News Now Blackrock Clinic launches new device to help combat AF The Blackrock Clinic recently started its new program of electroporation for the treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation. Conventional catheter ablation for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias uses tissue heating (radiofrequency current) to cauterize the targeted heart muscle. Such heating by conventional catheter ablation is a long-established approach, but does carry a small risk of thermal injury outside the heart.
Recently developed electroporation systems achieve controlled cauterization of targeted heart muscle without significant tissue heating. Early results with this alternative energy source indicate there may be a lower associated risk of complications to surrounding organs in addition to a potentially higher acute procedural success rate. The use of electroporation to effect targeted heart muscle can potentially offer more selective and controlled tissue
Alzheimer’s Mobile Information Service is travelling around Ireland
The Alzheimer’s Society Mobile Information Service travels throughout Ireland and visits towns, villages, and cities to raise awareness about dementia and to provide vital information to people who are affected by Alzheimer's and dementia. Experienced staff and Dementia Advisers will be with the service to provide information and support about memory loss, how a diagnosis is made, managing day to day life with dementia, as well as information about supports and services available in the local area May • • • • June • •
19th May 20th-22nd May 23-24th May 30th May
Bray Seafront Ballymaloe May Fair, Co Cork Bantry, Co Cork Mullingar, Co Westmeath
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Carrick-on-Shannon Festival, Co Leitrim Gorey, Co Wexford
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effects than thermal ablation. The mechanism of action of electroporation on heart muscle has been studied in experimental models since the 1990s. The delivery of a high energy single electric shock or a series of shocks in quick succession results in temporary pores in the cell membrane. These nonselective pores permit the entry and exit of compounds into the cell that would not usually be permitted to pass freely into or out of the cell.
UK care homes turn to robot pets
Many care homes around the UK have turned to robotic companion pets, such as those produced by Joy For All, to provided their residents with company over the pandemic. Research has shown that robotic animals can alleviate loneliness among older people. Researchers have found that this technology can significantly reduce anxiety levels and provide calm and comfort.
