Biopeer: New catheter technique offers heart surgery hope

A study reported in the 30th Annual Scientific Sessions of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, speaks about the discovery of a catheter technique for patching holes in the heart, in order to avoid possibilities of a surgery. Study claims that the patch closes the ventricular septal defects (VSDs) – ruptures in the wall between the right and left ventricles – facilitating normal blood circulation and restoration of fluid in the lungs. Donald J. Hagler, professor of pediatrics in the Divisions of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, performed implantation of the VSD patch. The patch is pulled into the catheter lengthwise, for threading it through a vein into the right ventricle and across the rupture into the left ventricle. The patch is then pushed partially out of the catheter sheath until the first disc pops open. The catheter is then withdrawn back into the right ventricle, with the first disc positioned against the left ventricular wall and the connecting the shaft filling the hole created by the rupture. From inside the right ventricle, the patch is pushed forward again, releasing the second disc, which covers the rupture on the right side of the heart. Initial trials of patch-implantation were not successful, except for further claims of helping patients regain their strength for a surgery.

Frenchay Hospital in Bristol has reportedly introduced a ‘Fibro Scanner’ that uses sound waves to detect liver diseases non-invasively. The condition of liver is determined by the speed at which the sound waves travel. The faster the sound waves travel, the healthier the liver and vice-versa. “One of the best things is that this procedures takes a matter of minutes and also means that we are able to see many more patients - around 10 to 15 a week as opposed to one or two,” said Robert Przemioslo, consultant in gastroenterology.

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