News From Around the Web
> University of Notre Dame researchers, using 3-D printing technology, have created three-dimensional anatomical models from CT scans, according to a paper published in the Journal of Visualized Experiments. "With proper data collection, surface rendering, and stereolithographic editing, it is now possible and inexpensive to rapidly produce detailed skeletal and soft tissue structures from X-ray CT data," the researchers said. "The translation of pre-clinical 3-D data to a physical object that is an exact copy of the test subject is a powerful tool for visualization and communication, especially for relating imaging research to students, or those in other fields." Announcement
> A study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery has determined that the NeuroBlate Thermal Therapy System appears to provide a safe and minimally invasive way of treating recurrent glioblastoma, a malignant type of brain cancer. The system uses an MRI-guided laser system to coagulate--heat and kill--brain tumors. With the system, surgeons are able to plan, steer and see in real time the device, the heat map of the area being treated, and the tumor tissue that's been coagulated. Announcement
> In vivo ventilation/perfusion imaging can detect early changes in the lungs of cigarette smokers, according to research published in the April issue of the Journal of Nuclear Medicine. According to N. Renee Labiris, Ph.D., not only can V/Q imaging detect early and small changes in lung pathology, the type of V/Q mismatching could provide insight into the underlying pathologies, which current measures of lung function are unable to do." Announcement
Health IT News
> Big data could help U.S. citizens save as much as $450 billion in healthcare costs, but fundamental change is necessary to meeting such goals, according to a new analysis published this month by consulting firm McKinsey & Company. Article
Health Finance News
> Rural hospitals, particularly facilities in the South, are seeing their finances come under greater pressure as a result of factors ranging from healthcare insurance to their states' refusal to participate in the Medicaid expansion as part of the Affordable Care Act. Article
And Finally… May the face be with you. Article