonstrably reduces administration time and the costs of managing Therapy Services.

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“Explosion” in healthcare technology expected

Friday, April 13th, 2012

An “explosion” in healthcare software and technology has been predicted by a primary care IT specialist over the next few years.

Dr David Jehring, chief executive of Black Pear Software, says that he predicts the migration of healthcare technology towards cloud-based solutions and app technology.

Jehring stated that the NHS and private services have a strong financial incentive to focus on community care. More prolific use of portable hardware devices could assist in focusing care into local services as Jehring believes that it has the potential to “mobilise” patient records.

Currently, a wide variation in the standard of community care exists within England which is thought to be down to the limitations of GP systems.

One example currently being utilised is “Iris” software which is used to treat wet macular degeneration – a major cause blindness in older people. The app is currently available on the iPad and iPhone, enabling diagnosis and treatment to occur in care homes, community clinics and the patient’s home. Similar apps are being developed for a suite of conditions including dementia and other neurological disorders.

In addition to greater accessibility, it is asserted that mobile working can significantly reduce costs by reducing office space and supplies. Furthermore, Jehring asserts that the move away from traditional desk based computing offers the opportunity for much cheaper software technologies and applications.

Dr Jehring said healthcare computing tended to lag behind general computing and inertia and fear of change could stop worthwhile advances being made. To combat security issues which seem to be the primary concern for some people and organisations, he states that data should not be stored on the device, but used as a portal with data stored on a server with access through authentication.

Original Source eHealth Insider

About Pathway Software

Pathway Software (www.pathwaysoftware.com) specialises in the design and development of patient information systems for Allied Health professionals.

Its flagship product, Therapy Manager, is an Electronic Patient Record (EPR) system specifically designed for Therapy Services to provide decision makers with the ability to track and manage clinical activity and analyse cost of care by patient, episode or service. The system also demonstrably reduces administration time and the costs of managing Therapy Services.

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3D surgery for Manchester surgeons

Wednesday, April 4th, 2012

3D surgery

Surgeons at Manchester Royal Infirmary are the first in the UK to use 3D projection during surgery.

The procedure to remove the prostate of a patient was viewed by surgeons and assistants wearing 3D glasses onto a 3D projection. Using this method in conjunction with robotic technologies, surgeons are able to perform less invasive keyhole techniques to a higher accuracy.

Manchester Royal Infirmary state that not only does the technique improve outcomes for patients, but that it should also significantly reduce the cost of operations. Reduced muscle and nerve damage for patients would ensure that the risk of complaints and claims against the service should be far lower. Furthermore, shorter operation lengths should reduce fatigue in the surgeons, leading to overall better performance.

Currently, the technique is being trialled in a small number of patients, but the service state their intention is to roll it out on a wide scale.

Dan Burke, the Primary Surgeon, said he hoped the technology would become available to many more patients. By amalgamating a number of different technologies such as the 3D projections and robotic devices, improvements to medical practises can be quickly made.

“We are already excited at the potential this technology has, not just for us but for our many colleagues in the Trust performing keyhole surgery. Ultimately we are aiming for a better patient outcome at a cost that will benefit the NHS” Burke said.

Original Source eHealth Insider

About Pathway Software

Pathway Software (www.pathwaysoftware.com) specialises in the design and development of patient information systems for Allied Health professionals.

Its flagship product, Therapy Manager, is an Electronic Patient Record (EPR) system specifically designed for Therapy Services to provide decision makers with the ability to track and manage clinical activity and analyse cost of care by patient, episode or service. The system also demonstrably reduces administration time and the costs of managing Therapy Services.

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