HospiMedica International June 2023

Artificial Intelligence System Improves Surgical Outcomes

Artificial Intelligence System Improves Surgical Outcomes

By conducting video evaluations of surgical procedures, the Surgical AI System (SAIS) can analyze the performance of surgeons down to individual motions such as handling a needle or manipulating tissue, thereby enhancing their training and improving surgical outcomes .

Troponin Bracelet Predicts Heart Attack

When the arteries supplying blood to the heart become blocked, it restricts the supply of oxygen to the heart and the body, leading to a heart attack. Due to high volumes of patients and personnel shortages, many emergency rooms can face challenges in quickly determining which patients are experiencing a heart attack. Troponin-I, a protein that enters the bloodstream when the heart muscle is dam-

Wearable

Wireless Doppler Helps Sepsis Management

Timing is crucial when caring for patients with sepsis. Upon a patient’s arrival at a hospital suffering from sepsis, the initial course of action is to provide them with intravenous (IV) fluids. However, not all patients benefit from this method, and in fact, some may Cont’d on page 9

Bio-Printed Patches Can Repair Damaged Heart Tissue

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally. One of the associated complications of heart disease is heart failure, in which inadequate blood supply to an affected region causes the death of heart tissue. This often neces-

sitates life-long medication, and end-stage heart failure patients may subsequently be enrolled on a waiting list for a heart transplant. Now, researchers have demonstrated the potential of bio-engineered heart tissues in promoting the safe and effective

Plasma Volume Is Associated with Patient

Mortality, ICU Days, and Ventilator Days

Patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are particularly vulnerable to adverse effects of fluid overload. Plasma volume status (PVS), defined as the percentage deviation from ideal plasma volume, has emerged as a rapid, noninvasive method to assess vo

mortality 25.6%

95% Cl for predicted death rate

According to this recent study from Johns Hopkins University Medical Center: “We demonstrate that elevated PVS is associated with greater risk of mortality and fewer ICU- and ventilator-free days even after adjustment for age, sex, and degree of critical illness. Plasma volume status could be considered for risk-stratification and to direct therapy, particularly fluid management.”

Plasma Volume Now Available On A Blood Gas Analyzer

Nova’s Prime Plus blood gas analyzer automatically calculates patient plasma volume with the Strauss formula, which uses measured hemoglobin and measured hematocrit to calculate ePV (estimated plasma volume). Prime Plus reports ePV as part of a comprehensive panel including tests for kidney function, electrolytes, metabolites, gases, and acid/base.

1. Metkus TS et al. Calculated Plasma Volume Status Is Associated with Mortality in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Crit Care Explorations 2021; 3(9).

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Ultra-Powerful MRI Merged with Microscopy Offers 64 Million Times Sharper Brain Images

forts led by Duke University (Durham, NC, USA; www.duke.edu), the investigators have produced scans of a mouse brain that are substantially clearer than those of a standard human clinical MRI, comparable to transitioning from pixelated 8-bit graphics to the hyper-realistic detail of a Chuck Close painting. A single voxel in these new images, which can be thought of as a cubic pixel, is only 5 microns in size - 64 million times smaller than a clinical MRI voxel. While the research focused on mice rather than humans, the improved MRI offers a groundbreaking method to visualize the entire brain’s connectivity at unparalleled resolution. The researchers believe that the insights gained from mouse imaging will ultimately contribute to a better understanding of human conditions, such as age-related brain changes, dietary impacts, or neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

This groundbreaking achievement is the result of nearly 40 years of research. Over these decades, the researchers have refined numerous elements that, when combined, enable the revolutionary MRI resolution. Key components include an incredibly powerful magnet (9.4 Tesla, compared to 1.5 to 3 Tesla in most clinical MRIs), a set of gradient coils 100 times stronger than those in clinical MRIs for generating brain images, and a high-performance computer with the processing power of nearly 800 laptops working simultaneously to image a single brain. After extensively scanning the tissue, it is then imaged using light sheet microscopy, a complementary technique that allows for labeling spe-

cific groups of cells throughout the brain, such as those related to Parkinson’s disease progression.

The researchers map the light sheet images, which offer a highly precise view of brain cells, onto the original MRI scan, known for its anatomical accuracy and detailed visualization of cells and circuits across the entire brain. This combined whole-brain data imagery allows scientists to explore the brain’s microscopic intricacies in unprecedented ways. One set of MRI images reveals how brain-wide connectivity alters with aging in mice and how specific regions, such as the memory-related subiculum, change more than other parts of the brain. Another set of images displays a spectrum of brain connections that emphasize the significant deterioration of neural networks in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. By transforming the MRI into an even more powerful microscope, researchers hope to gain a better understanding of mouse models for human diseases, including Huntington’s, Alzheimer’s, and others. This knowledge should ultimately lead to a deeper comprehension of how similar processes function or malfunction in humans.

“It is something that is truly enabling. We can start looking at neurodegenerative diseases in an entirely different way,” said G. Allan Johnson, Ph.D., the lead author of the new paper and the Charles E. Putman University Distinguished professor of radiology, physics and biomedical engineering at Duke.

Image: MRI technology reveals the entire mouse brain in the highest resolution (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

AI Enhances Detection of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Chest X-Rays

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a highly fatal critical illness, with diagnosis often missed or delayed, resulting in patients not receiving evidence-based care. Researchers have now developed a deep learning algorithm to help doctors identify ARDS more quickly and reliably in chest X-rays.

In a new study, the research team University

of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI, USA; www.umich. edu) assessed the strengths and weaknesses of the AI model compared to expert physicians and investigated how both could work together to improve ARDS diagnosis and patient outcomes. The team used 414 chest X-rays from adult hospital patients with acute hypoxic respiratory failure, and had the AI model and a group

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Novel Ingestible Capsule X-Ray Dosimeter Enables Real-Time Radiotherapy Monitoring

astric cancer ranks among the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Precision is vital in modern radiotherapy, as it aims to target tumor cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. However, challenges such as diverse patient populations, treatment uncertainties, and varying delivery methods result in low efficacy and inconsistent outcomes. Real-time monitoring of radiation doses, particularly within the gastrointestinal tract, could enhance radiotherapy precision and effectiveness, but it remains a difficult task. Furthermore, current methods for tracking biochemical indicators like pH and temperature fall short in providing a comprehensive evaluation of radiotherapy. Now, a new invention may improve gastric cancer treatment by boosting the precision of radiotherapy, which is often combined with surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy.

Conventional clinical dosimeters, such as metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors, thermoluminescence sensors, and optically stimulated films, are typically placed on or near a patient's skin to estimate the radiation dose absorbed in the targeted area. While electronic portal imaging devices have been investigated for treatment verification, these devices can be costly and absorb radiation, thereby reducing the patient's intended radiation dose. Ingestible sensors have been limited to monitoring pH and pressure, creating the need for an affordable swallowable sensor that can simultaneously track biochemical indicators and X-ray dose absorption during gastrointestinal radiotherapy. A research team at the National University of Singapore (NUS, Singapore; www.nus.edu.sg) has created an ingestible X-ray dosimeter capable of real-time radiation dose detection. By integrating their innovative capsule design with a neural-network-based regression model that calculates radiation dose based on data captured by the capsule, the researchers achieved approximately five times more accurate dose monitoring compared to existing standard methods.

The novel ingestible X-ray dosimeter can measure radiation dose, pH changes, and temperature in real time during gastrointestinal radiotherapy. The capsule's main components consist of a flexible optical fiber wrapped in nanoscintillators that emit light in response to radiation, a pH-sensitive film, a fluidic module with multiple inlets for dynamic gastric fluid sampling, dual sensors for dose and pH measurement, a microcontroller circuit board that processes photoelectric signals for transmission to a mobile app, and a compact silver oxide battery to power the capsule.

Upon ingestion and reaching the gastrointestinal tract, the nanoscintillators emit a stronger luminescence when exposed to increased X-ray radiation. A sensor within the capsule measures this glow to determine the radiation dose delivered to the targeted area. Simultaneously, the fluidic module collects gastric fluid for pH detection by the color-changing film. This color shift is recorded by a second sensor inside the capsule. Additionally, both sensors can detect temperature, providing insight into potential adverse reactions to radiotherapy treatment, such as allergic responses.

The microcontroller circuit board processes photoelectric signals from the two sensors and transmits the information to a mobile app using Bluetooth technology and an antenna. The mobile app employs a neural network-based regression model to process the raw data, displaying information such as radiotherapy dose, temperature, and pH of the tissues undergoing treatment. The capsule dosimeter measures 18mm in length and 7mm in width, a standard size for supplements and medications, and has a production cost of S$50.

While currently designed for monitoring radiotherapy doses in gastric cancer, the capsule could also be adapted to track treatment for various malignancies with modifications to its size. For instance, a smaller capsule could be inserted into the rectum for prostate cancer brachytherapy or the upper nasal cavity for real-time measurement of absorbed doses in nasopharyngeal or brain tumors, minimizing radiation damage to adjacent structures. The research team is striving to advance their innovation toward clinical application. Future research includes determining the capsule's location and orientation after ingestion, devising a reliable po sitioning system to secure the capsule at the target site, and refining the accuracy of the ingestible dosimeters for safe and effective clinical use.

“Our novel capsule is a game-changer in providing affordable and

effective monitoring of the effectiveness of radiotherapy treatment. It has the potential to provide quality assurance that the right dose of radiation will reach patients,” said Professor Liu Xiaogang from the Department of

Radcal Touches the World!

•

•

Image: The components of the dosimeter can fit into an 18mm by 7mm capsule (Photo courtesy of University of NUS)

DAP

MAGNETIC RESONANCE (MR) IMAGING SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS

DR RETROFIT KIT KIRAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS

AI Enhances Detection of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Chest X-Rays

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of physicians with expertise in chest X-ray interpretation for ARDS detection work side by side. They evaluated overall performance in ARDS detection, accuracy based on X-ray interpretation difficulty, and the level of AI/ physician certainty in their interpretations. The AI model demonstrated a higher overall performance in detecting ARDS findings than physicians. However, the researchers discovered that while the AI model outperformed the physicians in interpreting less challenging chest X-rays, physicians were better at reviewing more difficult ones. In rating their confidences in the chest X-ray interpretation, when one was found to be less confident, the other performed better.

The team’s analysis suggests that AI and

physician expertise could complement each other, potentially reducing ARDS misdiagnosis rates. They tested several strategies in which an AI and physician could collaborate to achieve the best performance. One effective method involved having the AI system review the chest X-ray first and then deferring to physicians if it was uncertain. This approach allowed physicians to review a smaller subset of chest X-rays, reducing workload and allowing them to focus on more challenging cases. Such an approach could ultimately transform care delivery to ARDS patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).

“Understanding how to effectively operationalize AI systems in the ICU is really important,” said study senior author Dr. Michael Sjoding, Associate Director of the Weil Institute and

Associate Professor of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine. “These systems are becoming more common, but there has not been a lot of work done so far to understand how to bring them to the bedside to help clinicians provide the best care. This work opens the door to a future where AI systems and human experts work together to provide excellent ARDS care to all patients.”

“Because medical decisions are often high stakes, we know that patients and clinicians likely won’t accept completely replacing human expertise with AI algorithms,” added Dr. Negar Farzaneh, a Weil Institute Research Investigator and Data Scientist, as well as lead author on the study. “However, strategies where the model complements a physician’s diagnosis, rather than replaces it, might be a more reasonable alternative. Our work suggests that these collaborations, when optimized, can result in higher diagnostic accuracy and enable patients to receive more consistent care.”

Image: Collaboration of AI with physicians can improve ARDS diagnostic accuracy (Photo courtesy of Freepik)

Magnetom Free.Max is Siemens’ smallest, most lightweight MR imaging scanner and combines 0.55T field strength with advanced imaging processing. The 80 cm wide-bore system extends access to obese and claustrophobic patients.

The Ultisys Retrofit Kit enables conversion of existing analog X-ray systems to a low dose, high resolution digital radiography (DR) system. The kit includes a flat panel detector, medical grid monitor and intuitive software.

Wearable Ultrasound Patch Marks Breakthrough in Deep Tissue Monitoring

Ultrasound examination of tissues’ biomechanical properties can assist in detecting and managing pathophysiological conditions, tracking lesion development, and evaluating rehabilitation progress. Engineers have now developed a stretchable ultrasonic array that enables non-invasive, serial, three-dimensional imaging of tissues up to four centimeters beneath the human skin’s surface, with a spatial resolution of 0.5 millimeters. This novel method offers a non-invasive, long-term alternative to current approaches, boasting improved penetration depth.

The elastography monitoring system developed by engineers at the University of California San Diego (La Jolla, CA, USA; www.ucsd.edu) enables serial, non-invasive, and three-dimensional mapping of deep tissue mechanical properties, with several crucial applications. In medical research, serial data on pathological tissues can offer vital information on disease progression, such as cancer, which typically causes cells to stiffen. Wearable ultrasound patches not only perform the detection function of conventional ultrasound but also overcome its limitations, such as one-time testing, hospital-based testing, and the need for staff operation. This could help decrease misdiagnoses and fatalities while significantly reducing costs by offering a non-invasive and affordable alternative to traditional diagnostic procedures.

The device features a 16 by 16 array, with each element consisting of a 1-3 composite element and a silver-epoxy composite backing layer designed to absorb excessive vibration, thereby expanding the bandwidth and enhancing axial resolution. The array conforms to human skin and acoustically couples with it, allowing for accurate elastographic imaging validated through magnetic resonance elastography. The researchers aim to further improve the device by incorporating an elastomer layer with a known modulus, a so-called calibration layer, to obtain quantitative, absolute values of tissues’ moduli. This enhancement would provide more comprehensive information about tissues’ mechanical properties, thereby further refining the ultrasonic devices’ diagnostic capabilities.

Besides monitoring cancerous tissues, this technology can help medical professionals accurately track liver fibrosis and cirrhosis progression and determine the most suitable treatment course. Moreover, by monitoring changes in tissue stiffness, the technology can offer valuable insights into musculoskeletal disorders’ progression, such as tendonitis, tennis elbow, and carpal tunnel syndrome, allowing doctors to develop personalized treatment plans. Additionally, by monitoring arterial wall elasticity, doctors can detect early signs of myocardial ischemia

and make timely interventions to prevent further damage.

“This new wave of wearable ultrasound technology is driving a transformation in the healthcare monitoring field, improving patient outcomes, reducing healthcare costs and promoting the widespread adoption of pointof-care diagnosis,” said Yuxiang Ma, a visiting student in the Xu group and study coauthor. “As this technology continues to develop, it is likely that we will see even more significant advances in the field of medical imaging and healthcare monitoring.”

Image: The wearable ultrasound patch measures tissue stiffness more effectively (Photo courtesy of UC San Diego)

Imaging Tool Detects High-Risk Pregnancies

increase the likelihood of injury or death for the parent and infant, potentially leading to long-term neurodevelopmental disability for the child. Identifying the specific type of uterine contractions that cause premature birth or labor arrest can aid researchers in developing methods to slow or prevent the onset of these contractions. However, current clinical techniques to measure uterine contractions, such as tocodynamometry and an intrauterine pressure catheter, are invasive and only provide limited information related to contraction duration and intensity.

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine (St. Louis, MO, USA; www.medicine.wustl.edu) have developed new imaging technology that can create 3D maps of uterine contractions in real-time, displaying both the magnitude and distribution of the contractions across the entire surface of the uterus during labor. Drawing from imaging methods frequently employed in examining the heart, this cutting-edge technology allows for noninvasive monitoring of uterine contractions with unprecedented detail, unlike currently available tools that only indicate the presence or absence of a contraction. The new imaging tool, called electromyometrial imaging (EMMI), provides real-time 3D images and maps of contractions during labor, generating new types of metrics and images that enable the quantification of contraction patterns. This groundbreaking non-invasive imaging technique lays the foundation for improved labor management, especially for preterm birth.

The EMMI technique integrates two types of noninvasive scans - a fast anatomical MRI used to capture a high-quality image of the uterus during the early term pregnancy stage (37 weeks gestation), and a multi-channel surface scanning electromyogram that utilizes sensors positioned along the abdominal

region to monitor contractions during delivery. These data are then combined and processed into comprehensive three-dimensional uterine maps, which utilize warm colors to denote areas of the uterus that are activated earlier in a contraction, cool colors to display areas that are activated later, and gray areas to indicate inactive or non-contracting regions. Over time, a sequence of maps is created, producing a visual time lapse that shows where contractions originate, how they expand and/or synchronize, and any patterns that arise in a typical pregnancy versus one that may be experiencing difficulties or abnormalities.

In the new study, the team tailored EMMI for human clinical use and tested it among a group of 10 women with healthy pregnancies. The study revealed that uterine contractions exhibit less predictability and consistency than heart contractions measured using similar technology. Subsequent labor contractions can differ in the initiating region and the direction of progression even with the same patient. Additionally, the team discovered that initiation sites or “pacemakers” of the uterine contractions do not occur in fixed anatomical regions, as in the heart. These findings serve to increase the value of the EMMI imaging technology, as it is capable of tracking changes through progressive contractions.

The study featured primiparous (first-time birth) patients as well as multiparous (previously given birth) patients. The researchers discovered that primiparous patients exhibited longer contractions with greater variability than multiparous patients who had more efficient and productive contractions. This could be attributed to a “memory effect” of the uterus which may recall its previous labor experiences. The next objective of the researchers is to measure normal uterine

contractions to discern whether they are productive and leading toward childbirth. In resource-restricted areas, such a detailed imaging technology could improve childbirth safety. To enhance accessibility, the researchers aim to swap costly MRI scans (uncommon in many regions globally) with less expensive, portable ultrasound imaging. Additionally, the team is creating disposable electrodes and wireless transmitters to promote mass usage of the technology.

“There are all kinds of obstetrics and gynecological conditions that are associated with uterine contractions, but we don’t have very accurate ways of measuring them,” said senior author Yong Wang, Ph.D., an associate professor of obstetrics & gynecology, of electrical & systems engineering, of radiology, and of biomedical engineering. “With this new imaging technology, we are basically upgrading the standard way of measuring labor contractions - called tocodynamometry - from one-dimensional tracing to four-dimensional mapping. This kind of information could help improve care for patients with high-risk pregnancies and identify ways to prevent preterm birth, which occurs in about 10% of pregnancies globally.”

SUITESTENSA PACS is an enterprise system for the management, archiving and distribution of diagnostic images on intra/extra hospital, multi-department and multi-site networks.

The DOMINUS 64/128 slice CT scanner delivers high quality thin-slice images using iterative reconstruction technology. Its advanced visualization workstation offers an integrated solution for muti-modalities and clin205

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Image: New imaging tech produces real-time 3D maps of uterine contractions during labor (Photo courtesy of Pexels)

PET-MRI Technique Aids Crohn’s Treatment

needed for fibrotic narrowing, which involves irreversible tissue changes. However, varying degrees of inflammation and fibrosis often coexist, and until recently, there has been a lack of methods to accurately characterize these complications for targeted treatment. Currently, no imaging procedure allows for therapy-relevant differentiation between intestinal wall inflammation and fibrosis. Now, a new imaging technique may enhance the treatment of intestinal strictures.

Interdisciplinary research at the Medical University of Vienna (Vienna, Austria; www.meduniwien.ac.at) has employed a novel nuclear medicine tracer for the first time in pursuit of more accurate imaging methods. This FAPI tracer specifically binds to the fibroblast activating protein (FAP) of connective tissue cells that cause fibrosis in the affected intestinal wall. By using the new tracer, PET-MRI diagnostic procedures have demonstrated a strong correlation between molecular imaging and the pathological extent of fibrosis. This technique even allows for differentiation between moderate and severe intestinal wall fibrosis, which is essential for making therapy decisions.

“In future, the molecular imaging we have developed could be used to identify those patients who would benefit from surgical intervention at an early stage, thereby sparing them the need for less effective drug therapy for fibroid-stenosis,” said co-study leader Michael Bergmann from the Department of Visceral Surgery at MedUni Vienna’s Department of General Surgery.

Wearable Wireless Doppler Helps Sepsis Management

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experience negative side effects from excessive IV fluid use, even at the early stages of treatment. This excess fluid can lead to complications, such as a longer hospital stay and more complicated care. While current tools can measure fluid response, they are often inconvenient and time-consuming. Now, a first-of-its-kind first wireless, wearable Doppler ultra-sound system aids clinicians in better managing IV fluid therapy during the early stages of sepsis care.

FloPatch, an innovative new technology from Flosonics Medical (Sudbury, ON, Canada; www.flosonicsmedical.com), monitors blood flow in real-time. The FDA-approved device offers a fast, simple, and reliable way to measure changes in heart function. The device is placed on the patient’s neck and continuously assesses blood flow in the carotid arteries, which are the main arteries supplying blood to the face, brain, and neck. The data collected is then wirelessly transmitted to a secure iOS mobile application, providing clinicians with actionable and real-time data at the bedside. As an easy-to-use, hands-free device, the FloPatch can be deployed in less than one minute.

FloPatch’s advanced analytics engine quantifies and displays changing metrics during an assessment, improving a clinician’s ability to administer more precise fluid treatment and leading to better care for patients. A recent study demonstrated that four to five patients can avoid potentially dangerous fluid overload in the emergency department for every 10 FloPatch assessments performed, resulting in improved patient outcomes and significant cost savings.

“FloPatch is more than an innovative ultrasound system, it is a new paradigm linking physiology and resuscitation medicine,” said Dr. Jon-Emile Kenny, chief medical officer at Flosonics Medical.

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Image: New imaging technique could result in more effective therapy for patients suffering from Crohn`s disease (Photo courtesy of Freepik)

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Graphene “Tattoo” Implant Treats Cardiac Arrhythmia with Light

Cardiac arrhythmias, or heart rhythm disorders, occur when the heart beats too quickly or too slowly. While some cases are not severe, many can lead to heart failure, stroke, or even sudden death. Arrhythmias are often treated with implantable pacemakers and defibrillators that detect and correct abnormal heartbeats using electrical stimulation. However, the rigid nature of these devices can limit the heart's natural movements, injure soft tissues, and cause discomfort and complications such as swelling, perforations, blood clots, and infections. Researchers have now developed the first cardiac implant using graphene, a two-dimensional super-material known for its strength, lightweight, and conductive properties.

Developed by researchers at Northwestern University (Evanston, IL, USA; www. northwestern.edu ), the graphene "tattoo" implant resembles a child's temporary tattoo but functions like a traditional pacemaker despite being thinner than a single strand of hair. In comparison to the current pacemakers and implanted defibrillators made of rigid materials that are mechanically incompatible with the human body, the new device gently melds to the heart to both sense and treat irregular heartbeats at the same time. In addition to being thin and flexible enough to conform to the heart's delicate contours, the implant is also sufficiently stretchy and strong to tolerate the dynamic motions of a beating heart.

The researchers sought to create a bio-compatible device that could conform to soft, dynamic tissues. After considering various materials, they chose graphene, an atomically thin form of carbon with potential applications in high-performance electronics, high-strength materials, and energy devices. The team was already developing graphene electronic tattoos (GETs) with sensing capabilities that adhere to the skin and continuously monitor vital signs, including

blood pressure and electrical activity of the brain, heart, and muscles. However, they needed to explore new methods for using these devices inside the body, directly on the heart's surface.

To achieve this, the researchers developed a new technique to encase the graphene tattoo and adhere it to a beating heart's surface. They encapsulated the graphene in a flexible, elastic silicone membrane with a hole providing access to the interior graphene electrode. They then placed gold tape (10 microns thick) onto the encapsulating layer to serve as an electrical interconnect between the graphene and external electronics used to measure and stimulate the heart. The entire thickness of all layers together is about 100 microns, making it the thinnest known cardiac implant.

In a rat model, the researchers demonstrated that the graphene tattoo could successfully sense irregular heart rhythms and deliver electrical stimulation via a series of pulses without constraining or altering the heart's natural motions. In addition, the technology is optically transparent, enabling the researchers to perform optocardiography - using light to track and modulate heart rhythm - in the animal study. This approach offers a new way to diagnose and treat heart ailments and opens possibilities for optogenetics, a method for controlling and monitoring single cells with light. While electrical stimulation can correct abnormal heart rhythms, optical stimulation provides greater precision, allowing researchers to track specific enzymes and examine particular heart, muscle, or nerve cells.

“One of the challenges for current pacemakers and defibrillators is that they are difficult to affix onto the surface of the heart,” said Northwestern’s Igor Efimov, the study’s senior author. “Defibrillator electrodes, for example, are essentially coils made of very thick wires. These wires are not flexible, and they break. Rigid interfaces with soft tissues, like the heart,

can cause various complications. By contrast, our soft, flexible device is not only unobtrusive but also intimately and seamlessly conforms directly onto the heart to deliver more precise measurements.”

First Ever Wearable Sensor Detects and Monitors Muscle Atrophy

Muscle atrophy is a medical condition marked by the reduction of skeletal muscle mass and strength, which can occur due to several reasons like degenerative diseases, aging, and muscle disuse. Monitoring and assessing muscle size and volume using MRI scans can be expensive and time-consuming. Now, researchers have developed the first-ever wearable sensor that can detect and track muscle atrophy. The electromagnetic sensor, made using conductive "e-threads," offers an alternative to frequent MRI monitoring of muscle atrophy.

Researchers at The Ohio State University (Columbus, OH, USA; www.osu.edu) leveraged their previous work in creating health sensors for NASA for the first-ever approach to monitoring muscle atrophy using a wear-

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MULTI-PARAMETER SENSOR FOR MAMMOGRAPH RADCAL

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The DRX-Rise is a fully integrated mobile X-ray system that features two work zones, including a large main display and a tube head display that lets users control the system without leaving the patient’s

Graphene `Tattoo` Implant Treats Cardiac Arrhythmia with Light

Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty Effective for Treatment of CTEPH Patients Unable to Undergo Surgery

Old blood clots in lung arteries can impede blood flow, resulting in pressure accumulation in the affected arteries. This can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and fainting spells, significantly impacting one's quality of life. Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is the condition that arises from these blockages and is often addressed with open-heart surgery. However, many CTEPH patients are unable to undergo surgery due to other health complications or inaccessible artery blockages. Now, a new study has demonstrated that a novel treatment called balloon pulmonary angioplasty can effectively treat CTEPH patients who are not candidates for surgery.

The study, carried out by researchers at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University (Philadelphia, PA, USA; www. templehealth.org) was among the largest investigations of balloon pulmonary angioplasty in the U.S. till now. The study revealed that clearing blockages in lung arteries substantially improved exercise capacity and quality of life for these patients. Moreover, CTEPH patients who received balloon pulmonary angioplasty treatment experienced reduced symptoms, and some could even discontinue medications.

Introduced in the early 2000s, balloon pulmonary angioplasty initially had high major complication rates. However, over the past decade, technique advancements have significantly enhanced its effectiveness and safety. The procedure involves inserting a small tube into the groin vein, followed by advancing a long catheter over a wire into the lung arteries. A blockage is then identified using an X-ray camera, and a small balloon is employed to gradually open the blockage while simultaneously monitoring blood pressure. Patients typically remain awake, receiving mild sedation and local anesthesia.

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty requires multiple treatment sessions to open blockages throughout the lungs. The approach used at Temple is gradual and methodical to minimize complications, particularly lung bleeding. Temple is among the leading US centers for treating CTEPH patients with balloon pulmonary angioplasty. Although balloon pulmonary angioplasty has traditionally been associated with high bleeding risk, continued procedural refinement has successfully lowered bleeding rates in patients treated at Temple.

“In doing so, we are now able to show that balloon pulmonary angioplasty is not only relatively safe but also associated with key improvements in pulmonary hypertension and functional capacity,” said Riyaz Bashir, MD, FACC, Professor of Medicine and Director of Vascular and Endovascular Medicine in the Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine and Temple University Hospital, and senior investigator on the new study.

Image: Balloon pulmonary angioplasty is a novel treatment for chronic blood clots in lung arteries (Photo courtesy of Freepik)

First Ever Wearable Sensor Detects and

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able device. The health of astronauts is of paramount importance to NASA as prolonged stays in space typically lead to adverse effects on the human body. Researchers have been working tirelessly for years to comprehend and overcome these effects, and this study was motivated by the objective of finding the answers to potential health challenges faced by astronauts. Although scientists are aware that short spaceflights can cause up to a 20% loss in muscle mass and bone density of crew members, there is limited information on the effects of prolonged spaceflight on the human body. Developing a wearable device that can accurately track even minute muscle changes in the human body is a challenging task. The researchers devised a device that operates by employing two coils - one that transmits and the other that receives - in concert with a conductor consisting of e-threads arranged in a unique zig-zag pattern throughout the fabric. Although the end product closely resembles a blood pressure cuff, the primary challenge was in creating an adjustable pattern that could ac-

commodate diverse-sized limbs. After several trials, they discovered that a zig-zag pattern was ideal for maximizing flexibility, whereas sewing in a straight line constrained it. The same pattern innovation is why the sensor can be scaled up for use across multiple body parts or even various locations on the same limb.

In order to validate their research, the researchers developed 3D-printed molds of limbs and filled them with ground beef to mimic the calf tissue of an average-sized human subject. Their findings revealed that the sensor could accurately measure minute volumetric changes in the overall limb size and monitor up to 51% in muscle loss. Although the wearable device is still some years away from being used, the researchers have opined that the next significant move would be to link the device to a mobile app capable of documenting and providing health data directly to healthcare providers. The researchers aim to combine the sensor with other health monitoring devices, such as a tool for identifying bone loss, to subsequently improve life for future patients, both on Earth and in space.

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“Ideally, our proposed sensor could be used by health care providers to more personally implement treatment plans for patients and to create less of a burden on the patient themselves,” said Allyanna Rice, lead author of the study and a graduate fellow in electrical and computer engineering at The Ohio State University. “Our sensor is something that an astronaut on a long mission or a patient at home could use to keep track of their health without the help of a medical professional. In the future, we would like to integrate more sensors and even more capabilities with our wearable.”

Ingestible Gas-Sensing Capsule Detects and Treats Gastrointestinal Disorders

Gut disorders are among the most common health issues worldwide, affecting tens of millions of people. Current diagnostic methods for gastrointestinal disorders are often invasive or rely on subjective symptom reports and questionnaires. Existing diagnostic techniques, such as aspiration, biopsy, endoscopy, motility pills, imaging pills, and breath testing, all have limitations. Gases serve as crucial biomarkers for disease, dysfunction, and dysbiosis, and real-time gas sensing within the gut offers an accurate, convenient way to diagnose common gastrointestinal conditions, such as food intolerances, motility disorders,

SIBO, and IBS. Now, a gas-sensing capsule capable of measuring the concentration of various gases at the source of production in the gastrointestinal tract in real-time could revolutionize testing for gastrointestinal disorders.

The Atmo Gas Capsule from Atmo Biosciences (Box Hill, VIC, Australia; www.atmobiosciences. com) is a world-first solution for accurately profiling gases within the gut to improve diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. When ingested, the gas-sensing capsule electronically collects essential data about the human gastrointestinal system by detecting gases in real-time from known locations within the

gut, using these biomarkers for diagnosis. This approach leads to targeted treatment, earlier symptom relief, and reduced healthcare costs. The ingestible capsule could serve as a diagnostic tool for various gut disorders, from motility disorders, IBS, and IBD to liver disease.

The Atmo Gas Capsule's 2cm-long polymer shell houses gas sensors, a temperature sensor, a microcontroller, a radio-frequency transmitter, and button-sized silver-oxide batteries. The gas sensors are enclosed within a unique membrane that permits gas entry while protecting against stomach acid and digestive juices. The

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The AV500 vein visualization device allows accurate viewing of the center-line of a vein regardless of the distance, projecting a vivid map on the skin detailing underlying superficial veins, bifurcations and intraluminal valves.

Image: A new wearable device could allow for easier, less costly tracking of muscle atrophy (Photo courtesy of Ohio State)

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aged, is usually assessed using a blood draw as part of routine processes for diagnosing a heart attack when a patient is experiencing chest pain and shows no conclusive signs of a heart attack on their electrocardiogram. However, the process of drawing blood and sending it to the lab for analysis is time-consuming, causing heart damage to escalate while healthcare providers wait for the results. Now, an experimental wristworn device has been found to predict troponin-I and blocked arteries with 90% accuracy in five minutes, potentially preventing more heart muscle damage.

The study by researchers at Rutgers University (New Brunswick, NJ, USA; www.rutgers.edu) was the first multicenter trial to assess a wearable troponin sensor developed by RCE (Carlsbad. CA, USA; www.rce. ai) in a real-world clinical context. The wrist-worn sensor operates using infrared light to detect troponin-I in the bloodstream via the skin. This device then wirelessly transmits information using Bluetooth to a cloudbased system where a machine learning algorithm relates the information to training data to predict the wearer’s troponin level. Researchers are confident that the new wearable sensor will aid in augmenting the diagnostic process by providing an early assessment of whether the patient is experiencing a heart attack, even before lab results become available.

For the trial, the researchers enrolled 239 patients suspected of experiencing a heart attack at five sites across India. Each patient wore the wristbased sensor and underwent a blood draw to examine troponin-I levels, an electrocardiogram to note electrical signals from the heart, and either coronary angiogram or echocardiogram to capture blood flow in the heart. The researchers employed data from the first three sites to train the machine learning algorithm before evaluating the model’s accuracy with the final two sites. Outcomes showed that the device predicts troponin-I levels with up to 90% precision. Moreover, the results correlated well with clinical evidence of a heart attack. Individuals with abnormal troponin-I levels, as measured by the device, were four times more likely to have an obstructed artery as compared to individuals with negative troponin results.

The researchers have suggested that further studies are needed to refine and validate the new system. This includes evaluating whether biological differences, such as skin tone, wrist size, or skin health, can impact the device’s performance. Moreover, they plan to investigate whether continuous measurements or incorporating the detected troponin value - instead of just the presence or absence of a threshold value - could improve the device’s effectiveness in clinical settings. The participating patients during the experiment were hospitalized, but they were not being treated in an emergency room. The researchers have emphasized the significance of testing the wearable device in emergency room settings. They also note

that wearable sensor technology has the potential to help aid diagnosis and triage for several cardiovascular diseases and other health-related problems.

“This is an exciting opportunity because it increases our capability for early diagnosis of heart attacks in both community settings and in acute care environments,” said Partho P. Sengupta, MD, professor of cardiology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, New Jersey, chief of the cardiovascular service line at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and the study’s lead author. “There’s still a lot of work to be done, but this approach could potentially address access issues and prioritization issues, for example by shortening the time to triage or being used by emergency responders to plan the patient’s journey before they even arrive at the hospital.”

Ingestible Gas-Sensing Capsule Detects and Treats Gastrointestinal Disorders

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technology functions by adjusting the heating elements of the sensors to measure different gases, and the data can be transmitted to a mobile phone. Oxygen concentrations are used to track the capsule's progress throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Data is sent in real-time to a portable receiver, which then transmits the information via Bluetooth to a cellphone, enabling easy monitoring by users and doctors. Atmo is preparing to initiate a multi-site pivotal study to support a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) submission for the use of its gas-sensing capsule in assessing gastrointestinal motility.

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Image: A bracelet sensor assesses troponin levels to aid heart attack diagnosis (Photo courtesy of RCE)

Bio-Printed Patches Can Repair Damaged Heart Tissue

recovery of patients recovering from damage due to an extensive heart attack.

The cutting-edge technology developed by researchers from The University of Technology Sydney (UTS, Sydney, Australia; www.uts. edu.au) fabricates personalized ‘bio-inks’ utilizing stem cells obtained from a patient’s body. These “bio-inks” are subsequently utilized for 3D-printing cardiac tissues to repair the regions affected by dead tissues resulting from a heart attack. Further testing for the long-term effects of this technology is underway before it enters clinical trials.

“Our study demonstrated that bio-engineered patches were the best and most robust treatment of heart failure – patches generated with other approaches either did not induce any improvement or the improvement was inconsistent,” said Dr. Carmine Gentile, head of the Cardiovascular Regeneration Group at UTS. “Our bio-engineered patches promise to be safer, more consistent, and cost-effective for the patient. Because this technology will enable patients to use their own stem cells to create the heart ‘patches’, not only can they potentially dramatically reduce the trauma and cost of a heart transplant, but also avoid hurdles such as a body rejecting donor tissues.”

Breathable Antimicrobial Smart Fabrics Could Monitor ECG Heart Signals

Ateam of international scientists has developed a self-repairing metallic coating treatment for clothing and wearable textiles that can repel bacteria and even monitor a person's electrocardiogram (ECG) heart signals.

Researchers from North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC, USA; www.ncsu.edu), Flinders University (Bedford Park, Australia; www.flinders.edu.au) and South Korea have reported that the conductive circuits formed by liquid metal (LM) particles can revolutionize wearable electronics and pave the way for advancements in human-machine interfaces, such as soft robotics and health monitoring systems. The "breathable" electronic textiles possess unique self-healing capabilities, even when cut. When significant force is applied to the coated textiles, the particles combine to form a conductive path, enabling circuits to maintain conductivity when stretched. The technique involves dip-coating fabric in an LM particle suspension at room temperature.

The LM-coated textiles provide effective antimicrobial protection

against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. This germ-resistant feature not only imparts protective qualities to the treated fabric but also prevents the porous material from contamination during extended wear or contact with others. Gallium-based liquid metal particles exhibit a low melting point, metallic electrical conductivity, high thermal conductivity, virtually no vapor pressure, low toxicity, and antimicrobial properties. LMs possess both fluidic and metallic characteristics, making them promising for applications in microfluidics, soft composites, sensors, thermal switches, and microelectronics. A key advantage of LM is that it can be deposited and patterned at room temperature onto surfaces in ways not feasible with solid metals.

“The conductive patterns autonomously heal when cut by forming new conductive paths along the edge of the cut, providing a self-healing feature which makes these textiles useful as circuit interconnects, Joule heaters and flexible electrodes to measure ECG signals,” said Flinders University medical biotechnology researcher Dr. Khanh Truong.

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Image: Personalized ‘bio-inks’ are used to 3D-print cardiac tissues to repair areas of dead tissue caused by heart attacks (Photo courtesy of UTS)

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ANESTHESIA MACHINE MAQUET CRITICAL CARE

Nanorobots Guided by Magnets Capable of Rapid Targeted Elimination of Fungal Pathogens

Fungal infections, particularly those caused by Candida albicans, present a significant health threat globally due to their resistance to current treatments. Although nanomaterials show potential as antifungal agents, their current versions lack the potency and specificity required for quick and targeted treatment, leading to extended treatment durations and possible unintended effects and drug resistance. Now, in a breakthrough development, researchers have developed a microrobotic system that can quickly and accurately eliminate fungal pathogens.

The team of researchers at University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA, USA; www. upenn.edu) leveraged engineering and computational methods to gain new insights into disease mitigation and promote innovation in oral and craniofacial healthcare. Taking advantage of recent developments in catalytic nanoparticles, also known as nanozymes, they con-

structed miniature robotic systems that could accurately target and quickly eradicate fungal cells. They accomplished this by manipulating electromagnetic fields to control the shape and movements of these nanozyme microrobots with high accuracy. They engineered the motion, speed, and formations of the nanozymes, resulting in increased catalytic activity, similar to the enzyme peroxidase that aids in breaking down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. This action facilitates the production of large quantities of reactive oxygen species (ROS), compounds known for their biofilm-destroying properties, directly at the infection site.

The revolutionary aspect of these nanozyme assemblies was an unanticipated finding: their robust binding affinity to fungal cells. This feature allows a localized accumulation of nanozymes precisely at the location of the fungi. Combined with the inherent maneuverability of the nanozyme, this leads to a powerful antifungal effect,

Wearable Devices Measure Seizure-Related Biosignals in Epileptic Patients

Asuite of innovative wearable devices that combines artificial intelligence (AI) and mobile technologies offer real-time monitoring and data-driven seizure detection for patients with epilepsy.

SK Biopharmaceuticals (Seoul, South Korea; www.skbp.com) is developing cutting-edge wearables that aim to provide a "zero seizures" experience for individuals with epilepsy. These integrated wearable devices include ZERO Wired, a wired device connectable to mobile phones, ZERO Earbuds, an earbud device adjustable to fit various head sizes, and ZERO Glasses smart glasses, that predict seizures by analyzing bio-signals from brain activity, heart rhythm,

and body movement. All devices are compatible with the ZERO App, a mobile application that records and processes bio-signal data in real-time. These wearables can be worn discreetly in both professional and personal environments.

The sensor electrodes of ZERO Glasses attach to each side of the wearer's head and can stay in place for up to 24 hours. The adjustable arms ensure a comfortable fit for most head sizes. Its unobtrusive design allows for use in various settings without drawing unwanted attention. Both ZERO Wired and ZERO Earbuds were recognized with the Red Dot Design Award 2023 in the healthcare category for their exceptional design, while ZERO Wired

Image: Electromagnetic cores precisely guide the array of nanozyme-bots as they target the site of fungal infection (Photo courtesy of University of Pennsylvania)

demonstrating the swift eradication of fungal cells within just 10 minutes. The team sees huge potential in this unique nanozyme-based robotics approach as they incorporate new strategies to automate the control and delivery of nanozymes. With this new tool, medical and dental practitioners are closer than ever to effectively tackling these challenging pathogens.

“We’ve uncovered a powerful tool in the

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and ZERO Glasses previously received the CES 2023 Innovation Awards for their outstanding design and engineering achievements.

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Image: Zero Glasses was named a CES 2023 Innovation Awards Honoree for outstanding design and engineering (Photo courtesy of SK Biopharmaceuticals)

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World’s First Minimally Invasive Brain Pacemaker Reduces Seizures in Epileptic Patients

Epilepsy is among the most prevalent neurologic disorders and affects around 1% of the global population. Despite the availability of new antiseizure medications (ASMs), over a third of epilepsy patients fail to respond to drug therapy, particularly those with focal epilepsy, and many are not candidates for epilepsy surgery. Therefore, alternative treatment strategies are necessary. Focused cortical stimulation is an innovative procedure that provides a novel approach to treating epileptic seizures and favorably influencing the course of the disease for patients with inoperable forms of focal epilepsy. Now, the world’s first minimally invasive brain pacemaker utilizes a pioneering procedure that uses subcutaneous electrodes positioned outside the cranium to suppress epileptic seizures in patients with focal epilepsy that is resistant to drug therapy.

Precisis GmbH (Heidelberg, Germany; www.precisis.de) has developed EASEE (Epicranial Application of Stimulation Electrodes for Epilepsy), a system for individualized brain stimulation, which is implanted under the scalp, specifically over the epileptic focus in the brain, without opening the cranial bone or touching the brain tissue. EASEE functions through a dual mode of action: high-frequency pulses every two minutes provide an acute, disruptive effect to prevent seizures, while a 20-minute daily application of continual current regulates hyperactive brain regions in the long term.

The unique miniaturization of bioelectric pacemakers for the brain has made them highly tolerable, with patients accepting them as a natural part of their body. The slim electrodes are not visible externally and provide consistent support to the patient, acting as a safeguard against transmission malfunctions in the brain. The innovative electrode design allows for deep and precise brain stimulation, without any direct contact with the brain itself. EASEE is custom-placed for each clearly defined neocortical focus, using a minor surgical procedure under general anesthesia. During the procedure, a wafer-thin electrode pad is implanted beneath the scalp, and a pulse generator is implanted in the chest area, connected to the electrode pad by a cable.

The EASEE system has been tested for safety and effectiveness in adult patients with focal epilepsy in various European study centers. In the most recent meta-analysis of two identical studies, which included a total of 33 patients from seven European epilepsy centers, EASEE was implanted in a prospective non-randomized trial format for an eightmonth evaluation period. Following six months of active treatment, 53% of patients showed a complete response to the device, defined as

a reduction in seizure frequency of at least 50% below baseline. Additionally, 84% of patients demonstrated some form of response. There were no serious adverse events reported that were linked to either the device or its implantation.

“Results from this groundbreaking study suggest that focal cortex stimulation with an epicranial electrode array may offer a safe and effective new treatment option for patients with drug-refractory focal epilepsy,” said Principal Investigator Professor Andreas Schulze-Bonhage, Head of the Epilepsy Centre at University Hospital. “An effective reduction in seizure frequency suggests that focal cortex stimulation represents a promising treatment option for patients with a predominant epileptical focus.”

Nanorobots Guided by Magnets Capable of Rapid, Targeted Elimination of Fungal Pathogens

Cont’d from page 16

fight against pathogenic fungal infections,” said Hyun (Michel) Koo of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine who led the research team. “What we have achieved here is a significant leap forward, but it’s also just the first step. The magnetic and catalytic properties combined with unexpected binding specificity to fungi open exciting opportunities for an automated ‘target-bind-and-kill’ antifungal mechanism. We are eager to delve deeper and unlock its full potential.”

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Image: EASEE employs subcutaneous electrodes situated outside the cranium for stimulation (Photo courtesy of Precisis)

Molecular Imaging Lights Up Tumors for Surgeons to Enable Precise Removal

euroblastoma is a devastating form of childhood cancer that accounts for 8-10% of all childhood cancers and roughly 15% of all childhood deaths from cancer. Sadly, in almost one-third of cases, the cancer has already metastasized to other areas of the body at the time of diagnosis, making treatment more challenging. The standard treatment for neuroblastoma involves surgery aimed at removing all cancerous cells, which can be difficult to distinguish from healthy tissue. The procedure carries certain risks, as striking the right balance between removing enough but not too much tumor tissue is crucial. Surgeons need to be careful not to damage surrounding blood vessels, nerves, and other vital organs. Now, a new technique that combines highly-detailed, real-time images of inside the body with a type of infrared light has been successfully used for the first time to differentiate between cancerous tumors and healthy tissue during surgery.

The pioneering technique, demonstrated in mice, that has been developed by engineers at University College London (UCL, London, UK; www.ucl.ac.uk) may have significant implications for treating neuroblastoma in children, which is the most common form of solid cancer tumor, apart from brain tumors, found in children. The scientists utilized a novel method involving molecular imaging during surgery, whereby chemicals were injected into the bloodstream to act as imaging probes. These chemicals are attracted to cancerous cells in the body, and once attached, the probes light up via a process called ‘fluorescence’, thus lighting up the tumor area. The engineers used the technique during preclinical testing in mice to successfully identify part of a tumor that had not been removed during surgery.

In addition, the research team aimed to examine whether it was possible to enhance the visual quality of the images by using short-wave-infrared light (SWIR), which was previously inaccessible to scientists. To achieve this, they utilized a special, high-definition camera for capturing SWIR fluorescence. SWIR remains invisible to the naked eye and has a longer wavelength compared to visible light, enabling it to penetrate deeper into the tissue to provide more detailed and sharper images. In preclinical tests, the technique enabled surgeons to differentiate between healthy and cancerous tissue successfully. Unlike X-ray or MRI, molecular imaging captures detailed photos of biological processes live during surgery. This means that clinical teams no longer need to wait for biopsy or culture results when screening for diseases. The

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Brain Cancers

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent and aggressive form of primary brain cancer. Although various treatments, such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, are available, patients' median survival time is only about 15 months. The global standard-of-care for GBM patients currently involves chemotherapy with a drug called temozolomide (TMZ), which prolongs life expectancy by approximately two months compared to radiotherapy alone. However, GBM cells can become resistant to TMZ, diminishing its effectiveness and increasing the chances of tumor recurrence. In response, researchers are exploring an innovative method called mechanical nanosurgery, which uses precision magnetics to target cancer cells within the tumor.

Scientists at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids, Toronto, ON, Canada; www.sickkids.ca) and the University of Toronto (U of T, Toronto, ON, Canada; www.utoronto.ca) are collaborating to develop mechanical nanosurgery as a potential treatment for tumor cells, including those resistant to chemotherapy. Magnetic carbon nanotubes (mCNTs) are a type of nanomaterial—microscopic, cylindrical tubes made of carbon and filled with iron—that become magnetized when exposed to an external magnetic field.

In their study, the researchers coated mCNTs with an antibody that identifies a specific protein associated with GBM tumor cells. When injected into the tumor, the antibodies on the mCNTs guide them to the tumor cells, which then absorb them. The team's ongoing research suggests that mechanical nanosurgery could have additional applications in treating other cancer types. The study's mouse model demonstrated that the mechanical nanosurgery technique universally reduced GBM tumor size, including in cases of TMZ-resistant GBM.

“Once the nanotubes are inside the tumor cell, we use a rotating magnetic field to mechanically mobilize the nanotubes to provide mechanical stimulation,” said Dr. Yu Sun, Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Director of the Robotics Institute at U of T. “The force exerted by the nanotubes damages cellular structures and cause tumor cell death.”

“Through the use of nanotechnology deep inside cancer cells, mechanical nanosurgery is a ‘Trojan Horse’ approach that could allow us to destroy tumor cells from within,” said Dr. Xi Huang, a Senior Scientist in the Developmental & Stem Cell Biology program at SickKids, whose previous research demonstrating that brain tumor cells are mechanosensitive helped to inform the approach. “Theoretically,

by changing the antibody coating and redirecting nanotubes to the desired tumor site, we could potentially have a means to precisely destroy tumor cells in other cancers.”

Image: Mechanical nanosurgery targets tumor cells and destroy them from within (Photo courtesy of SickKids)

Molecular Imaging Lights Up Tumors for Surgeons to Enable Precise Removal

Cont’d from page 19

SWIR further enhances these images in real time. The scientists aim to expedite the use of this technology in operating rooms within the next year for the benefit of children with cancerous tumors.

“Pediatric surgical oncology faces an ever-increasing need for novel technologies and devices that can help visualize tumors intraoperatively,” said Dr. Laura Privitera, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health. “By using targeted fluorescence-guided surgery, we demonstrate the possibility of safely and specifically delineating tumor margins, allowing its differentiation from surrounding healthy tissue. Fluorescence-guided surgery is a game-changing innovation that will help surgeons to obtain safer and more complete resection. It is exciting to be part of this project, and I look forward to seeing this technology translated into the clinical environment.”

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Artificial Intelligence System Improves Surgical Performance

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Bio-Absorbable Medical Implants Offer Better Way to Heal Bone Damage

Traditional methods for treating children's broken bones involve inserting metal implants, which can be challenging, distressing, and even detrimental to their growing bodies. This process requires subsequent removal after the bone has healed. Now, scientists may have discovered an improved approach for repairing bone damage.

Biomedical engineers at the University of Central Florida's College of Medicine and Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences (Orlando, FL, USA; www.ucf.edu) are employing bioabsorbable magnesium composites to create medical implants like screws, pins, and rods that dissolve within the body, eliminating the need for removal. While conventional titanium bone implants are effective and long-standing, their insertion may hinder bone growth and necessitate a second procedure for removal, potentially causing psychological issues. During recovery, the body's weight is transferred to the metal rather than the bone, due to the strength of titanium implants. Magnesium, on the other hand, has mechanical properties resembling bone, already exists within the body, and fosters bone formation, making it an excellent choice.

As a material, magnesium is ideal for bone health and healing since it is as robust as metal, more flexible than ceramics, and less likely to be rejected, as it is a naturally occurring compound in the body. The magnesium composite used by the engineers also contains nanoparticles that are absorbed into the tissue as the implant dissolves, helping to regenerate new bone and accelerate the healing process. As the magnesium plates and screws dissolve over three to six months following surgery, patients' bodies can safely expel the natural product. The researchers have successfully implemented these implants in rat models, representing the initial phase of obtaining approval for human trials.

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Revolutionary System Maps and Ablates Atrial Arrhythmias and Provides Real-Time Feedback

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most prevalent atrial arrhythmia globally, affecting approximately 60 million people worldwide. By 2030, an estimated five million more patients will be diagnosed each year. Atrial arrhythmias, including AFib, can lead to severe complications such as heart failure, stroke, and an increased risk of mortality. To address these challenges, the first-of-its-kind catheter with pulsed-field ablation, radiofrequency, and high-density mapping that is integrated with an intuitive mapping and navigation platform improves efficiency and enhances the safety of ablation procedures for patients.

The Affera Mapping and Ablation System from Medtronic plc (Dublin, Ireland; www.medtronic.com), which includes the Sphere-9 Catheter and the Affera Prism-1 Mapping Software, marks a breakthrough in electrophysiology by integrating the Sphere-9 pulsed field ablation (PFA), radiofrequency (RF), and high density (HD) mapping catheter, which maps and ablates atrial arrhythmias (fast, abnormal heart rhythms) and provides real-time feedback using its intuitive mapping and navigation software.

The Sphere-9 Catheter, combined with the integrated mapping and navigation system, instantly generates sophisticated electro-anatomical maps, enabling physicians to administer wide-area focal ablation lesions of choice between RF or PFA, depending upon the requirements of the patient and procedure. Considering its size, the all-in-one catheter's nitinol 9mm ablation tip will need fewer focal ablation lesion applications reducing procedure times as compared to standard irrigated ablation catheters. The intuitive mapping software provides a highly optimized user experience by offering streamlined insights and feedback to support procedure performance.

Medtronic has received CE (Conformité Européenne) Mark for the Affera Mapping and Ablation System, based on results from clinical studies assessing the safety and performance of the Sphere-9 Catheter and Mapping System. The CE Mark approval comes on the back of the December 2022 announcement of the completion of enrollment for the Affera SPHERE Per-AF Clinical Trial, a randomized, controlled U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) pivotal trial. The SPHERE PER-AF IDE trial aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of the Affera Mapping and Ablation System in treating persistent atrial fibrillation. Currently, the trial is in its 12-month follow-up phase. The Affera Mapping and Ablation System will be available for commercial use in Europe by the first half of 2023, whereas it is still in the investigational stage in the U.S.

"The revolutionary Affera Mapping and Ablation System combined with the novel Sphere-9 Catheter represent a great advancement in the field of HD mapping and focal ablation," said Khaldoun Tarakji, M.D., MPH, vice president, chief medical officer, Cardiac Ablation Solutions business, which is part of the Cardiovascular Portfolio at Medtron-

ic. "Current technologies require the use of separate HD mapping and ablation catheters. The ability to map, ablate, and validate with the Sphere-9 Catheter enables the physician to eliminate the need to exchange catheters and empowers them to choose the energy source, whether RF or PF, based on the patient's needs. All this leads to improving efficiency and most importantly, enhancing the safety of ablation procedures for our patients."

Image: First of its kind, all-in-one Sphere-9 Catheter with pulsed field ablation (Photo courtesy of Medtronic)

Global POC Molecular Diagnostic Market Driven By Growing Demand for Near-Patient Testing

Molecular diagnostics have long been used by medical professionals in laboratories and healthcare settings. However, the high cost, time-consuming nature, and delayed results of these diagnostics have prompted the exploration of alternative methods. As a result, the market for point-of-care (POC) molecular diagnostics has gained prominence. POC molecular testing allows for quick and early diagnosis of illnesses in non-laboratory settings, typically near the patient. The increasing prevalence of infectious diseases and cancer, as well as the advantages and benefits of POC molecular diagnostics, are driving demand. Consequently, the global POC molecular diagnostics market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% between 2023 and 2031.

These are the latest findings of Research and Markets (Dublin, Ireland), a leading source for market research reports.

POC molecular diagnostics have gained significant traction in hospitals and research institutes due to their ability to reduce turnaround time and provide reliable results quickly. The market's growth is driven by the increasing adoption of POC molecular diagnostic solutions for early detection of various diseases, including respiratory diseases, cancer, sexually transmitted diseases, and gastrointestinal disorders. Additionally, recent advances in microfluidics and genetic sequencing, as well as the development of low-cost and fast POC molecular diagnostic platforms, will boost sales and market growth. The rising incidence of infectious diseases and cancer in both developed and emerging regions will also positively impact the market.

In terms of application, the infectious diseases segment accounted for the largest revenue share of the POC molecular diagnostics market in 2022, due to its ability to facilitate appropriate antibiotic therapy, faster disease management, better distribution of healthcare laboratory resources, and reductions in mortality and healthcare expenses. Based on technology, the PCR-based testing segment held the largest revenue share in 2022, driven by the commercialization of point-ofcare diagnostics that provide accurate, rapid real-time PCR analysis for infectious diseases like H1N1 and influenza. Due to industry advancements, NGS-based molecular testing near patients is expected to experience significant growth during the forecast period, driven by innovative platform modifications that enable genetic sequencing and DNA data processing at the POC with high precision and rapid diagnosis. Rapid DNA analysis is also expected to see considerable growth in the coming years, thanks to ongoing innovation and R&D efforts by

Study: AI Could Save 5-10% in Healthcare Spending

Anew study by McKinsey & Company (New York City, NY, USA; www.mckinsey.com) and Harvard University (Cambridge, MA, USA; www.harvard.edu) estimates that the broader adoption of AI could lead to savings in the range of 5% to 10% in healthcare spending, or between approximately USD 200-360 billion per year in the US.

Presently, the healthcare sector has low adoption of AI-based tools despite its benefits discovered by researchers. The study’s estimates are based on AI uses utilizing current technologies that are achievable within the next five years, without compromising quality or access. Hospitals could see cost savings mainly through improved clinical operations, quality and safety – such as optimizing operating rooms, or identifying adverse events. Physician groups can experience similar benefits by leveraging AI for continuity of care, such as referral management.

Health insurers could experience savings from uses that improve claims management, such as automating prior authorization, along with healthcare and provider relationship management, including

market leaders.

Regarding test site, Over-the-Counter (OTC) tests offer greater flexibility and portability than Proof-of-Concept (PoC) tests for use in homes and assisted care facilities. As most OTC users are untrained professionals and many of these testing instruments are CLIA-exempt, their use outside of laboratories is encouraged. Consequently, OTC tests are expected to generate higher revenue during the forecast period due to their usability, accessibility, and higher adoption rate. In terms of end-user, the decentralized laboratories segment accounted for the largest revenue share of the POC molecular diagnostics market in 2022, driven by the ability of these tests to provide fast and accurate molecular analysis with a significantly smaller physical footprint than central laboratory-based counterparts.

Emerging economies like India, South Korea, Brazil, and Mexico offer significant growth potential for the POC molecular diagnostics market due to low regulatory barriers, advancements in healthcare infrastructure, growing patient populations, increased prevalence of infectious diseases, and rising healthcare expenditures. Additionally, the regulatory policies in several of these countries are more flexible and business-friendly than those in developed nations. The POC molecular diagnostics market in Asia Pacific is expected to experience the highest growth rate during the forecast period, due to the lack of advanced central laboratory testing services, a larger population requiring clinical testing, and the potential for cost-effective implementation of PoC molecular assays. Meanwhile, the increasing need for rapid diagnosis and the introduction of innovative molecular diagnostic techniques for DNA analysis have positioned Europe as a significant market for POC molecular diagnostics.

preventing readmissions and provider directory management. Based on AI-driven uses, private payers could save approximately 7% to 9% of their total costs within the next five years. Physician groups could save 3% to 8% of their costs. Additionally, the report estimates that hospitals could register savings between 4% to 11% in their expenses per year.

The global POC molecular diagnostics market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 8.5% during 2023-2031 (Photo courtesy of Freepik)

Connecting the healthcare community in the Americas

FIME will be back at the Miami Beach Convention Center, hosting the largest trade event for medical device and equipment manufacturers, suppliers and distributors in the Americas with over 12,000 trade professionals from more than 110 countries across the world.

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Live, in-person: June 21-23, 2023

Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami Beach, Florida, USA

Online: June 7 – July 7, 2023

fimeshow.com

JUNE

2023

2023 ISMRM & ISMRT Annual Meeting & Exhibition

– International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. Jun 3-8; Toronto, ON, Canada; ismrm. org/23

ESTS 2023 – 31st Meeting of the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Jun 4-6; Milan, Italy; ests.org

HIMSS23 European Health Conference & Exhibition

– Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society. Jun 7-9; Lisbon, Portugal; himss.org

Medical Taiwan 2023. Jun 8-10; Taipei, Taiwan; medicaltaiwan.com.tw

EHA 2023 - Annual Congress of the European Hematology Association. Jun 8-11; Frankfurt, Germany; ehaweb.org

ESICM EuroAsia 2023. Jun 9-11; Mumbai, India; euroasia23.com

ESGAR 2023 – 34th Annual Meeting of the European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology. Jun 13-16; Valencia, Spain; esgar.org

ICEM 2023 – 22nd International Conference on Emergency Medicine. Jun 13-16; Amsterdam, Netherlands; icem2023.com

SIIM 2023 – Annual Meeting of the Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine. Jun 14-16; Austin, TX, USA; siim.org

60th ERA Congress – European Renal Association. Jun 15-18; Milan, Italy; era-online.org

CARS 2023 – Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery. Jun 20-23; Munich, Germany; cars-int.org

FIME 2023 – Florida International Medical Expo. Jun 21-23; Miami, FL, USA; fimeshow.com

23rd MEDEXPO Africa 2023. Jun 21-23; Nairobi, Kenya; expogr.com/kenyamed

ESHRE 2023 – 39th Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology.

Jun 25-28; Copenhagen, Denmark; eshre.eu

JULY

9th Congress of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN). Jul 1-4; Budapest, Hungary; ean.org

SCCT 2023 – 18th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography. Jul 28-30; Boston, MA, USA; scct.org

33rd Medicall Expo. Jul 28-30; Chennai, India; medicall.in

AUGUST

ASCI 2023 – 16th Congress of the Asian Society of Cardiovascular Imaging. Aug 10-12; Bali, Indonesia; ascibali2023.org

Asia Health 2023. Aug 16-18; Bangkok, Thailand; medlabasia.com

Medical Fair China 2023. Aug 23-25; Suzhou, China; medicalfair.cn

ESC Congress 2023 – European Society of Cardiology. Aug 25-28; Amsterdam, Netherlands; escardio.org

WICC 2023 - 16th World Intensive and Critical Care Congress. Aug 26-30; Istanbul, Turkey; wicc2023.org

Expo Med 2023. Aug 30 – Sep 1; Mexico City, Mexico; expomed.com.mx

SEPTEMBER

6th World Congress on Regional Anaesthesia & Pain Medicine and 40th Annual Congress of the European Society of Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Therapy (ESRA). Sep 6-9; Paris, France; esraworld2023.com

ERS International Congress 2023 – European Respiratory Society. Sep 9-13; Milan, Italy; erscongress.org

EANM 2023 – 36th Annual Congress of the European Association of Nuclear Medicine. Sep 9-13; Vienna, Austria; eanm.org

CIRSE 2023 – Annual Congress of the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe.

Sep 9-13 Copenhagen, Denmark; cirse.org

Medic East Africa 2023. Sep 11-13; Nairobi, Kenya;

mediceastafrica.com

Medical Fair Thailand. Sep 13-15; Bangkok, Thailand; medicalfair-thailand.com

REHACARE 2023 – International Trade Fair for Rehabilitation and Care. Sep 13-16; Dusseldorf, Germany; rehacare.com

HIMSS23 APAC Health Conference & Exhibition –Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society. Sep 18-21; Jakarta, Indonesia; himss.org

ExpoMedical 2023. Sep 20-22; Buenos Aires, Argentina; expomedical.com.ar

19th EuGMS Congress – European Geriatric Medicine Society. Sep 20-22 Helsinki, Finland; eugms.org

KCR 2023 – 79th Korean Congress of Radiology. Sep 20-23; Seoul, Korea; kcr4u.org

IndoHealthCare 2023. Sep 21-23; Jakarta, Indonesia; indohealthcareexpo.com

Medical Fair Brasil. Sep 26-28; Sao Paulo, Brazil; medicalfair-brasil.com.br

Medic West Africa. Sep 26-28; Lagos, Nigeria; medicwestafrica.com

ESVS 2023 – Annual Meeting of the European Society for Vascular Surgery. Sep 26-29; Belfast, UK; esvs.org

EUSOBI 2023 – Annual Scientific Meeting of the European Society of Breast Imaging. Sep 28-30; Valencia, Spain; eusobi.org

UAA 2023 – 20th Urological Association of Asia Congress. Sep 28 - Oct 1; Dubai, UAE; uaanet.org

ESGO 2023 – 24th European Congress on Gynaecological Oncology. Sep 28 – Oct 1; Istanbul, Turkey; esgo.org

OCTOBER

ASTRO 2023 – 65th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology. Oct 1-4; San Diego, CA, USA; astro.org

Global Health Exhibition 2023. Oct 2-4; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; globalhealthsaudi.com

EASD 2023 – 59th Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes. Oct 3-6; Hamburg, Germany; easd.org

ISS 50th Annual Meeting – International Skeletal Society. Oct 7-13; London, UK; internationalskeletalsociety.com

34th Medicall Expo. Oct 7-9, New Delhi, India; medicall.in

MICCAI 2023 – 26th International Conference on Medical Image Computing and Computer Assisted Intervention. Oct 8-12; Vancouver, BC, Canada; miccai.org

ACEP23 – Scientific Assembly of the American College of Emergency Physicians. Oct 9-12; Philadelphia, PA, USA; acep.org

15th World Stroke Congress – World Stroke Organization. Oct 10-12; Toronto, ON, Canada; worldstrokecongress.org

Medical Japan 2023 Tokyo– International Medical and Elderly Care Expo. Oct 11-13; Tokyo, Japan; medical-jpn.jp

CBR23 – 52nd Congress of the Brazilian College of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging. Oct 12-14; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; cbr.org.br

JFR 2023 - Journées Francophones de Radiologie. Oct 13-16; Paris, France; jfr.radiologie.fr

ANESTHESIOLOGY 2023 – Annual Meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists. Oct 13-17; San Francisco, CA, USA; asahq.org

UEG Week 2023 – United European Gastroenterology. Oct 14-17; Copenhagen, Denmark; ueg.eu/week

ISUOG World Congress 2023 - International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology. Oct 1619; Seoul, Korea; isuog.org

EUSEM 2023 – 17th European Emergency Medicine Congress. Oct 16-20; Barcelona, Spain; eusemcongress.org

Africa Health 2023. Oct 17-19; Johannesburg, South Africa; africahealthexhibition.com

RANZCR 2023 – Annual Scientific Meeting of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists. Oct 19-21; Brisbane, Australia; ranzcr.com

ESMO Congress 2023 - European Society for Medical Oncology. Oct 20-24; Madrid, Spain; esmo.org

ECISM LIVES 2023 – Annual Congress of European Society of Intensive Care Medicine. Oct 21-25; Milan, Italy; esicm.org

ESSO 42 – 42nd Congress of the European Society of Surgical Oncology. Oct 25-27; Florence, Italy; esso42.org

46th World Hospital Congress of the International

Hospital Federation (IHF). Oct 25-27; Lisbon, Portugal; worldhospitalcongress.org

ESCR ESTI Joint Meeting 2023 – European Societies of Cardiovascular Radiology and Thoracic Imaging. Oct 26-28; Berlin, Germany; escr.org

CMEF Autumn 2023 – China International Medical Equipment Fair. Oct 28-31; Shenzhen, China; cmef. com.cn

NOVEMBER

WUFMB Congress 2023 – World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology. Nov 4-7; Muscat, Oman; wfumb.info

BSIR 2023 – Annual Scientific Meeting of the British Society of Interventional Radiology. Nov 8-10; Newport, UK; bsirmeeting.org

MEDICA 2023. Nov 13-16; Dusseldorf, Germany; medica-tradefair.com

APSR 2023 – 27th Congress of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology. Nov 16-19; Singapore; apsr2023.sg

ASUS 2023 – 6th Congress of the Asian Surgical Ultrasound Society. Nov 18-20; Seoul, Korea; asus2023.org

CBMI 2023 – 28th Brazilian Congress of Intensive Care Medicine. Nov 23-25; Florianopolis, Brazil; amib.org.br

RSNA 2023 – Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America. Nov 26-30; Chicago, IL, USA; rsna.org

DECEMBER

35th Medicall Expo. Dec 8-10, Kolkata, India; medicall.in

65th ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition – American Society of Hematology. Dec 9-12; San Diego, CA, USA; hematology.org

2024

JANUARY

Medical Japan 2024 Osaka– International Medical and Elderly Care Expo. Jan 17-19; Osaka, Japan; medical-jpn.jp

Critical Care Congress 2024 – 53rd Annual Meeting of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM). Jan 21-24; Phoenix, AZ, USA; sccm.org

ISET 2024 – International Symposium on Endovascular Therapy. Jan 22-25; Miami Beach, FL, USA; iset.org

IRA 2024 – 76th Annual Conference of the Indian Radiological and Imaging Association. Jan 25-28; Vijayawada, India; iria2024.com

Arab Health 2024. Jan 29 - Feb 1; Dubai, UAE; arabhealthonline.com

FEBRUARY

AAOS 2024 Annual Meeting – American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Feb 12-16; San Francisco, CA, USA; aaos.org

36th Medicall Expo. Feb 16-18; Mumbai, India; medicall.in

ECR 2024 – European Congress of Radiology. Feb 28 - Mar 3; Vienna, Austria; myesr.org

MARCH

CRITICARE 2024 – 30th Annual Conference of the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine (ISCCM). Mar 1-3; Kolkata, India; isccm.org

WCA 2024 – 18th World Congress of Anaesthesiologists. Mar 3-7; Singapore; wca2024.org

5th MedExpo Ethiopia 2024. Mar 6-8; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; expogr.com/ethiopia/medexpo

EMIM 2024 – 19th European Molecular Imaging Meeting. Mar 12-15; Porto, Portugal; e-smi.eu Medical Fair India 2024. Mar 13-15; Mumbai, India; medicalfair-india.com

51st Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Intensive Care Medicine (JSICM). Mar 14-16; Sapporo, Japan; jsicm.org

KIMES 2024 – Korea International Medical & Hospital Equipment Show. Mar 14-17; Seoul, Korea; kimes.kr

SALMED International Medical Fair 2024. Mar 1921; Poznan, Poland; salmed.pl

43rd ISICEM – International Symposium on Intensive Care & Emergency Medicine. Mar 19-22; Brussels, Belgium; isicem.org

AOCR 2024 – Asian Oceanian Congress of Radiology. Mar 22-25; Taipei, Taiwan; aocr2024.org

SIR 2024 – Annual Meeting of the Society of Interventional Radiology. Mar 23-28; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; sirmeeting.org

APRIL

144th Annual Meeting of the American Surgical

Association (ASA). Apr 4-6; Washington, DC, USA; americansurgical.org

39th Annual EAU Congress – European Association of Urology. Apr 4-7; Paris, France; uroweb.org

UltraCon 2024 – Annual Conference of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM). Apr 5-10; Austin, TX, USA; aium.org

ACC.24 – American College of Cardiology’s 73rd Annual Scientific Session & Expo. Apr 6-8; Atlanta, GA, USA; accscientificsession.acc.org

83rd Annual Meeting of Japan Radiological Society (JRS). Apr 11-14; Yokohama, Japan; radiology.jp

WCO-IOF-ESCEO 2024 - World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases. Apr 11-14; London, UK; wco-iof-esceo.org

WCN 2024 – World Congress of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN). Aires, Argentina; theisn.org

AAN 2024 – 76th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology. USA; aan.com

SEACare 2024 – 24th Southeast Asian Healthcare & Pharma Show. abcex.com

SAGES 2024 – Annual Meeting of the Society of

American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. Apr 17-20; Cleveland, OH, USA; sages.org

ATS 2024 – International Conference of the American Thoracic Society. May 17-22; San Diego, CA, USA; thoracic.org

124th Congress of the Japan Surgical Society (JSS). Apr 18-20; Tokoname, Japan; jp.jssoc.or.jp

DCK 2024 – 141st Congress of the German Society for Surgery (DGCH). Apr 24-26; Leipzig; Germany; dgch.de

Expomed Euroasia 2024. Apr 25-27; Istanbul, Turkey; expomedistanbul.com

AAEM24 – 30th Annual Scientific Assembly of the

AUA 2024 – Annual Meeting of the American Urological Association. May 3-6; San Antonio, TX, USA; auanet.org

ESTRO 2024 – Annual Congress of the European Society of Radiology & Oncology. May 3-7; Glasgow, UK; estro.org

2024 ISMRM & ISMRT Annual Meeting & Exhibition – International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. May 4-9; Singapore; ismrm.org

ARRS 2024 Annual Meeting – American Roentgen Ray Society. May 5-9; Boston, MA, USA; arrs.org

KIHE 2024 – 29th Kazakhstan International Healthcare Exhibition. May 15-17; Almaty, Kazakhstan;

May 25-27; Munich, Germany;

92nd EAS Congress 2024 – European Atherosclerosis May 26-29; Lyon, France; eas-society.org

EFORT Congress 2024 – 25th Annual Congress of European Federation of National Associations of OrMay 29-31; Hamburg,

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