Safety of medical diagnostic ultrasound

The exemplary safety record of diagnostic ultrasound (DUS) is probably an important reason that it has become so widely used. Advances in technology and procedures promise to make it even more valuable. At the same time, some of these advances bring with them new situations where harm can occur unless they are given appropriate attention. Maintaining patient safety along with increasing benefits requires (1) a vigorous continuing research program for determining optimum operating conditions and (2) effective means for communicating guidance to users. In this article, a standard developed in the USA for displaying safety information is discussed.     

Tobacco + teens = trouble

School nurses are in a position to educate future parents, parents, and children in their schools and community about the risks and dangers of tobacco smoking. Nurses must help shatter illusions that the beautiful, slender model smoking a cigarette will be successful and happy and the tough-looking Marlboro man will ride off with the pretty lady into the sunset. By continually assessing the smoking status of students, advising smokers to quit, giving smokers appropriate referral and follow-up, and offering guidance and support, nurses can have an impact on their students over their life times.     

The medical engineering program of Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe

Summary

The research activities of the Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe on minimally-invasive surgery (MIS) have for several years improved techniques and instrumentation for different types of MIS. Many types of instruments and robotic devices have been developed and new techniques implemented. In this paper we present the most recent results from our different projects, such as endoscopic heart surgery, tracking systems, a camera guidance device, telemanipulator systems, minimally-invasive breast biopsy in closed-bore MRI, endoscopic training simulators and developments using smart materials (e.g. Nitinol).     

Safety considerations during cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation program

As more and more patients with cardiac and pulmonary diseases are living longer lives, the need for cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation continues to grow. The goal of this article is to provide clinicians of rehabilitation medicine with an overview of the safety concerns and strategies to implement in the rehabilitation of patients with cardiac and/or pulmonary disorder.     

Durable medical equipment recycling: a pilot program

Our unfunded trauma patients often lack the access to adequate health care services and equipment after hospital discharge. We have developed and implemented a pilot program to provide reclaimed durable medical equipment to medically indigent trauma patients. Our program includes the reuse of items such as front-wheeled walkers, bedside commodes, shower chairs, crutches, and canes.