Dental hygienists are oral healthcare professionals responsible for cleaning teeth, educating patients on proper oral hygiene, and assisting dentists during various procedures. You might consider foraying into oral healthcare as a dental hygienist, as this industry is growing fast. Today, patients suffering from periodontal issues prefer a dentist’s clinic to a hospital, suggests a recent […]
Exploring Dental Hygiene As A Career syndicated from medsurgicalsupplies.wordpress.com
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An artificial intelligence (AI) driven assessment tool for diagnosing mental health disorders has become the first mental health chatbot to secure a Class IIa UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) medical device certification. Using machine learning, Limbic Access is designed to support patient self-referral through digital conversations that are incorporated into the psychological therapy pathway. The chatbot can classify common mental health disorders treated by NHS Talking Therapies (IAPTs) with an accuracy of 93%. The certification comes as NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services are experiencing significant capacity challenges in the face of record demand. In 2021-22, 1.24 million referrals accessed IAPT services, compared to 1.02 million in 2020-21, an increase of 21.5%. With services overstretched, the UK government is under pressure to boost investment. On January 23, prime minister Rishi Sunak announced a £150 million investment to support mental health services and ease pressure on healthcare staff. The funds will be used for 150 new projects centered on supporting the provision of mental health crisis response and urgent mental health care. However, the investment has been labeled inadequate. Commenting on the announcement, Paul Spencer, Head of Health, Policy & Campaigns at mental health charity Mind called for further investment to address the growing crisis. “Mental health services have faced decades of underfunding in comparison to physical health, and mental health received none of the Covid-19 recovery funding announced in 2021, despite huge backlogs in mental health care and the well-known impact of the pandemic on the nation’s mental health,” said Spencer. “We’re seeing the human cost of that playing out now as people wait days in our A&Es for mental health beds and people experiencing complex mental health problems struggle without help around us in our communities.” Following its breakthrough certification, Limbic Access is aiming to deepen ties with the NHS to augment the psychotherapy process. The London, UK-based health tech developer has already trialed the AI therapy assistant with more than 130,000 NHS patients. UKCA auditors, SGS, reviewed clinical evidence generated from more than 60,000 referrals and found that when compared to standard referral methods such as telephone calls and online forms, the chatbot showed a 53% improvement in recovery rates and 45% fewer changes in treatment, due to increased triage accuracy. In an interview with Medical Device Network, Dr. Ross Harper, co-founder, and CEO of Limbic discusses how AI tech can impact mental health assessment. The interview has been edited for clarity and length. CL: What was your vision when developing Limbic Access for mental health care? Dr. Ross Harper: Our mission from the beginning has always been that we want to use technology to make the highest quality mental health care available to everybody everywhere, regardless of their socio-economic background. AI is the perfect technology to make this world a reality so we began building something that can continuously learn about a patient’s mental state – whether through clinical screening questions, free text conversational data or a variety of other data streams. We combine this with algorithms in the background which deliver the probability of possible mental health issues that the patient might be experiencing. One crucial piece of the puzzle we had to solve was how are we going to make sure this is used safely in a clinical setting? The answer could have been around substituting humans with AI but that wasn’t appropriate in the case of our technology. Instead, we focused on how we can use AI alongside trained mental health professionals to augment the therapy process and empower them to support more people. The system algorithms help manage the self-referral by doing an initial analysis and identifying symptoms of mental illness and this can then be shared with the clinician in a way that allows them to really get to the root of the patient’s issue faster and identify the most appropriate treatment pathway from there on. But the final step in using machine learning models is ensuring they are regulated appropriately to meet the highest clinical and technical standards. That’s why our Class IIa medical device certification is important – it independently verifies that we can do, what we say, and that we can be used as an integral tool in psychotherapy. CL: Do you see this certification as significant for the evolution of the digital mental health space and AI therapy? Dr. Ross Harper: Yes, it’s a landmark as this is first of its kind. It’s also exciting as this is one of the first examples of AI working alongside clinicians in psychotherapy. The amalgamation of AI and human therapist is the future and the only way to safely deliver these sorts of technologies in mental health care. I think it’s important that we haven’t just tried to digitize existing treatment exercises into an app and deliver that up as a tool. What we really wanted was to develop probabilistic models and use AI to provide a decision support tool, which can be hugely valuable and fundamentally support mental health services, which are very much overburdened globally. CL: How do you see your relationship with the NHS evolving? Dr. Ross Harper: We have a lot of admiration for the NHS and it’s the market we have chosen to develop in. We believe in the organization and are proud of Limbic as a company founded in in the UK. We hope to continue providing this sort of technology to the NHS and listen to their problems and challenges to see whether our expertise in AI can support them because we believe very much in their mission and what they stand for. CL: Are you looking to expand into additional markets outside of the UK? Dr. Ross Harper: We’ve got our eyes open, and we have explored other markets. But I think for a company like ours, limited focus is critical because you can’t do everything to begin with. For the time being we are focused on how we can augment NHS psychotherapy, support clinicians and patients and services within this care system. It goes without saying that a lot of the benefits that I have described that we’re able to support the NHS with, they do translate to other markets delivering psychological therapies so we have explored that purely from a gathering information point to understand how our solutions may fit within those markets. But right now, it’s the NHS for us. CL: The digital mental health space is expanding with new technologies. How will Limbic differentiate from other companies? Dr. Ross Harper: It’s tough to comment on other companies but I can talk with authority about Limbic. We’re the only technological solution that is regulated to this level to support triage and assessment in adult mental health care. We are also the most widely used tool of its kind in the NHS so, while others are quite rightly looking at entering the space – currently Limbic is the leader. We’ve also got the evidence that shows our decision support can support both patients and clinicians because that’s a key part of this puzzle rather than being a straight business to consumer product. Other technologies are also gearing towards wellbeing, and we aren’t positioning ourselves as a wellbeing tool for corporate or direct consumers. Nor is this an area we plan to push. We consider ourselves to be a clinical tool – we were born in mental health care and plan to stay in this space. CL: What are some of the key milestones for Limbic in 2023? Dr. Ross Harper: The key things are continuing to develop our triage and assessment support tool. We also have a product called Limbic Care, that we plan to add some exciting new functionalities to in 2023. We’ve also got new machine learning models coming out of our lab, which will be used to create service efficiencies and improve patient experience and clinical outcomes. All of these are currently in the pipeline so it’s going to be an exciting year. The post Talk to the bot: AI assistant marks breakthrough for UK mental health appeared first on Medical Device Network. Talk to the bot: AI assistant marks breakthrough for UK mental health syndicated from medsurgicalsupplies.wordpress.com
Apyx Medical notes Apyx One Console is a multi-functional generator incorporating an advanced 3-in-1 energy system that enables plastic and cosmetic surgeons to utilize Renuvion technology, together with full monopolar and bipolar energy.
Apyx Medical Corporation Launches its Latest-generation Renuvion Generator, the Apyx One Console, in the United States syndicated from medsurgicalsupplies.wordpress.com
Miach Orthopaedics advises funds will enable ongoing operations and expand the U.S. commercial rollout of the BEAR Implant.
Miach Orthopaedics Secures $40 Million Financing syndicated from medsurgicalsupplies.wordpress.com Abbott Laboratories recently announced FDA approval for its transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) system, Navitor, for the treatment of severe aortic stenosis. Its unique features include a fabric cuff—the NaviSeal—to prevent paravalvular leak and a self-expanding leaflet system that allows easy access to the coronary vessels. The Navitor system is not a new device to the global TAVR market, as it received CE approval in Europe in 2021. Considering the TAVR market’s aggressive growth over the years, it is no surprise that Abbott would want to break into the market and gain some market shares. In the US alone, the volume of TAVR devices sold between 2015 and 2019 experienced an aggressive compound annual growth rate of 37%, with sales reaching over $2bn in 2019. In the past, Boston Scientific tried to break into the TAVR market with its Lotus Edge TAVR system. Unlike its more famous competitors, Edwards Lifesciences and Medtronic, Boston Scientific was unable to expand its market share to the low-risk patient population for aortic stenosis, ultimately leading to the company’s withdrawal from the market as a whole. This resulted in the duopoly that the TAVR market is today, with Edwards Lifesciences possessing 64% market share and Medtronic having 31%. Navitor’s unique design may give it a competitive advantage over its two well-known competitors, as it is the first TAVR system to offer hemodynamics in all valve sizes and a self-expanding leaflet system. However, similar to Boston Scientific’s Lotus Edge, Navitor is only indicated for severe cases of aortic stenosis. When treating mild or intermediate cases, physicians are forced to seek other TAVR systems, such as Edwards Lifesciences’ Sapien or Medtronic’s Evolut system, that have a wider coverage of indications. It would be extremely beneficial if the Navitor system received FDA approval for low-risk patients, in addition to its unique design. Perhaps this is something Abbott can investigate in the future. For now, Abbott certainly has an uphill battle, especially with Edwards Lifesciences possessing over 50% market share. Optimistically speaking, potentially Navitor’s unique design may be enough to push Abbott as a third major player in the TAVR market. Only time will tell if the Navitor will succeed in penetrating the market. The post Abbott Laboratories receives FDA approval for Navitor TAVR system appeared first on Medical Device Network. Abbott Laboratories receives FDA approval for Navitor TAVR system syndicated from medsurgicalsupplies.wordpress.com
Physical therapy is a part of the care regimen for most patients these days. People recovering from traumatic injuries and complicated surgeries require rehab treatment to regain functionality. The demand for therapy services is high, making it a lucrative domain for healthcare providers. But running a rehab clinic is easier said than done because it […]
Proven Strategies To Run A Rehab Therapy Clinic Effectively syndicated from medsurgicalsupplies.wordpress.com
If someone tells you that choosing the right pair of eyewear is easy, they are obviously lying to you. With so many shapes, styles, and frame materials to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when trying to find the perfect pair for your face shape and lifestyle. But by understanding what will work best […]
Eyewear Basics: How To Choose Glasses That Fit You? syndicated from medsurgicalsupplies.wordpress.com
Running a medical practice is a goal that many physicians have for themselves. It can not only be a lucrative option, but allows you to set your own hours, choose your staff, and decide how things are done. However, being in charge of your own practice can also take a lot of work, effort, and […]
3 Great Ways To Improve the Efficiency of Your Medical Practice syndicated from medsurgicalsupplies.wordpress.com Swiss medical device manufacturer icotec ag has received 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its extended VADER Pedicle System. The approval is granted for the VADER Pedicle System inclusive of Ø 4.5mm pedicle screws along with extended long Carbon/PEEK rods made from BlackArmor. The extended system can be used in open, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and cement-augmented surgical techniques. It also offers additional options for stabilising the upper-thoracic region of the spine. The system now features pedicle screws with diameters between 4.5mm and 7.5mm in lengths of 25mm to 60mm. Rods in different shapes and up to 300mm in length are also included. BlackArmor Carbon/PEEK composite material is used to produce the VADER screws and rods. BlackArmor is completely radiolucent and enables clear visualisation in postoperative imaging, enhanced radiation planning and dose delivery. Furthermore, the composite material helps expand treatment options for patients with spinal tumours. icotec CEO Roger Stadler said: “We are extremely proud that icotec is the world-leading provider of extended solutions for the stabilisation of this frequently affected spinal region with the extension of its VADER product family with canulated and fenestrated Ø 4.5mm pedicle screws and longer rod options. “An important milestone that represents our continued commitment to develop and commercialise spinal implants made from radiolucent BlackArmor, expanding treatment options and allowing for safer tumour care.” Established in 1999, icotec is engaged in the development, manufacturing and distribution of spinal implants made from artefact-free BlackArmor. Processed using the company’s unique manufacturing technology, the BlackArmor material is composed of continuous carbon fibres combined with PEEK. The post icotec gets FDA clearance for extended VADER Pedicle System appeared first on Medical Device Network. icotec gets FDA clearance for extended VADER Pedicle System syndicated from medsurgicalsupplies.wordpress.com Thermo Fisher Scientific and AstraZeneca are collaborating on the development of a new solid tissue and blood-based companion diagnostic (CDx) test for Tagrisso (osimertinib). This collaboration is part of a global, multiyear agreement that the companies entered into in September 2021. The new CDx test, dubbed Oncomine Dx Express Test, will be designed to identify non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who could be eligible to receive treatment with Tagrisso. It will detect tumours that show alterations of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), including exon 21 L858R mutations, exon 19 deletions or T790M mutations. Thermo Fisher Scientific stated that the collaboration will run the new test on the Genexus Dx System, the company’s completely integrated next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform. To help advance precision oncology, the platform includes an automated specimen-to-report workflow that provides results in 24 hours. NGS-based CDx testing enables the detection of multiple biomarkers from a single test. This helps match patients with suitable targeted treatments more quickly. Thermo Fisher Scientific clinical NGS and oncology president Garret Hampton said: “As part of our ongoing partnership with AstraZeneca, today’s announcement will help bring targeted oncology treatments to more patients in need of new care options. “By leveraging the Genexus Dx System’s unprecedented turnaround time, we can help ensure molecular testing results are more readily available to inform vital treatment decisions.” Currently, Tagrisso is approved in many countries and regions worldwide as a treatment for locally advanced or metastatic EGFR T790M mutation-positive NSCLC patients as well as a first-line treatment for locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC patients whose tumours have L858R substitution mutations. It is also approved as an adjuvant treatment for NSCLC patients whose tumours have EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 (L858R) substitution mutations after tumour resection. The post Thermo Fisher Scientific and AstraZeneca partner to develop new CDx test appeared first on Medical Device Network. Thermo Fisher Scientific and AstraZeneca partner to develop new CDx test syndicated from medsurgicalsupplies.wordpress.com |
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