Latest news with #minimallyInvasive
CTV News
2 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
How University of Waterloo researchers are attacking kidney stones with a tiny robot army
Anyone who has had kidney stones knows the pain can be intense, and the treatment is neither quick nor painless. But University of Waterloo (UW) researchers are developing a new minimally invasive procedure that could change all that. 'A lot of the therapies involve oral medication. So people go on oral medication, have to take pills and maybe a couple of times a day for several months,' said Veronika Magdanz, an assistant engineering professor from UW overlooking the work. That's not always effective or efficient. Surgery is another route. 'When it gets really acute and these stones are, for example, blocking the ureter, the surgeons will have to go in and remove those stones,' said Magdanz, who is also the director of the Medical Microrobotics Lab at UW. A lot of times once people get kidney stones, they're more susceptible to getting them again. So the UW researchers were approached by a urologist in Barcelona, who was looking to get patients relief in a less invasive way. 'He said, 'hey, you guys are doing these wireless microbots. Is there maybe a way that you could locally trigger the dissolution of stones by bringing medication or a reaction close to the stones in the urinary tract, causing the dissolution and then thereby avoiding longtime medication or even surgery,'' said Magdanz, recalling the question from the urologist. It may seem like an obscure request but it wasn't for the UW researchers. The answer from them was: 'Yes, there is a way.' Afarin Khabbazian, who was a master's students when she worked on the project, showed CTV News their method. 'We set up a rotating magnetic field using a permanent magnet, which is attached to a motor. We control the position of the magnets using a robot arm,' said Khabbazian. 'When I move [the arm], the [microbot] will move with it.' The microbots are made up of thin spaghetti-like strips fitted with magnets, which are moved into place near uric acid kidney stones with the robotic arm. The soft strips contain an enzyme called urease, and once in place, it reduces the acidity of the surrounding urine, which then dissolves the stones until they are small enough to pass naturally in a few days. 'This is definitely the first of its kind for kidney stones,' said Magdanz. The medical breakthrough is extra special for Khabbazian because she has suffered from kidney stones. 'The first time I saw the robots move was one of the best days of my life,' Khabbazian said. The technology is still in the testing phase and needs more work before moving on to human clinical trials. Still, it's not a small feat for a very small robot.
Associated Press
09-07-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
South Florida Vascular Associates Introduces Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) for Knee Osteoarthritis Relief
Summary: South Florida Vascular Associates introduces Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) as a treatment option for knee osteoarthritis, offering a faster recovery, reduced pain, and an alternative to surgery. Coconut Creek, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - July 9, 2025) - South Florida Vascular Associates recently announced the launch of Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE), a minimally invasive procedure designed to alleviate pain associated with knee osteoarthritis (OA). This innovative treatment provides patients with alternative means of managing chronic knee pain before considering invasive options, such as surgery. The launch of GAE aligns with South Florida Vascular Associates' commitment to offering advanced, image-guided procedures that address the growing need for non-invasive treatments. GAE allows for a quicker recovery time, with most procedures taking only 60 to 90 minutes, enabling patients to return home the same day. This aligns with the growing demand for outpatient treatments, which offer patients a convenient and cost-effective option for relief without the downtime typically associated with surgery. Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a widespread condition that has been on the rise for decades. While it is often associated with an aging population, changes in lifestyle and activity factors have also led to younger adults developing OA. By introducing GAE, South Florida Vascular Associates aims to help more people and ensure they lead more fulfilling lives. As part of its approach to offering this new procedure, South Florida Vascular Associates has ensured that all staff members are fully trained in the latest techniques for GAE, enabling a seamless process for patients from initial consultation to post-procedure recovery. The clinic has also integrated the procedure into its existing workflow to ensure consistent, high-quality care across all stages of treatment. South Florida Vascular Associates has reiterated its commitment to continually improving its services by evaluating new image-guided techniques. In addition to staying current with medical advancements, the practice is committed to integrating techniques that align with its goals of safety, outpatient care, and oversight. The practice believes that this will help patients avoid invasive procedures and, more importantly, unnecessary hospital visits. Additionally, South Florida Vascular Associates, through its founder, Dr. William Julien, emphasizes the importance of ongoing procedural development, particularly in the field of interventional medicine. The technology is continually improving, and the vascular interventional physician believes this is good news for patients. While this involves adding services for business and is often part of their internal growth, the clinic points out that the primary goal should be improving patient care. As knee osteoarthritis continues to affect millions of people, the introduction of GAE by South Florida Vascular Associates represents a significant step forward in providing patients with a more accessible and less invasive treatment option. With GAE, patients now have a viable alternative to traditional surgery, offering them hope for a more comfortable, pain-free future. About South Florida Vascular Associates: South Florida Vascular Associates has been serving patients in need of vascular care for more than 20 years. The clinic offers minimally invasive treatments, including uterine, prostate, and varicocele embolization, and is committed to patient safety, leveraging technology to provide advanced and efficient treatments. Media Contact: [ This image cannot be displayed. Please visit the source: ] To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Company Name: South Florida Vascular Associates Contact Person: Roco Julien Phone: (954) 725-4141 Address: 5300 W Hillsboro Blvd, Suite 107 City: Coconut Creek State: Florida Postal Code: Country: United States Website: To view the source version of this press release, please visit
Fox News
01-07-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Just one surgical procedure is more popular than breast augmentation: See the report
Americans continue to invest in their aesthetic health. A new report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) shows steady growth in cosmetic procedures last year, particularly in body contouring and minimally invasive treatments. The report's data, detailed below, reveals where people are spending their money. Of the nearly 1.6 million cosmetic surgical procedures performed in 2024, liposuction and breast augmentation topped the list. "Surgical procedures grew by 1% from 2023," ASPS President Dr. Scott Hollenbeck, a general plastic surgeon based in Charlottesville, Virginia, shared in a press release, noting that body contouring procedures saw the highest increase. Thigh and buttock lifts were up 3%, while arm and neck lifts rose 2%. Surgeons believe this may reflect the rising use of GLP-1 weight-loss medications, like Ozempic and Wegovy, which can lead to sagging skin. Minimally invasive procedures continue to dominate the aesthetic landscape, with over 28.5 million performed last year. The top five listed below led the pack. "These treatments remain strong due to their affordability and low downtime," said ASPS member surgeon Dr. Kristy Hamilton, a general plastic surgeon based in Houston, Texas, in the release. "Despite so-called 'filler fatigue,' HA fillers continue to top the list — when done naturally, they're extremely effective," she added. For the first time, ASPS tracked the use of GLP-1 weight-loss medications, noting that over 837,000 prescriptions were written by ASPS surgeons in 2024. Of those patients, 20% had already undergone surgery, 39% were considering surgery and 41% were exploring non-surgical options, the report shared. "These medications are helping patients reach a healthy weight before surgery," Dr. Heather Faulkner, a cosmetic plastic surgeon based in Atlanta, Goergia, said in the release. "But they're not substitutes — you must be near your goal weight before considering procedures like tummy tucks or lifts." A number of factors could contribute to the high demand for cosmetic procedures, according to experts. "Maybe it's greater exposure through social media or a general decrease in taboos," said Hollenbeck. "Either way, patients are prioritizing their aesthetic health." Surgeons agree that aesthetic procedures go beyond vanity, suggesting they are about feeling strong, confident and healthy. Many also see them as part of a holistic self-care routine, alongside diet, fitness and mental well-being. "Patients are prioritizing their aesthetic health." Social media is also helping to normalize aesthetic care, making procedures more accessible and less stigmatized, the report stated. Patients now openly discuss their experiences and are seeking natural, subtle enhancements, not exaggerated results. "There's a trend toward the 'ballerina body,'" Dr. Michele Shermak, a general plastic surgeon based in Baltimore, Maryland, said in the report. "Smaller implants, lifted silhouettes — women want to look refined, not overdone." Cosmetic procedures weren't the only area of growth. Over one million reconstructive surgeries were performed in 2024, including the most common ones listed below. "Plastic surgeons are also innovators in complex wound care," said Dr. Sara Dickie, general plastic surgeon based in Morton Grove, Illinois, according to the report. "Whether it's trauma, dog bites or tumor removal, our work goes beyond aesthetics." For more Health articles, visit While trends may come and go, ASPS emphasizes that safety should always come first, recommending that procedures are performed by board-certified plastic surgeons with the appropriate training and experience. "Patients want to look and feel their best," Hollenbeck added. "And when done right, aesthetic care can support mental and physical well-being in truly meaningful ways."
Fox News
30-06-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Top cosmetic procedures revealed in new report: What's trending and why
Americans continue to invest in their aesthetic health. A new report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) shows steady growth in cosmetic procedures last year, particularly in body contouring and minimally invasive treatments. The report's data, detailed below, reveals where people are spending their money. Of the nearly 1.6 million cosmetic surgical procedures performed in 2024, liposuction and breast augmentation topped the list. "Surgical procedures grew by 1% from 2023," ASPS President Dr. Scott Hollenbeck, a general plastic surgeon based in Charlottesville, Virginia, shared in a press release, noting that body contouring procedures saw the highest increase. Thigh and buttock lifts were up 3%, while arm and neck lifts rose 2%. Surgeons believe this may reflect the rising use of GLP-1 weight-loss medications, like Ozempic and Wegovy, which can lead to sagging skin. Minimally invasive procedures continue to dominate the aesthetic landscape, with over 28.5 million performed last year. The top five listed below led the pack. "These treatments remain strong due to their affordability and low downtime," said ASPS member surgeon Dr. Kristy Hamilton, a general plastic surgeon based in Houston, Texas, in the release. "Despite so-called 'filler fatigue,' HA fillers continue to top the list — when done naturally, they're extremely effective," she added. For the first time, ASPS tracked the use of GLP-1 weight-loss medications, noting that over 837,000 prescriptions were written by ASPS surgeons in 2024. Of those patients, 20% had already undergone surgery, 39% were considering surgery and 41% were exploring non-surgical options, the report shared. "These medications are helping patients reach a healthy weight before surgery," Dr. Heather Faulkner, a cosmetic plastic surgeon based in Atlanta, Goergia, said in the release. "But they're not substitutes — you must be near your goal weight before considering procedures like tummy tucks or lifts." A number of factors could contribute to the high demand for cosmetic procedures, according to experts. "Maybe it's greater exposure through social media or a general decrease in taboos," said Hollenbeck. "Either way, patients are prioritizing their aesthetic health." Surgeons agree that aesthetic procedures go beyond vanity, suggesting they are about feeling strong, confident and healthy. Many also see them as part of a holistic self-care routine, alongside diet, fitness and mental well-being. "Patients are prioritizing their aesthetic health." Social media is also helping to normalize aesthetic care, making procedures more accessible and less stigmatized, the report stated. Patients now openly discuss their experiences and are seeking natural, subtle enhancements, not exaggerated results. "There's a trend toward the 'ballerina body,'" Dr. Michele Shermak, a general plastic surgeon based in Baltimore, Maryland, said in the report. "Smaller implants, lifted silhouettes — women want to look refined, not overdone." Cosmetic procedures weren't the only area of growth. Over one million reconstructive surgeries were performed in 2024, including the most common ones listed below. "Plastic surgeons are also innovators in complex wound care," said Dr. Sara Dickie, general plastic surgeon based in Morton Grove, Illinois, according to the report. "Whether it's trauma, dog bites or tumor removal, our work goes beyond aesthetics." For more Health articles, visit While trends may come and go, ASPS emphasizes that safety should always come first, recommending that procedures are performed by board-certified plastic surgeons with the appropriate training and experience. "Patients want to look and feel their best," Hollenbeck added. "And when done right, aesthetic care can support mental and physical well-being in truly meaningful ways."
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
GE HealthCare Stock Slips Despite the Launch of bkActiv S Series
GE HealthCare Technologies Inc. GEHC recently expanded its bkPortfolio family of Active Imaging systems with the launch of the bkActiv S Series, a next-generation ultrasound solution designed to guide non-surgical procedures in urology, colorectal care, and pelvic floor assessments. As demand grows for minimally invasive, office-based procedures, this new system supports real-time interventional guidance across key specialties. Built with direct input from physicians, the bkActiv S Series incorporates advanced transducer technology, intuitive controls, and a versatile, compact design suited for both hospital and outpatient environments. It enables single-handed operation, offers sterile draping options, and provides optimized workflows through adaptive imaging presets. With this launch, GE HealthCare further strengthens its leadership in point-of-care ultrasound, delivering performance and procedural efficiency without compromising on patient comfort or image quality. Shares of the company moved south 2.4% and closed at $71.14 yesterday following the announcement on Monday. In the year-to-date period, GEHC shares have lost 9.1% against the industry's 4.9% growth. The S&P 500 increased 1.2% in the same time frame. However, the launch of the bkActiv S Series strengthens GE HealthCare's long-term growth by deepening its presence in the fast-expanding market for minimally invasive, office-based procedures. As healthcare shifts toward cost-effective, outpatient care, this advanced imaging system positions GEHC to capture demand across urology, colorectal, and pelvic health practices. By expanding its bkPortfolio with solutions tailored for procedural guidance and physician efficiency, GEHC not only broadens its customer base but also builds recurring revenue opportunities through transducer sales, service contracts, and software upgrades. Meanwhile, GEHC currently has a market capitalization of $33.08 billion. In the last reported quarter, GEHC delivered an earnings surprise of 10.9%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The bkActiv S Series is designed to empower clinicians with precise ultrasound guidance, delivering clear visualization of anatomical structures to support real-time decision-making during non-surgical procedures. It offers exceptional imaging quality alongside a modern, touch-based interface and includes Prostate Volume Assist, an AI-powered feature that automates prostate measurements, streamlining workflows and improving consistency. The system also enhances procedural confidence in urology and pelvic health by enabling quick image capture and optimized visualization. The interface includes GE HealthCare's TruSense technology and customizable layout options, allowing users to tailor the system to their preferences for efficiency and ease of use. Smart Button technology built into the transducers provides one-handed control, offering clinicians the ability to access multiple functions directly from the probe. High-resolution image capture is supported by advanced digital tools that enhance contrast and detail, while the Image Compare mode allows clinicians to view stored and live images side by side for real-time measurement and comparison. The system also integrates PRISM Technology, including the TruFocus algorithm for automatic image optimization, which improves detail clarity and supports consistent imaging quality. Adaptive Noise Suppression helps reduce background interference and enhances deep-tissue visualization by dynamically adjusting gain levels during scanning. Combined, these features make the bkActiv S Series well-suited for a variety of procedures, including prostate diagnostics, biopsies, and treatment guidance, in both hospital and office-based settings. In June, GE HealthCare launched MIM Encore, an integrated imaging software suite that enhances workflows and diagnostic precision across oncology, cardiology, and neurology. In May, it introduced CleaRecon DL, a deep-learning CBCT tool that improves image clarity in interventional procedures and received both FDA and CE approvals. Earlier in March, GEHC unveiled Freelium, a next-gen MRI platform using less than 1% helium, aimed at expanding sustainable imaging access. These developments reflect GEHC's ongoing push to combine advanced hardware with AI-powered imaging innovation. GEHC carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) at present. Some better-ranked stocks in the broader medical space that have announced quarterly results are CVS Health Corporation CVS, Integer Holdings Corporation ITGR and AngioDynamics ANGO. CVS Health, carrying a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), reported first-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.25, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 31.6%. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Revenues of $94.59 billion outpaced the consensus mark by 1.8%. CVS Health has a long-term estimated growth rate of 11.4%. Its earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with an average surprise of 18.1%. Integer Holdings reported first-quarter 2025 adjusted EPS of $1.31, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.2%. Revenues of $437.4 million surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.3%. It currently sports a Zacks Rank of 1. Integer Holdings has a long-term estimated growth rate of 18.4%. ITGR's earnings surpassed estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed once, the average surprise being 2.8%. AngioDynamics, currently sporting a Zacks Rank #1, reported a third-quarter fiscal 2025 adjusted EPS of 3 cents against the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a 13-cent loss. Revenues of $72 million beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2%. ANGO has an estimated fiscal 2026 earnings growth rate of 27.8% compared with the S&P 500 Composite's 10.5% growth. AngioDynamics' earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 70.9%. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report AngioDynamics, Inc. (ANGO) : Free Stock Analysis Report CVS Health Corporation (CVS) : Free Stock Analysis Report Integer Holdings Corporation (ITGR) : Free Stock Analysis Report GE HealthCare Technologies Inc. (GEHC) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
