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Posted on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 The machines may just take over...and that, for heart transplant patients or those who can't get a transplant but still need mechanical intervention to survive, may be a good thing.
Traditionally, the only therapy for patients who have advanced heart failure was a transplant. However, transplantation is sometimes an inadequate option in light of the large number of potential candidates, lack of donors, and the coexisting conditions that make most potential candidates ineligible for transplantation. That's when a patient's only hopes are ventricular assist devices, or heart pumps.
University Hospitals Case Medical Center's Dr. James Fang authored an editorial (published today) in the NEJM on a study that compares current heart pumps that have been approved for use primarily as a bridge to transplant or as destination therapy. In summary, the study compares new and old heart devices as well as the technological advances specifically with the HeartMate II.
Dr. Fang can elaborate on his independent review of the completed two-year study that found the new device has proven more durable, smaller in size, quieter and most importantly has been associated with far less complications. Dr. Fang can talk about the impact of the study as this, "could be a major advancement and development in the field of heart transplantation. This could have significant implications for the use of devices for permanent therapy for heart failure, particularly for patients not succeeding with that therapy or who are not eligible for transplant.
"This could prove to be an incredible option for heart failure patients."
***Dr. Fang is available for phone interview today***
NEJM editorial
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Posted on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that it has found E. Coli bacteria in Nestle Toll House refrigerated cookie dough. Nestle announced a recall of the product over a week ago after the FDA had found evidence of E. Coli in a sample of a refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough bar. Close to 35 people who have eaten the dough have been hospitalized and more than 70 people in almost 30 states have been infected. University Hospitals Case Medical Center's Dr. Amy Ray, an infectious disease specialist, can talk about the symptoms associated with this particular strain of E. Coli as well as discussing the dangers of exposure for children and elderly who could be most susceptible as a result of weak or compromised immune systems. Dr. Ray can also provide insight on the best method of treatment. ***Additionally, Dr. Ray is available to discuss the recent study in the NEJM pertaining to the spread of the H1N1 virus as it relates to predicted and charted air travel from Mexico. She can elaborate on the likelihood of being able to forecast additional outbreaks and mutated strains based on the research.***
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