Robotics Revolutionizes Cures
Human Genome Project - Genetics
The Human Genome Project, which was released to the public in 2000; it has perhaps made the biggest impact in advancing medicine, whether in diagnosis or treatment than any other single discovery in history. Certainly, there is still illness, and consumer costs remains a problem, however, some diseases that were considered a death sentence now have a better chance of treatment. The two in particular that come to mind are HIV/AIDS and cancer.
The best of the new discoveries is the potential for treatment that is more affordable in the future for those that are uninsured or underinsured. The US Census Bureau reports for 2016, report that 91.1 million residents are now insured. Changing Obamacare has affected these numbers between 2016-2017, along with some of the other health insurance changes. The focus of this article is the fantastic new advances in medical care.
AIDs Statistics
The third leading cause of death is HIV/AIDS, killing approximately 1.8 million people annually in poor countries. Clinical researchers from John Hopkins University and College London have discovered a way to use blood to combat this disease, rather than trying to kill the virus. When a person is infected by HIV, the body’s immune system provides a quick, but flawed defense to the virus.
The HIV virus takes the membrane from the cell that it infects. The researchers found they could remove a portion of the membrane to make it more permeable, which would let the body mount a stronger defense. While this is not yet a cure of HIV, this breakthrough will eventually reduce necessary resources to combat this disease, and it should also allow treatment of other similar types of similar diseases.
Hand Size Ultrasound
Jeff Neasham and Research Associate Dave Graham at Newcastle University developed a handheld size ultrasound device (USB) that plugs into a computer and works the same way ultrasound scanner that is used to picture an unborn child. These medical units typically cost £20,000 to £100,000. This new scanner costs as little as £30-£40. Ultrasounds are done routinely on pregnant women in most civilized countries in the world.
The goal for this new scanner is to provide health care in third world impoverished countries. This same, affordable unit could save the lives of thousands of women and babies around the world. Currently, the UN estimates that 515,000 women did annually from complications during pregnancy or childbirth. Most of these are avoidable. In industrialized countries, only 1 in 4 women die during childbirth, but that number increases to 1 in 13 in developing countries.
Robot Surgery Treats Brain Blood Clots
What is Lou Gehrig’s Disease?
Another very exciting discovery by the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine study promises a possible cure for one of the biggest mysteries in this century. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, more commonly known as Lou Gherig’s disease, is a horrible, fatal disease that has long stumped scientist as to how it occurs or to find an effective treatment.
This disease is a neurodegenerative disease that gradually paralyzes its victims. These scientists have discovered that the cause of this disease is due to a flaw in the protein recycling system in the neurons of the spinal cord and brain. Having finally diagnosed the cause of the disease, now scientist will be able to find a cure.
Robotic Surgeries
Robot surgeries or robotic-assisted surgeries have now become commonplace. In 2007, at Cleveland Clinic surgeons removed kidneys through a small incision in the patient’s naval. Numerous hospitals now have this ability.
Since that time robot surgeries have evolved as they are very accurate. They are particularly useful in cancer surgeries. The magnification lets the surgeons get very clean margins. These surgeries are typically used in minor surgeries due to the small incisions typically used.
The benefits of robotic surgery include:
- "Fewer complications, such as surgical site infection
- Less pain and blood loss
- Quicker recovery
- Smaller, less noticeable scars
Robot surgery is expensive, however, the benefit of less invasive surgery and surgery with precision accuracy outweigh the concern of cost.
Robotic spine surgery with Mazor X
Summary
There are numerous other advances happening as this article is being written. The advances in stem cell research are staggering and volumes could be written.
One of the problems for doctors is harnessing the large volume of information of a patient, along with all the new medications and data. Doctors are frequently using new technology, including IPods, just for this reason. The new technology for some of the worst diseases of man is very exciting and holds great promise for the future.
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
Comments
Smaller incision areas when it comes to surgeries are a plus when it comes to healing. Better diagnosing tools also help. I hope that some of these newer advances which are continually developed, lead to cures.
Hi Pamela,
These technologies are brilliant. The less invasive nature of these operations means that people heal much faster too, saving time and money.
Shocking to know that so many in the US still have no medical cover.
I think the 'new scanner costs as little as £30-£40' is going to change millions of lives for the better.
Great article Pamela.
Pamela, thank you for passing this information on! I hadn't heard that doctors had found the cause of ALS. My father passed away from it -- this discovery is an answer to my, and so many other people's prayers.
Thanks for sharing this interesting information. New technology always fascinates me.
Pamela, you have shared some really interesting advancements of technology. My sister recently had an ultrasound where they used the hand-held device. How wonderful! Voted up.
I am amazed at the progress medical science is making, but at the same time how is it that they still can't decide if tuna is bad for you?
Fascinating and life-saving discoveries in medicine, Pamela. Thanks for bringing all this to our attention. A number of hospitals in my area have been advertising robotic surgery for some time so the procedures are becoming more well known.
Very interesting and informative. I enjoyed reading this - the video was too much for me. LOL I'm squeamish. But, it is good to know how technology is helping us today. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. Voted up!
Hi Pamela, this hub's information was so interesting and i was so amazed how far advanced it right now with medical treatment and close to finding cures . This is all great and well researched information,well done !
Vote up and more !!!
What I predict will happen in medicine now if Obamacare is allowed to stand is that the advances we have seen come at us fast and furious will dry up. How pathetic that will be when it happens.
Fascinating medical write up Pamela.
The Frog
These exciting advances in medicine definitely hold hope for everyone. Glad to know that relentless research has made it possible. Thanks for sharing.
Great info Pamela and I do transcription of those robotic surgeries every day--nice to put a picture (gulp) with the images in my head~ I'm not much for blood though and it is a little early in the morning~ ha ha
Amazing what they are doing these days though--I love the ultrasound since I just found out day before yesterday that Katie is pregnant--first time grandmas are so disgusting~~
Thanks for the updates Pamela. So much is happening so fast its impossible for the laymen to keep up with it. Docmo wrote a great hub about Robotics in the medical field.
I voted this up, useful, and interesting.
Pamela, you did put lots of info on this hub. The research is continuous and lives can be saved if a new discovery comes in handy. Stem cell research has been lagging support for so many reasons, but we should not stop working in new developments. NanoTech devices will improve our lives for sure. Your approach, being a nurse is laudable. Keep them coming my friend! Thanks for sharing with us your knowledge!
Great stuff Pamela! We use the robot at my hospital for countless surgeries and it is amazing. People experience less complications and are up walking around in no time. Fascinating info, thanks for the great article. Voted up and shared!!
that was an amazing and interesting article Pam! You are right, there are so much advances in our technology that is happening every second of day. there are more solutions to cure diseases and other thigns that would help mankind..
Thanks, Pamela, for the very insightful hub on all the new technology. It is amazing. I can tell you put a lot of work into this hub. Voted Up In His Love, Faith Reaper
Pamela,
Extremely interesting information here. Had heard of, but never seen a demonstration of robot surgery. You've covered a tremendous amount of info. Great presentation and info! Up & Useful & Interesting!
Fascinating information Pamela! Technology is advancing so fast; I hope we learn to harness it correctly.
38