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The 10 most important technologies for hospitals ? Part 3
In this third and last article featuring ECRI
Increased embryo viability during In Vitro Fertilization
Fertility in women decreases rapidly after the age of 35 and even more so after 40. Official figures show that women in their early forties have only a 13% chance of conceiving per in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Thus, fertility experts are continuously looking for ways to improve the chances of pregnancy before and during the IVF cycle. At the Newcastle Fertility Centre at Life (part of the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) a team led by Professor Mary Herbert developed a novel system for processing embryos during IVT treatment. Professor Herbert talked to IHE about this new system, and how chances of pregnancy have grown significantly as a result.
Building on traditional methods
Traditionally, in IVF procedures, processing involves the use of open-fronted microbiological (Class II) safety cabinets and stand-alone incubation chambers. Embryos are cultured in a controlled environment. However, as development has to be checked regularly under a microscope, the embryo has to be removed from this environment and exposed to ambient conditions which may result in deviations from physiological temperature and pH which could alter cell physiology by disrupting fundamental cellular processes such as protein folding, enzyme activity, and assembly of the cytoskeleton.
Thus, to counter the risk of cellular stress, the Newcastle team developed a totally enclosed system of interlinked isolator-based work stations designed to maintain oocytes and embryos in a physiological environment throughout the IVF process. By doing so, the environment is controlled and monitored from the moment oocytes are being harvested from the ovary until embryos are transferred to the uterus.
Simple yet effective
Each system entails a chain of pressure-sealed, enclosed work stations with integrated incubators and built-in microscopes [Figure 1A] which monitors the blastocyst stage, significantly improving fertilization success rates.
The chain of work stations was configured to link adjacent patient treatment rooms in which oocyte retrievals and embryo transfers are conducted [Figure 1A]. To avoid removing embryos from the enclosed system, double-doored incubation chambers were introduced. These chambers can then be accessed from adjacent work stations. As a result, oocytes and embryos can remain in an enclosed environment throughout the process
High performance monitor for telescopic surgery
The PVM-2551MD 25
Medical technology in European healthcare: towards affordable innovation
The medical technology industry, cardiology in particular, is making great strides to ensure that its innovations suit the needs of a changing European healthcare system. Therefore, the business model has to focus on value-based innovations that combine cost effectiveness with improved health outcomes in the long term. So, how should the industry respond to an ever increasing number of cardiovascular diseases?
by Michele Perrino
A changing healthcare system needs innovation
In the medical technology industry, innovation has always played a central role. However, the future will demand a different kind of innovative thinking, integrated with the stakeholders in all of the economies. For the healthcare industry as a whole, this means focusing on a common purpose of designing a transformed, sustainable, healthcare system.
Basically, coming up with a slightly better product and expecting to charge a premium price is no longer good enough. Similarly, the current model of healthcare delivery also bears an expiry date. Hospital system can no longer provide in-patient care for all citizens. There are not enough beds; there is not enough staff; and there is not enough money.
Bold thinking and a transformational change need to drive the medical technology (medtech) industry
Cancer in women: prevent and screen
In the interviews published in International Hospital, we focus on a particular field of expertise to find out about current developments. We spoke to Peter Harper, oncologist and co-founder of Leaders in Oncology Care in London (United Kingdom). He talks about the main issues and challenges of cancer in women and the way forward.
Q. What are the most common cancers ?
In the Western world, three cancers make up just over 41% of the cancers diagnosed each year. Breast cancer accounts for 15% of all cancers; lung cancer for 13%, and bowel cancer for 13%. All other cancers cover the remaining 59%.
When women think about themselves and cancer, naturally breast cancer comes to mind, as the disease is largely confined to women (although male breast cancer does occur). Of course, ovarian, uterine and cervical cancers only affect women.
They also must consider lifestyle and predominant amongst those is smoking tobacco. Tobacco smoking is related to lung cancer which, I think everyone knows, but also to kidney and bladder cancer. Moreover, it has an influence on breast cancer and cervical cancers too.
Q. What are the benefits and disadvantage of breast cancer screening?
An independent review [1] in the UK published in October 2012 determined that breast cancer screening of women (50 to 69 years of age) saves around 1 300 lives a year, but it also results in over diagnosis and unnecessary treatments.
The majority of oncologists would defend breast screening. Naturally, when long series of screened patients are reviewed (in this case over 20 years), both screening and treatment modalities change. In the present day, we are really making in-roads in identifying those in whom an early diagnosis requires intensive treatment to prevent recurrence and death, and those who can be treated more gently. Breast cancer statistics published by Cancer Research UK [1] showed that in 2010 there were over 11 000 deaths from breast cancer in the UK with over 48 000 women diagnosed. With modern treatments, 85% of women in England survived their breast cancer for five years or more. Early diagnosis is essential as is screening.
Q. What should we know about ovarian cancer?
Although ovarian cancer represents 2% of all cancer, it is the fifth most common cancer in women. The lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer is about one in 50. It is often described as