Send2Press Newswire

Surgeons Perform Groundbreaking Minimally Invasive Surgery for Chest Deformity

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:39:09 GMT

NORFOLK, Va., Oct. 14 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Surgeons at Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (CHKD) have successfully performed a groundbreaking, minimally invasive surgery on three patients with pectus carinatum, a chest-wall deformity that causes the chest to jut out like the breast of a bird.

The rare condition, also known as pigeon chest, can sometimes be treated with a chest brace that pushes the chest into a normal shape over several years. In the past, in cases where the brace fails, patients were faced with only one option: open chest surgery in which surgeons must remove and rearrange cartilage and ribs.

The surgeries performed this week at CHKD marked the first in the nation in which surgeons corrected the deformity using techniques derived from a minimally invasive procedure developed at CHKD to treat a related condition.

"In many cases, pectus carinatum patients who failed to respond to bracing opted out of getting treatment altogether," said (URL) CHKD surgeon Robert Kelly. "This new procedure gives these patients an option to correct the condition rapidly in a way that doesn't involve major, invasive surgery and scarring."

In the new technique, surgeons make two small incisions on either side of the chest then insert a curved steel bar under the muscles of the chest wall and over the sternum. The bar, which is anchored to the ribs on both sides of the chest, collapses the jutting cartilage, giving the chest a normal shape.

Although the chest immediately assumes a typical arc, the bar will remain in place for two to three years, so the cartilage can become firm in the proper position. Surgeons will then remove the bar through small incisions.

"We first saw this developing about a few years ago," said Richard Myer, father of patient Richard Myer of Yorktown, Virginia. "He tried the bracing, but found it too painful. We

wanted to get it fixed because he really wants to go to the police academy when he graduates from high school. The condition made it hard for him to run. When the chest is expanded all the time like that, you can't exhale properly so you get winded quickly."

"Patients with severe forms or pectus carinatum complain of pain in the chest and many note aerobic exercise intolerance," said Dr. Kelly.

The new surgery is an adaptation of a technique developed at CHKD in the 1990s by CHKD surgeon Donald Nuss to correct a related condition known as pectus excavatum, or funnel chest.

In both conditions, the cartilage between the ribs grows fail to grow properly. In some cases, the cartilage buckles inward, causing an indentation that can press against the heart and lungs, a condition known as pectus excavatum. In other cases, the sternum juts outward, causing pectus carinatum.

In the 1990s, Nuss developed a technique in which a curved bar is passed underneath the rib cage, pushing the indentation out in cases of pectus excavatum. The correction is immediate. The bar is removed after two or three years.

Since then, CHKD has performed surgery on more than 1,000 patients with pectus excavatum. Nuss has also trained hundreds of surgeons from around the around the world who travel to CHKD to learn the Nuss procedure.

The pectus carinatum surgery adapts this technique, but passes the bar over the top of the sternum, pushing the protruding cartilage down.

A surgeon trained in the Nuss procedure adapted the idea for use in Argentina, where pectus carinatum is more common than it is in the United States. A Nuss-trained surgeon, Patricio Varela of Santiago Chile, came to CHKD to assist Drs. Kelly and Nuss in the three surgeries performed.

"When you perform these surgeries, there's nothing more gratifying than seeing the chest take shape in a matter of seconds," said Kelly.

The patients selected had severe pectus carinatum that failed to respond to traditional bracing treatment.

The three who underwent the surgery were:
Richard Myer, age 17, of Yorktown, Virginia
Jalil Trappier, 17, of Virginia Beach, Virginia
Thai Paroongsup, 15, of Culpeper, Virginia

Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters is the freestanding children's hospital in Virginia.

Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters,
601 Children's Lane, Norfolk, VA 23507
Contact: Greg Raver-Lampman: (757) 668-7554
Email: Greg.Lampman@chkd.org

More information: www.chkd.org.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, pectus carinatum surgery, surgeon Robert Kelly

Cyberonics CEO to Keynote 2006 Neurotech Leaders Forum

Thu, 14 Sep 2006 18:43:00 GMT

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - Sept. 14 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Robert P. "Skip" Cummins, chairman and CEO of Cyberonics Inc., will keynote the 2006 Neurotech Leaders Forum, to be held September 28-29, 2006 at the Crowne Plaza San Francisco International Airport. The free-speaking neurotechnology industry pioneer will share some of his experiences dealing with regulatory, technical, and marketing issues during his tenure at Cyberonics.

Several other neurotechnology leaders will contribute during the conference, including Philip Kennedy M.D., Ph.D. of Neural Signals, the first to implant a brain-computer interface in a paralyzed and locked-in human patient, and Ted Berger, Ph.D., from University of Southern California, a pioneer in the development of neural-silicon hybrid chips that combine VLSI and neuronal processing.

Day one will feature short courses on technology, market, and funding issues related to the industry. Neurotech Business Report senior technical editor Warren Grill from Duke University will offer his course, Basics of Neurotechnology, followed by a session on obtaining venture capital financing, led by senior financial editor Glenn Cornett. Neurotech Business Report editor James Cavuoto will wrap up the day with a session on neurotechnology market fundamentals.

Day two will feature a series of panel discussions on topics related to the industry. After the keynote address, a session entitled the M&A Climate for Neurotechnology will examine the current competitive outlook and opportunities for new M&A activity. Executives from Medtronic, Johnson & Johnson, Boston Scientific, and other firms will speak on this panel.

In addition a special session titled, "The Clinician's Perspective" on Sept. 29 will examine the role that medical specialists play in the design, development, and approval of neurotech devices. Panelists include James Campbell, M.D., a neurosurgeon at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Michael Keith, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at Metro Health Medical Center in Cleveland, OH. An afternoon entrepreneur panel will feature presentations from CEOs of several promising neurotech startups, and the day will wrap up with a panel devoted to observations and recommendations from the venture capital community.

Neurotech Reports editors will announce the winners of the 2006 Gold Electrode Awards during a luncheon ceremony on Sept. 29. Award recipients will be recognized within the following categories: Best New Product, Most Promising Start-Up Firm, and Neurotechnology Researcher of the Year.

More information on the Neurotech Leaders Forum:
www.neurotechreports.com/pages/leadersforum.html.

For more information on attending Neurotech Leaders Forum, please contact CoActive Public Relations, info@coactivepr.com 415-621-6626.

Neurotech Reports. 461 Second St. #124 - San Francisco, CA 94107 - 415 546 1259 415 358 4264 fax - www.neurotechreports.com.

Copyright © 2006 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Neurotech Leaders Forum, Neurotech Reports

New Technology in Treating Chronic Sinus Infections Performed in Texas by San Antonio Physician

Tue, 18 Apr 2006 17:52:00 GMT

SAN ANTONIO, TX - April 18 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Dr. Anthony P. Sertich II of San Antonio, Texas is one of the first physicians in Texas to offer a new, minimally invasive technology for treating chronic sinus inflammation. The Balloon Sinuplasty(TM) system uses a small catheter and balloon to quickly open and expand blocked sinuses. To date Dr. Sertich has treated over 40 individuals successfully, and many more are in line to receive the balloon sinuplasty procedure.

Sinusitis is one of the most common chronic health problems in the U.S., afflicting 37 million Americans each year. Patients suffer headaches, congestion, fatigue and other symptoms. This condition significantly impacts an individual's physical, functional, and emotional quality of life.

Until recently, sinusitis patients were limited to two treatment options: medical therapy such as antibiotics and topical nasal steroids, and for more severe situations, a conventional sinus surgery such as Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS). However, FESS is a surgery that requires bone and tissue removal in order to open up blocked sinus passageways. With the possibility for complications and the typically long recovery times, patients often opted to continue their own personal suffering.

Now, with the Balloon Sinuplasty(TM) technology, patients have a viable alternative. A small, flexible balloon catheter is placed through a nostril into the blocked sinus passageway. The balloon is then inflated to gently restructure and open the sinus passageway, restoring normal sinus drainage and function.

In performing the balloon sinuplasty procedure, Dr. Sertich has been able to offer this minimally invasive alternative to patients who may fear extensive surgery that could result in complications and long recovery periods. Balloon sinuplasty makes it possible to achieve faster recovery times and less post-procedure discomfort. In fact, many of his patients have been able to return to normal activities within 24 hours and have had significant improvement in their symptoms.

About Dr. Sertich

A native of San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Anthony Sertich received his Bachelor of Arts with highest honors from St. Mary's University in San Antonio and his Medical Degree from the University of Texas, Southwestern Medical School, at Dallas. After completing his residency in general surgery, otolaryngology and head and neck facial plastic surgery at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida, he returned to San Antonio to begin his private practice.

He established the South Texas Otorhinolaryngology Facial Plastic Head and Neck Surgery Associates with his diverse interests in adult and pediatric disorders of the ear, nose, and throat, with special experience and training in facial plastic surgery.

Dr. Anthony Sertich is Board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery; A Fellow of the American College of Surgeons; a Fellow member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; Assistant Clinical Professor for the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio; past President of the San Antonio Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Society; a Fellow member of American Academy Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery; and past chief of the section of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at the Southwest Texas Methodist Hospital in San Antonio.

Sinusitis patients who reside in Texas and are considering their options can learn more about the Balloon Sinuplasty(TM) technology by contacting Dr. Sertich's office at 210-614-8625, or by visiting http://www.sertichmd.com

Neurotechnology Entrepreneur to Keynote 2005 Neurotech Leaders Forum

Tue, 13 Sep 2005 19:03:00 GMT

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - September 13 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Alan Levy, President and CEO of Northstar Neuroscience, Inc., will keynote the 2005 Neurotech Leaders Forum, to be held in San Francisco, CA October 20-21. Levy, founder of one of the most promising venture capital-backed neurotechnology firms, will address many of the issues involved with launching a neurotechnology startup. The fifth annual event, produced by Neurotech Reports, will be held at the Crowne Plaza San Francisco International Airport. The conference will cover a range of technologies and market segments in the neuro space, including neuromodulation, neural prostheses, neurodiagnostics, and neurostimulation.

Attendees will hear from some of the leading researchers and entrepreneurs developing clinically and commercially promising products such as cochlear implants, stroke rehabilitation devices, implanted pain stimulators, neural-computer interfaces, and advanced brain sensing technologies.

On the afternoon of October 20, the event will feature two short courses devoted to technology basics and investment advice for neurotech start-ups and early-stage firms. The finance track offers a primer on preparing a business plan for submission to potential investors, and covers the key components of a plan, what not to include, and how to arrange a meeting with the right person at a venture capital firm. Participants will also have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with representatives of VC firms for a confidential assessment of their presentation.

Neurotech Reports senior financial editor Glenn Cornett, formerly with McKinsey & Company and a strategic advisor to biotechnology and medical device firms, will lead the course. The technology track. led by Neurotech Reports senior technology editor Warren Grill, offfers a tutorial on the fundamentals of neurostimulation, neuromodulation, deep-brain stimulation, and related topics. The tutorial will explain how neurotech devices work, and include a discussion of product features, stimulation parameters, targeted locations.

The second day of the conference features panel discussions on key issues affecting the neurotechnology industry, such as the role of government, licensing, and user satisfaction issues. The conference will wrap up with a panel discussion featuring representatives of some of the leading venture capital firms active in the neuro space.

The panelists will discuss critical issues such as the relative strengths and weaknesses of devices and bio/pharma approaches to neurological disorders, the current investment climate in the neuro space, and factors in obtaining funding for neurotechnology startups. VC firms participating in the conference include ONSET Ventures, Technology Partners, NeuroVentures Capital, and Lazard Capital Markets.

The forum will also feature presentations from executives of several early-stage and emerging neurotechnology firms covering a range of product and technology areas. Presenting firms include Andara Life Science, Inc, and Restorative Therapies, Inc.

Sponsors of the 2005 Neurotech Leaders Forum include Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc., and Cyberonics, Inc.

Neurotech Reports, the conference producer, was launched in 2001. The company, based in San Francisco, publishes the Neurotech Business Report newsletter as well as market research reports in the neurotechnology industry.

For more information, visit www.neurotechreports.com.

New York Eye Surgeon Chosen to Implant ReSTOR(R) Pseudoaccommodative Lens for Cataract Correction

Tue, 29 Mar 2005 18:00:00 GMT

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY /Send2Press Newswire/ -- Satish. S. Modi, M.D., F.R.C.S. ( C ) a leading ophthalmic surgeon in Poughkeepsie, New York has been selected by Alcon Laboratories as one of a limited number of surgeons to begin implanting its AcrySoft(R) ReSTOR(R) Intraocular Lens (IOL) for cataract patients with and without presbyopia.

Dr. Modi has been using the earlier generation AcrySoft(R) lens for many years to correct cataract patients' distance vision. "This innovative ReSTOR(R) lens represents a major step forward in the AcrySoft(R) lens implant platform and uses an unique diffractive technology to assist patients in achieving a normal range of vision, so that they are independent of glasses for near, intermediate and distance vision after having cataract surgery," said Dr. Modi.

The clinical trials presented to the FDA to obtain approval for the AcrySoft(R) ReSTOR(R) IOL demonstrated that 80% of the patients who had the lens implanted did not use glasses for any activities after their cataract surgery.

Alcon Laboratories, the manufacturer of the lens, received Food and Drug Administration approval of AcrySoft(R) ReSTOR(R) IOL on March 23, 2005 and has selected a limited number of surgeons throughout the United States to begin implanting the lens in May 2005.

"My commitment to patients is that we should always provide them with the best technology and advances in eye care. I have dedicated my practice to helping patients decrease their dependence on glasses. This lens will help me achieve my goals as well as my patients' goals in the coming years," said Dr. Modi.

More information: http://www.lasik-new-york.net

All trademarks acknowledged.

Dr. Barry J. Kaplan Published for Breast Augmentation Using Only Local Anesthesia

Tue, 01 Mar 2005 11:22:00 GMT

WINTER PARK, FL /Send2Press Newswire/ -- Kaplan Cosmetic Surgery, Inc. (www.kaplancosmeticsurgery.com) is pleased to announce that its founder and director, Barry J. Kaplan, D.O., was published in the June 2004 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery for an original article.

Dr. Kaplan is a cosmetic surgeon and pioneer in developing surgical techniques for safer, more affordable cosmetic surgery. He developed a method of breast augmentation in which he uses tumescent (local) anesthesia such that the patient is awake and can see and participate in her final size. His patient walks out of the office fifteen minutes after completion of the half-hour surgery and with little or no discomfort.

Eliminating general or intravenous anesthesia has made the procedure safer and easier for the patient as the after-effects of anesthesia are also eliminated. The surgical fees are typically $600-$1000 lower as there are no anesthesia fees. Dr. Kaplan's method also results in markedly reduced or no bleeding. He has performed 400 successful surgeries using his method including a list of international clients and he now trains other physicians in his method.

Dr. Kaplan performs mini-facelifting, laser facial surgery, liposuction-liposculpting with mini-tummy tuck and various other procedures using his local anesthesia technique.

More information: www.kaplancosmeticsurgery.com.

Global Medical Research Announces Breakthrough Technology to Prevent Post-Surgical Adhesions

Fri, 25 Feb 2005 13:56:00 GMT

ORLANDO, FL /Send2Press Newswire/ -- Global Medical Research, LLC (www.gmrllc.com), a Central Florida-based company dedicated to developing and commercializing intellectual properties that address problems in the biomedical field, today announced the launch of breakthrough technology designed to prevent post surgical adhesions. GMR's Internal-Tissue Engineered Membrane Product (i-TEMP(tm)), is now poised for advanced phase animal testing to support the expectations of a broad spectrum of uses.

The base technology has been in development for several years at the University of North Texas Health Science Center under the direction of Dr. S. Dan Dimitrijevich, Director of the Tissue and Cell and Tissue Engineering Division of the Cardiovascular Research Institute. With the acquisition of exclusive Worldwide Licensing Rights for i-TEMP(tm), GMR has also undertaken the financial responsibility for the commercialization steps that include process development and product testing.

In order to maintain a proprietary position, information about the device is limited, but what is evident from the company's research is that the efficacy in prevention of adhesions is greater than ninety percent. In addition, i-TEMP(tm) has an excellent shelf life, is easy to handle, can be delivered laproscopically, and is completely bio-absorbed after application. GMR also maintains that the materials that would be used for the manufacture of i-TEMP(tm) have been approved by the FDA for use in other biomedical devices that are FDA approved and currently being used in humans.

While the research and development work continues to be performed by Dr. S. Dan Dimitrijevich and his team at UNTHSC, all contractual negotiations and other aspects of commercialization are conducted at GMR's corporate headquarters in Winter Park, Florida.

i-TEMP(tm) is anticipated to save billions of dollars in health care costs associated with re-do surgeries to resolve Adhesion Related Disorders (ARD) which result in extended hospital stays, and could possibly reduce some of the 2,500 adhesion related deaths each year. i-TEMP(tm) is expected to improve the quality of life for a multitude of surgical patients that include an increasing number of women undergoing hysterectomies, C-sections or suffering from endometriosis.

GMR's Medical Advisory Board currently includes 5 highly qualified individuals and is expected to add two additional members. Presently the Board is chaired by Dr. Kevin Accola (Cardiovascular Surgeon, Founder/Member). The other Medical Advisory Board Members are: Dr. Dan Dimitrijevich (Director of Research/Inventor/Founder), Dr. Joseph Allgeier (Director of Medical Education at Florida Hospital), Dr. Albert Olivencia-Yurvati (Associate Professor of Cardiovascular Surgery, UNTHSC), and Dr. David Wiseman (founder of the International Adhesion Society and a recognized leader in the testing and evaluation of adhesion prevention).

GMR is maintaining close contact and discussions with its regulatory consultants in order to assure that all FDA criteria are being observed. GMR has been approached by hedge funds, distributors, manufacturers, proposing partnerships, the sale of the devise and/or joint ventures to manufacture and distribute what is likely to be millions of i-TEMP(tm)s annually.

For additional information regarding the severity of ARD visit the following web sites: www.adhesions.org or www.adhesions.org.uk.

More information about Global Medical Research, LLC
www.gmrllc.com.

CONTACT(S):
Mr. Michael Garfield, CEO
Mr. Harvey Berger, Exc. VP / Dir. Of Oper.
of Global Medical Research
+1-407-599-5300
+1-407-599-2255 Fax