The PVM-2551MD 25
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
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
Point of care ultrasound has revolutionised the practice of medicine and spread to all specialties. It is no longer only a consultative procedure performed by radiologists. Emergency medicine physicians, intensivists, cardiologists, obstetricians, and others have used the technology to more efficiently diagnose and safely perform procedures for over 20 years now.
by Dr Matt Dawson and Dr Mike Mallin
It is now a required part of training for all emergency medicine residencies by Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and is listed as a skill integral to the practice of emergency medicine in the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Model of Clinical Practice of Emergency Medicine [1,2]. It is used in life-saving procedures such as peri-cardiocentesis, and in more routine procedures such as vascular access, thoracentesis, and paracentesis to improve efficiency and decrease complications.
Rapid ultrasound in shock and hypotension
Perhaps even more important than the benefit of improved procedural accuracy and safety is the improved speed at which it allows physicians to diagnose life-threatening conditions. A great example of this is the Rapid Ultrasound in Shock and Hypotension exam. In this exam, a physician can quickly and efficiently diagnose time-sensitive, life-threatening diseases such as pneumothorax, pericardial tamponade, cardiogenic shock, hypovolemia, intra-abdominal bleeding, and aortic aneurysm or dissection [3]. These diseases
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