Surgery

VGI Announces the Launch of DISMISS� Instruments for the VerteLoc™ Minimally Invasive Spine Stabilization System

2009-03-03T17:46:00.000+02:00

VGI Announces the Launch of DISMISS® Instruments for the VerteLoc™ Minimally Invasive Spine Stabilization System

VGI introduces a revolutionary surgical instrument system that is smaller in diameter than a pencil. The DISMISS® instrument system is designed specifically for the implantation of the VerteLoc™ Minimally Invasive Spine Stabilization System and will be unveiled at the Congress of Neurological Surgeons meeting in Phoenix, Arizona starting on March 12, 2009.

Winston-Salem, NC (PRWEB) March 3, 2009 -- VG Innovations, Inc. (www.vginnovations.com) (VGI), announces the launch of a new surgical instrumentation system, named DISMISS®.

"DISMISS® stands for Directional Instrument System for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery," stated VGI's President and CEO, Dan Grayson. "We have received very positive feedback from our surgeon users, regarding the biomechanical advantages of the VerteLoc™ Minimally Invasive Spine Stabilization system, so the next logical step was to further refine the system's current instrumentation. We have now taken minimally invasive spinal facet fusion to a whole new level with the DISMISS® instruments."

"The DISMISS® instruments, used specifically for the implantation of the VerteLoc™ implants, are smaller in diameter than a pencil," noted Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Officer Dr. Tov Vestgaarden. "In addition, we have not only reduced the size, but also the number of instruments required for surgical implantation. This is just the beginning of a whole new era in surgical instrumentation from VGI."

"New sets of the DISMISS® instruments will be distributed during the second and third quarters of 2009 to select VGI distributors throughout the United States," Grayson added. "These new instruments will allow our distributors to introduce the VerteLoc™ system to a more diverse surgeon base."

The VerteLoc™ Minimally Invasive Spine Stabilization System (www.verteloc.com) is designed to allow earlier intervention in the continuum of spinal care. The procedure should prolong or prevent more invasive spine procedures in indicated patients, which would provide significant benefits to the quality of life versus traditional methods of spinal fusion.

Company Profile

VG Innovations, Inc, is a privately held company and was formed in late 2007. The company is in the business of developing and commercializing proprietary, implantable devices with a specific focus on minimally invasive surgical products that could provide better surgical solutions over present technology. The products are designed to treat specific spinal disease indications that affect millions of people. More information on the company and its products can be found at: www.verteloc.com.

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Contact Information Dan Grayson

VG Innovations, Inc

http://www.verteloc.com

336-760-2012

Benin's President Boni Welcomes Mercy Ship

2009-03-03T11:45:00.000+02:00

Benin's President Boni Welcomes Mercy Ship

Highlights Millennium Challenge Initiative and Access to Health Care for the Poor

Cotonou, Benin (Vocus) March 3, 2009 -- During the Mercy Ship's first week of surgeries in their nation, the President of Benin, Dr. Thomas Yayi Boni, and several cabinet ministers visited the Africa Mercy (http://www.mercyships.org) to express hope for increasing access to health care for the poor in his nation.

President Boni (http://www.mercyships.org) emphasized the contribution Mercy Ships is making to his government's effort in providing better access to health care. He spoke briefly about the 'Millennium Challenge,' a government initiative that seeks to provide improved access and infrastructure to the people of Benin.

"Our ambition is to bring health to everyone here (in Benin). That is why we are so grateful you have come. Everything you are doing enters perfectly into what we would like for Benin," explained President Boni in his address to the crew onboard.

In his speech, the President quoted from Psalm 41: 'Blessed is he that considers the poor.' He mentioned his gratitude for the determination Mercy Ships (http://www.mercyships.org) showed in reaching out through additional screenings held in the North of Benin shortly after the ship docked. Screenings last week near the port of Cotonou were attended by more than 5,000 people seeking help.

The volunteer crew is projected to impact more than 53,000 lives by providing free medical care, training, and capacity building programs during its 10-month field service in Benin, according to Mercy Ships CEO Sam Smith.

In February 2006, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (http://www.mercyships.org) (MCC) signed a five-year, approximately $307 million USD grant agreement with the Government of Benin to improve physical and institutional infrastructure by focusing on access to four critical sectors: land, financial services, justice, and markets.

"We would like to create a new and modern Benin (http://www.mercyships.org). That is why you are partners of Benin. My government and I are here to show you our thanks for your being here," Boni said, stating that Mercy Ships is a true friend, as this is the fourth visit of a Mercy Ship to his country. The last visit was in 2004.

The President's entourage was given a guided tour of the Africa Mercy's hospital, including one of the operating rooms and a visit to patients in one of the wards.

Mercy Ships Founder/President, Don Stephens, formally thanked President Boni for the co-operation and support the people of Benin have shown to Mercy Ships. He spoke of the commitment the ship's crew and offices in 15 nations have to help Benin during this economically stretching time in the world.

Sandwiched between Nigeria and Togo, nearly a third of Benin's population of 8.5 million residents live on less than $2 a day, according to UN figures.¹ For the past decade, Benin has been at the forefront of African democratization. Yet, the country remains beset with numerous problems, as evidenced by its ranking of 163 out of 177 countries on the Human Development Index.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

USA: Pauline Rick, US PR Director

Mercy Ships

tel: (903) 939 7649

rickp(at)mercyships.org

International:

Diane Rickard, Director International Public Relations

Mercy Ships

UK tel: 44 1438 727 800

rickardd(at)mercyships.org

Broadcast video clips, hi-res photos and audio clips of the event, the Africa Mercy arrival into Cotonou and ship's screening are available for media download with a quick registration at www.mercyshipsnews.org.

About Mercy Ships

Mercy Ships is the leader in using hospital ships to deliver free, world-class health care services to the poor. Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships brings hope and healing to the poor in developing nations. Over the past 30 years, Mercy Ships has worked in more than 70 countries providing services valued at more than $670 million, directly impacting more than 1.9 million people. More than 850 crew worldwide, representing more than 35 nations, are joined each year by hundreds of short-term volunteers. Professionals including surgeons, dentists, nurses, community developers, teachers, cooks, seamen, engineers, and agriculturalists donate their time and skills to the effort. For more information click on www.mercyships.org.

¹http://hdrstats.undp.org/2008/countries/country_fact_sheets/cty_fs_BEN.html

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Contact Information Pauline Rick

Mercy Ships

http://www.mercyshipsnews.org

903-939 7649

Diane Rickard

Mercy Ships

http://www.mercyshipsnews.org

+44 1438 727 800

New Vertebral Biopsy Needle Features Exclusive Cutting Cannula

2009-03-02T10:45:00.000+02:00

New Vertebral Biopsy Needle Features Exclusive Cutting Cannula

The new product: Serratus™ Vertebral Biopsy Needle is a specialty biopsy needle used to capture a quality vertebral core sample. This new product features an exclusive cutting cannula.

Attleboro, MA (PRWEB) March 2, 2009 -- NeedleTech Products, Inc. has introduced its new Serratus™ Vertebral Biopsy Needle, a specialty biopsy needle used to capture a quality vertebral core sample.

Designed to be used in conjunction with the company's 11- & 13-gauge Bonus™ Vertebral Access Needle, the ergonomically-engineered Serratus™ Vertebral Biopsy Needle features radiolucent handles and an exclusive serratus™ cutting cannula to capture a reliable bone biopsy.

The FDA has reviewed the company's pre-market notification submission (510K) and ruled the device Class 1 exempt. The Serratus™ Vertebral Biopsy Needle is available for immediate release in bulk or packaged and sterile.

More information is available at: http://www.needletech.com/html/serratus_vertebral_biopsy_need.html

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Contact Information Russ Small

NeedleTech Products, Inc.

http://www.needletech.com

508-431-4000

Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons to Present the SAGES 2009 Scientific Session and Postgraduate Courses in April 2009

2009-03-01T10:47:00.000+02:00

Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons to Present the SAGES 2009 Scientific Session and Postgraduate Courses in April 2009

The Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) will convene its 2009 Scientific Session and Postgraduate Courses in Phoenix, Arizona from April 22-25, 2009. The SAGES Annual Meeting has been the pre-eminent meeting for minimally invasive surgery for the past twenty-eight years. The meeting is expected to draw more than 2,000 surgeons, surgeons-in-training, GI assistants, nurses and other allied health professionals who are interested in minimally invasive surgery and gastrointestinal surgery. The 2009 Program Chair is L. Michael Brunt, MD, from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri.

Los Angeles, California (PRWEB) March 1, 2009 -- The Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) will convene its 2009 Scientific Session and Postgraduate Courses in Phoenix, Arizona from April 22-25, 2009.

The SAGES Annual Meeting has been the pre-eminent meeting for minimally invasive surgery for the past twenty-eight years. The meeting is expected to draw more than 2,000 surgeons, surgeons-in-training, GI assistants, nurses and other allied health professionals who are interested in minimally invasive surgery and gastrointestinal surgery. The 2009 Program Chair is L. Michael Brunt, MD, from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri.

The scientific program has been carefully designed to incorporate many of the scientific and technical advances from the leading experts in the fields of general, gastrointestinal, endoscopic and minimally invasive surgery. The program begins on Wednesday, April 22, 2009 with a variety of half-day postgraduate and hands-on courses on such topics as colorectal, hernia, flexible endoscopy, endolumenal/NOTES®, bariatric, laparoscopic cholecystectomy and the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS). Wednesday also features the SAGES Education and Research Foundation Awards Luncheon, recognizing distinguished leaders for their work in minimally invasive surgery and helped to keep patient safety and MIS in the forefront. Thursday, April 23, 2009 continues with more courses on foregut and advanced laparoscopic techniques, a special Allied Health Symposium on patient safety, a Endolumenal/NOTES® Symposium, a robotics panel, a forum and luncheon for surgical educators, and the SAGES Great Presidential Debates, a session dedicated to a broad range of issues including Universal Healthcare. Both Friday and Saturday's sessions are devoted to a range of engaging panels, concurrent sessions and keynote lectures. Dr. John Cameron will be delivering the Gerald Marks Lecture, "The Surgeon as a Role Model" on Friday with Dr. Catherine DeAngelis, Editor of JAMA, delivering the Health Policy Lecture on conflict of interest on Saturday.

SAGES Exhibits, Learning Center and Posters are open Thursday through Friday with the Poster session running until Saturday, April 25th.

Since 2005 the SAGES Scientific Session and Postgraduate Courses have been a part of Surgical Spring Week, a week of surgical meetings which have included the American College of Surgeons and the American Hepato-Pancreato Biliary Association. In 2009 SAGES meets once again with the International Pediatric Endosurgery Group (IPEG), the premiere international association for physicians who perform minimally invasive surgery in children. Several joint sessions have been incorporated into both programs including the joint panel, "Urgent and Emergent Acute Case Problems in Pediatric and Adult Patients" on Friday afternoon.

More information about the annual meeting and Surgical Spring Week is posted regularly on the SAGES website, http://www.sages.org/meetings/. Interested parties may sign up for our e-newsletter by submitting an email address on the same site.

Questions should be directed to SAGES, 11300 W. Olympic Bvld., Suite 600, Los Angeles, CA 90064, Phone: 310-437-0544, Fax: 310-437-0585, Email: sagesweb (at) sages (dot) org

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Contact Information Jennifer Clark

Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons

http://www.sages.org

310-437-0554

Elbow Ligament Reconstruction Appears Not to Effect Future Professional Advancement in Baseball

2009-02-28T10:45:00.000+02:00

Elbow Ligament Reconstruction Appears Not to Effect Future Professional Advancement in Baseball

Athletes who have UCL reconstruction prior to being drafted perform at similar level as those without reconstruction

Las Vegas, NV (Vocus) February 28, 2009 -- New research presented at the 2009 American Orthopaedic Society of Sports Medicine (www.sportsmed.org) Specialty Day in Las Vegas suggests that elbow ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction prior to selection in the Major League Baseball (MLB) draft does not increase the risk of future injury or affect the rate of professional advancement.

"Our study showed no statistical difference between athletes who had undergone UCL reconstruction prior to the draft and a matched control group in terms of advancement in professional baseball" said Gregory F. Carolan, MD, lead author and Director of Orthopaedic Sports Medicine at St. Luke's Hospital in Bethlehem, PA. Dr. Carolan is a former fellow at the San Diego Arthroscopy & Sports Medicine Program and The Scripps Clinic, San Diego, CA where the research was conducted in conjunction with the San Diego Padres Baseball Club.

The researchers reviewed the medical records of all players selected during the five MLB drafts held from 1999 through 2003 and identified 30 players (all but 3 were pitchers) who had undergone UCL reconstruction (www.sportsmed.org) (RUCL) prior to entering the draft. The data analyzed included the highest level of professional advancement, the number of times players were placed on the disabled list (DL), the type of injury responsible for placement on the DL and game statistics for those players that advanced to the Major Leagues. There was no statistically significant difference in any of these areas between the RUCL group and the control group.

"Our data shows that UCL reconstruction prior to selection in the MLB draft does not appear to increase the chances of a future injury to the throwing arm or impact a player's professional prospects when compared to a matched control group. Our analysis is sufficiently powered to detect large differences between the two groups; however our ongoing research will continue to add confidence that we are not missing more subtle differences. As more athletes undergo the procedure and enter the MLB draft, we hope to be able to accomplish this goal. With the increase in UCL reconstructions being performed, it is heartening to see that the procedure can be successful in allowing future professional athletes to the reach the highest level of competition on par with their peers," said Carolan.

The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) is a world leader in sports medicine (www.sportsmed.org) education, research, communication and fellowship, and includes national and international orthopaedic sports medicine leaders. The Society works closely with many other sports medicine specialists, including athletic trainers, physical therapists, family physicians, and others to improve the identification, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports injuries.

For more information, please contact AOSSM Director of Communications, Lisa Weisenberger, at 847/292-4900 or e-mail her at lisa @ aossm.org. Additional information and press releases can be viewed in the newsroom on AOSSM's Web site at www.sportsmed.org .

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Contact Information Lisa Weisenberger

AOSSM Director of Communications

http://www.sportsmed.org

847-292-4900

Health Insurance Claims Top $2 Million Mark

2009-02-27T09:47:00.000+02:00

Health Insurance Claims Top $2 Million Mark

Leading heath insurance fund Medibank Private has released a list of the most expensive benefit claims made by members.

Melbourne, VIC (PRWEB) February 27, 2009 -- A hospital bill of $364,859 for complex bowel surgery heads the annual Medibank Private "Chart Toppers" list of the most expensive health insurance (http://www.medibank.com.au/) benefit claims made by members of the fund.

The bowel surgery claim, costing 20 per cent more than last year's most expensive claim, helped push the total value of Medibank Private's top ten claims for the year (to 30 June 2008) to almost $2.4 million.

Second on the Chart Toppers list was a claim for neurosurgery which came in at $276,595. Third place was for 469 days of neonatal hospital care for which Medibank Private paid a benefit of $256,451 on behalf of the baby's parents.

Overall the number of very high cost claims on hospital cover (http://www.medibank.com.au/Health-Covers.aspx) has leapt, with Medibank Private covering 73 per cent more claims over $100,000, which increased from 86 to 149 during the period.

Medibank Private Industry Affairs Manager, Craig Bosworth, says the rising number of high cost claims indicates that the private health sector is increasingly carrying the burden of an ageing population and the complex, technologically intensive hospital care older people often require.

"The Medibank Private Chart Toppers list shows that providing quality healthcare is very expensive. With eight of the top ten claims for people aged 54 or over, it also illustrates that private health insurance (http://www.medibank.com.au/Health-Covers/About-Health-Insurance.aspx) is not just for elective surgery lumps and bumps, and members are increasingly using their private health insurance (http://www.medibank.com.au/Health-Covers.aspx) to cover themselves for the cost of complicated and potentially life saving surgery.

"Traditionally the high end surgeries would be borne by the public system. Now we are seeing people electing to use their private health insurance for these types of procedures, and enjoying the clear benefits it brings. These include choice of doctor, choice of hospital, and greater control over how soon the surgery can occur.

"This trend has been reflected in Medibank Private's hospital admission figures for 2007/08, which grew by 8 per cent over the previous year. In total we funded 810,000 hospital admissions, and as the Chart Toppers list shows, some of these are very expensive.

"Clearly the only way for most Australians to afford these type of medical procedures in a private hospital is with private health insurance", Mr Bosworth observed.

During 2006/07 Medibank Private spent $2.13 billion in benefit payments for hospital treatment. Overall the fund paid out $2.9 billion in hospital and ancillary benefits, an increase of 8.7 per cent on the previous year.

About Medibank Private:

Medibank Private is the largest Australian-owned provider of private health insurance covering more than three million people. Medibank Private offers health insurance to all Australians through retail and corporate products, as well as catering for overseas students and visitors.

Medibank Private has a 'Members Choice' network of contracted health providers consisting of over 449 private hospitals and day surgeries and 4,038 ancillary providers nationally. It has approximately 1,500 staff and 105 retail centres nationally, a national call centre and online access at www.medibank.com.au.

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Contact Information Nick Aridas

Medibank Private Health Insurance

http://www.medibank.com.au/

+613-8622-5132

Rick Fraunfelder, M.D. of the Casey Vision Correction Center in Portland, Oregon, Joins Elite Group of Surgeons Listed at Trusted LASIK Surgeons

2009-02-26T12:45:00.000+02:00

Rick Fraunfelder, M.D. of the Casey Vision Correction Center in Portland, Oregon, Joins Elite Group of Surgeons Listed at Trusted LASIK Surgeons

Trusted LASIK Surgeons launched its revolutionary Trusted LASIK Surgeons directory service and website at www.TrustedLASIKSurgeons.com in order to provide a resource for consumers seeking to improve their vision and find a highly qualified surgeon who can help improve their chances of attaining 20-20 vision. What sets the Trusted LASIK Surgeons directory apart is a unique screening process ensuring that only those who are among the best in LASIK eye surgery and laser eye surgery in the United States are listed. Refractive eye surgeons, such as Dr. Frederick Fraunfelder, are screened based on their experience, research, publications, lectures, and patient care standards. Trusted LASIK Surgeons believes Doctor Fraunfelder's research, teaching, surgical skills, and other professional accomplishments place him among the top LASIK surgeons in the United States. His practice at Casey Vision Correction Center of the Oregon Health & Science University serves Portland, Beaverton, Gresham, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, and Salem, as well as communities throughout Oregon.

Portland, OR (PRWEB) February 26, 2009 -- Trusted LASIK Surgeons (http://www.trustedlasiksurgeons.com) announced today that Frederick Fraunfelder, M.D. (http://trustedlasiksurgeons.com/portland_lasik_surgeon_RIck_Fraunfelder_M_D.htm) has joined the Trusted LASIK Eye Surgeons Directory (http://www.trustedlasiksurgeons.com/find_a_lasik_eye_surgeon.htm), an informational resource for consumers searching for highly qualified LASIK and refractive eye surgeons. Dr. Rick Fraunfelder's practice serves patients seeking LASIK eye surgery in Portland, Beaverton, Gresham, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, and Salem (http://trustedlasiksurgeons.com/portland_lasik_surgeons.htm). Dr. Fraunfelder also treats those seeking in vision correction surgery throughout Oregon (http://trustedlasiksurgeons.com/oregon_lasik_surgeons.htm), and in cities in Washington like Vancouver.

Trusted LASIK Surgeons directory service is designed to feature only those LASIK eye surgeons who are among the best in the United States. To accomplish this, Trusted LASIK Surgeons screens each laser eye surgeon based on experience, premier patient care, and professional credentials. In Trusted LASIK Surgeon's opinion, Dr. Fraunfelder's outstanding achievements place him among the top LASIK and vision correction surgeons in the United States.

The most significant professional qualifications that set Dr. Rick Fraunfelder apart from nearly all other LASIK Surgeons are his experience as a principal investigator for an FDA study for Nidek and member of the FDA Ophthalmic Devices panel study, his academic appointment at Casey Eye Institute, and his extensive research. At the Casey Eye Institute at Oregon Health & Science University, Dr. Fraunfelder serves as an as a Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, Cornea/External Disease, Ocular Oncology, and the Refractive Surgery Director of the Cornea/ External Disease/Refractive Surgery Division. Dr. Fraunfelder is also a leading expert in medication side effects and interactions. He directs the National Registry of Drug-Induced Ocular Side Effects, which is the only database designed to gather data on the side effects of drugs on the eye, and regularly teaches and lectures his peers on the side effects of medications on the eye.

Dr. Rick Fraunfelder serves on several editorial boards, including Drugs of Today, EyeNet, Drugs of the Future, and the Physicians Desk Reference. He also is a reviewer of articles for over 10 scientific journals related to eye care including the American Journal of Ophthalmology, Archives of Ophthalmology, Cornea, and the Journal of Refractive Surgery.

Dr. Fraunfelder is extensively published, with over 62 peer-reviewed scientific journal articles published, 26 text book chapters, and 3 books to his credit. He has presented over 12 lectures on research topics at major eye meetings in the United States and internationally and over 25 lectures at local and regional meetings to fellow eye doctors. These collective accomplishments have earned him the respect of his peers world-wide.

Over his career, Dr. Fraunfelder has performed over 5,000 LASIK and laser vision surgery procedures. With over 10 years of experience in refractive surgery including laser vision surgery procedures like LASIK and PRK, Dr. Fraunfelder has the proven know-how to provide patients with the highest eye care available when it comes to their vision correction.

Rick Fraunfelder, M.D., performs LASIK and other laser vision and refractive surgery procedures on patients with nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism (blurred vision), and presbyopia. Dr. Fraunfelder's practice, at Casey Vision Correction Center, provides premier patient care, including "All-Laser" or "Bladeless" LASIK and use of Wavefront Based ("Optimized") LASIK and PRK. Dr. Fraunfelder offers not just LASIK and PRK (laser eye surgery procedures), but limbal relaxing incisions and cataract lens implant procedures to give patients a full range of options when it comes to choosing the right vision correction procedure.

Dr. Fraunfelder has also helped new patients who have had significant problems with LASIK or other vision correction procedures performed by another surgeon. Moreover, Dr. Fraunfelder has been selected by other eye surgeons, optometrists, opticians, employees of companies that specialize in refractive surgery instrumentation or their family members to perform their LASIK or other refractive surgery procedure.

Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, this highly qualified refractive eye surgery specialist is a recipient of an Achievement Award by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He is also an active member of the International Society of Refractive Surgery, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and numerous other international and national professional organizations dedicated to eye care. Locally, Dr. Fraunfelder is a member of the Oregon Academy of Ophthalmology and the Oregon Medical Association.

Dr. Fraunfelder is also dedicated to helping others less fortunate. His charitable contributions extend from local schools and the Lions Bank of Oregon, where he serves on the Medical Advisory Committee, to Orphans Over Seas, a charity which helps children and single parents all over the world.

"We are honored to have Dr. Fraunfelder join our Trusted Lasik Directory. The Casey Eye Institute has a long history of contributions to the field of refractive surgery beginning with the excimer laser FDA studies initiated by Dr. Larry Rich in the early 1990's. Rick Fraunfelder continues this strong tradition. He also brings the unique perspective of serving on the FDA advisory panel which oversees the approval of ophthalmic laser systems," commented James J. Salz, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Trusted LASIK Surgeons.

"Eyesight is a precious gift. I am fortunate to practice in a field that permits me with an opportunity to help patients attain better vision" said Rick Fraunfelder, M.D., Associate Professor of Ophthalmology of Casey Eye Institute. "The Trusted LASIK Surgeons website attracts patients who are looking to find a LASIK specialist who has professional qualifications that exceed those of the typical LASIK doctor. I am honored to be included among the highly distinguished group of surgeons listed at the Trusted LASIK Surgeons"

Visit Portland, OR LASIK Eye Surgery Expert Rick Fraunfelder profile page at Trusted LASIK Surgeons (http://trustedlasiksurgeons.com/portland_lasik_surgeon_RIck_Fraunfelder_M_D.htm)

To see learn more about LASIK and refractive expert Rick Fraunfelder, M.D., and the Casey Vision Correction center, please visit Casey Vision Correction Center website of Portland, OR (http://www.ohsucasey.com/patient/cvcc.asp)

To ask Dr. Rick Fraunfelder a question or schedule an appointment, Contact Dr. Rick Fraunfelder at Casey Vision Correction Center in Portland, Oregon (http://www.ohsucasey.com/patient/cvcc.asp)

For more on why consumers should consider surgeons listed in the Trusted LASIK Surgeons directory for their vision correction needs, please visit:

Why choose a Surgeon from the Trusted LASIK Surgeon's Directory (http://www.trustedlasiksurgeons.com/why_use_a_trusted_lasik_surgeon.htm)

The screening process and standards used by Trusted LASIK Surgeons are located at How Are LASIK Eye Surgeons Qualified at Trusted LASIK Surgeons? (http://www.trustedlasiksurgeons.com/how_are_lasik_surgeons_qualified_at_tls.htm)

To find a highly accomplished LASIK and refractive specialist in your local area who has been qualified and listed in the Trusted LASIK Surgeons directory, please visit Trusted LASIK Surgeons Directory (http://www.trustedlasiksurgeons.com/find_a_lasik_eye_surgeon.htm)

SOURCE: Trusted LASIK Surgeons

About Trusted LASIK Surgeons, Inc.

Trusted LASIK Surgeons, Inc. (Trusted LASIK Surgeons) is a premier LASIK, laser eye surgery, and refractive eye surgery directory service whose primary mission is to assist consumers in finding the best and most qualified LASIK and vision correction surgeons in their local area in the United States. To accomplish this, Trusted LASIK Surgeons uses a unique screening process where each prospective LASIK eye surgeon must meet the minimum required qualifications set by Trusted LASIK Surgeons. These qualifications for these doctors are based on experience (not just in LASIK but complete refractive care), research (including FDA approval studies for manufacturers and academic appointments at major universities), publications and lectures (to their peers, not to the public via infomercials) and patient care standards (treating other eye professionals and managing complications from patients first operated on by someone else). All refractive eye surgeons listed at Trusted LASIK Surgeons have qualified, been accepted, and have subscribed to our services. For more information on why we believe consumers interested in LASIK should consider an eye surgeon listed in the Trusted LASIK Surgeon's directory, please visit our website at www.TrustedLASIKSurgeons.com.

Trusted LASIK Surgeons, Inc.

(800) 483-8028

About Casey Vision Correction Center

In the Northwest, Casey Vision Correction Center has been an innovator in laser vision correction surgery. The internationally recognized Casey team performed the first PRK in the Northwest in December 1994 and the first LASIK in the area in October 1996. Its reputation rests securely on the abilities of our team of corneal specialists, all of whom are highly skilled, well respected surgeons and clinicians who combine the best possible medical care with a sincere concern for the well being of their patients. Casey Vision Correction Center's tradition of excellence stems from the depth of its surgeons' experience and its affiliation with Casey Eye Institute and Oregon Health & Science University, an academic center of excellence devoted to health care. Casey Vision Correction Center is committed to remaining on the leading edge of eye care technology, being leaders in innovation and scientific training, and providing patient care of the highest possible quality. For more information about the Casey Vision Correction Center, please visit: www.ohsucasey.com/patient/cvcc.asp

Casey Vision Correction Center

Casey Eye Institute- Marquam Hill

3375 S.W. Terwilliger Blvd.

Portland, Oregon 97239

Phone: (503) 494-3937 or (800) 842-3937

About Casey Eye Institute

At Casey Eye Institute, the mission is simple: to provide excellent eye care in a quality, cost-effective environment that combines education, research, clinical leadership and service to the community. The Casey Eye Institute is an academic regional eye center dedicated to preventing blindness through research, and to bringing advanced technology to the Pacific Northwest through continuing education of physicians. We are also committed to affordable eye care through collaborative programs and to sharing resources with community providers. Casey Eye Institute is the only free-standing academic eye research center west of Salt Lake City and north of San Francisco. For more information about the Casey Eye Institute, please visit www.ohsucasey.com.

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Contact Information James J. Salz, M.D.

Trusted LASIK Surgeons, Inc.

http://www.TrustedLASIKSurgeons.com

+1 (800) 483-8028

Online Marketing Dept.

LanceThink Media

http://www.LanceThinkMedia.com

+1 (800) 846-6208

Washington D.C. Cataract Surgeon Rajesh Rajpal, M.D. Joins Cataract Surgery Patient Information Directory www.aboutcataractsurgery.com

2009-02-26T10:45:00.000+02:00

Washington D.C. Cataract Surgeon Rajesh Rajpal, M.D. Joins Cataract Surgery Patient Information Directory www.aboutcataractsurgery.com

Medical Management Services Group, L.L.C., managers of the patient information web site for cataracts, cataract surgery and lens implants www.aboutcataractsurgery announced today that Washington D.C. Cataract Surgeon Rajesh Rajpal, M.D. of See Clearly Vision Group and Cornea Consultants in Washington D.C. has become a member of it's network of cataract surgeons offering access to the useful patient friendly web information resource.

Noth Andover, MA (PRWEB) February 26, 2009 -- Medical Management Services Group, L.L.C., managers of the patient information web site for cataracts, cataract surgery and lens implants www.aboutcataractsurgery.com announced today that Washington D.C. Cataract Surgeon (http://www.aboutcataractsurgery.com/cataract-surgeons/washington+dc/district+of+columbia) Rajesh Rajpal, M.D. of See Clearly Vision Group and Cornea Consultants in Washington D.C. has become a member of it's network of cataract surgeons offering access to the useful patient friendly web information resource. "The many advances in the management of cataracts and the technology of cataract surgery and lens implants means eye care patients have a lot to learn in order to be informed vision correction consumers", stated Rajesh Rajpal, M.D.

The website aboutcataractsurgery.com is structured to provide eye care consumers with useful and reliable information about how cataracts affect vision, symptoms of cataracts, cataracts and astigmatism, near vision & presbyopia, the cataract surgery procedure, recovery from cataract surgery and complications of cataract surgery. In addition the site contains detailed information regarding the different types of lens implants that can be used to correct vision after cataract surgery such as aspheric lens implants, astigmatism correcting toric lens implants and near vision correcting presbyopic lens implants.

"We are committed to helping patients learn as much as possible about cataract and cataract surgery so that they understand the available options. This education helps us to help the patient make the best decisions regarding their cataract surgery and care. A well informed patient makes a helpful partner for the cataract surgeon", said Dr. Rajpal.

Rajesh Rajpal, M.D. of Cornea Consultants and See Clearly Vision in Washington D.C. provides patients modern cataract surgery procedures (http://www.aboutcataractsurgery.com/cataract-surgery-recovery.html) that require only a tiny incision that is performed with "eye drop" anesthesia rather than needles so that patients have a quick recovery and are back to most normal activities within a couple of days. In addition, Dr. Rajpal offers a number of types of advanced technology lens implants (http://www.aboutcataractsurgery.com/lens-implants.html) including those that can correct astigmatism as part of cataract surgery as well as lens implants that help patients minimize or eliminate their need for reading glasses or bifocals after cataract surgery.

"We elected to become a supporter and user of www.aboutcataractsurgery.com because this site is able to provide eye care consumers with the most unbiased information about cataracts, cataract surgery, cataract surgeons and lens implants since it does not accept funding, support or advertising from pharmaceutical, medical device, laser or lens implant companies", said Dr. Rajpal.

CONTACT: Katie Carlisle, Medical Management Services Group, L.L.C.

978.470.8217, or email, katie @ aboutcataractsurgery.com

PRACTICE CONTACT: Bethany Dargis

703-827-5454, or email bdargis@seeclearly.com

SOURCE: Medical Management Services Group, L.L.C.

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Contact Information Katie Carlisle

Medical Management Services Group, LLC

http://www.aboutcataractsurgery.com

978-470-8217

La Jolla Plastic Surgeon Garners Accolades

2009-02-25T12:45:00.000+02:00

La Jolla Plastic Surgeon Garners Accolades

Dr. Richard Chaffoo, a triple board certified plastic surgeon in La Jolla, California, has recently received a series of honors recognizing his work in the field of plastic surgery, including two prestigious appointments within the plastic surgery community.

San Diego, Calif. (PRWEB) February 25, 2009 -- Local plastic surgeons recently honored one of their own, Dr. Richard Chaffoo (http://www.drchaffoo.com/dr-chaffoo.cfm), by electing him to two prestigious roles in the plastic surgery community. On January 1st, Dr. Chaffoo became Chief of the Plastic Surgery Section of Scripps Memorial Hospital in Encinitas, and was also elected to the office of President of the San Diego Plastic Surgery Society.

"I am eager and excited to be taking on these responsibilities," said Dr. Chaffoo from his La Jolla plastic surgery practice. "I consider each of these positions to be a great honor, particularly since I was elected by my colleagues in the plastic surgery community." Both the Chief of Plastic Surgery position and the Society President position are elected by a constituency of plastic surgeons practicing in the greater San Diego area.

As Chief of Plastic Surgery at Scripps, Dr. Chaffoo will assume several important responsibilities over the course of his two year tenure. He will oversee the administration of the Plastic Surgery Section, and will play a key role in supervising plastic surgeons, interviewing new surgeons, and maintaining the integrity of the plastic surgery team at Scripps. The job also involves facilitating relationships between the Plastic Surgery Section and other sections of this large medical center.

As President of the San Diego Plastic Surgery Society, Dr. Chaffoo will take the helm of San Diego's only plastic surgery society for the next year. His duties will include promoting educational, professional, and social development of the society and its member physicians. He will preside over the group's regular meetings and facilitate discussions about relevant issues in the plastic surgery community.

In addition to these two prestigious appointments, Dr. Chaffoo has recently received recognition from two notable publications for his work in the area of plastic surgery. New Beauty Magazine, one of the world's premiere beauty magazines, has selected before and after photos of Dr. Chaffoo's patients for publication in two of their upcoming issues. "This came as a surprise and a delight to me," says Dr. Chaffoo. "New Beauty really sets the standard for magazines of this nature - this is a truly an honor." Dr. Chaffoo also has been selected as one of the area's Top Plastic Surgeons by readers of La Jolla Light Newspaper.

Dr. Chaffoo is a La Jolla plastic surgeon who also performs plastic surgery in the Inland Empire and Northern San Diego County. He is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. This triple board certification is not commonplace among plastic surgeons, and along with Dr. Chaffoo's credentials, training, and experience no doubt played a part in many of the recent accolades he has acquired.

In addition to his triple board certifications, Dr. Richard Chaffoo (http://www.drchaffoo.com) belongs to numerous local, national and international organizations. He is a Surgeon Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Fellow of The American College of Surgeons and a fellow of The International College of Surgeons. Additionally, he has held fellowships and faculty positions at Stanford University and The University of California at San Diego. As a plastic surgeon, Dr. Chaffoo has been featured in both the local and national media and is a highly sought after speaker.

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Contact Information Dr. Chaffoo

La Jolla Plastic Surgery

http://www.drchaffoo.com/

858-587-9850

Boston Cataract Surgeon Francis A. D'Ambrosio, Jr., M.D. Joins Cataract Surgery Patient Information Directory www.aboutcataractsurgery.com

2009-02-25T00:56:00.000+02:00

Boston Cataract Surgeon Francis A. D'Ambrosio, Jr., M.D. Joins Cataract Surgery Patient Information Directory www.aboutcataractsurgery.com

Medical Management Services Group, L.L.C., managers of the patient information web site for cataracts, cataract surgery and lens implants www.aboutcataractsurgery announced today that Boston Cataract Surgeon Francis A. D'Ambrosio Jr., M.D. of D'Ambrosio Eye Care has become a member of it's network of cataract surgeons offering access to the useful patient friendly web information resource.

North Andover, Massachusetts (PRWEB) 2/24/09 -- Medical Management Services Group, L.L.C., managers of the patient information web site for cataracts, cataract surgery and lens implants www.aboutcataractsurgery announced today that Boston Cataract Surgeon (http://www.aboutcataractsurgery.com/cataract-surgeons/boston/massachusetts) Francis A. D'Ambrosio Jr., M.D. of D'Ambrosio Eye Care has become a member of it's network of cataract surgeons offering access to the useful patient friendly web information resource. "The many advances in the management of cataracts and the technology of cataract surgery and lens implants means eye care patients have a lot to learn in order to be informed vision correction consumers", stated Francis D'Ambrosio Jr., M.D.

The website www.aboutcataractsurgery.com is structured to provide eye care consumers with useful and reliable information about how cataracts affect vision, symptoms of cataracts, cataracts and astigmatism, near vision & presbyopia, the cataract surgery procedure, recovery from cataract surgery and complications of cataract surgery. In addition the site contains detailed information regarding the different types of lens implants that can be used to correct vision after cataract surgery such as aspheric lens implants, astigmatism correcting toric lens implants and near vision correcting presbyopic lens implants.

Francis A. D'Ambrosio Jr., M.D. of D'Ambrosio Eye Care which serves greater Boston, provides patients modern cataract surgery procedures that require only a tiny incision so that patients have a quick recovery and are back to most daily activities within a couple of days. In addition, Dr. D'Ambrosio offers a number of types of advanced technology lens implants including those that can correct astigmatism (http://www.aboutcataractsurgery.com/astigmatism.html) as part of cataract surgery as well as lens implants that help patients minimize or eliminate their need for reading glasses or bifocals after cataract surgery.

"We elected to become a supporter and user of www.aboutcataractsurgery.com because this site is able to provide eye care consumers with the unbiased information about cataracts, cataract surgery, cataract surgeons and lens implants since it does not accept funding, support or advertising from pharmaceutical, medical device, laser or lens implant companies," said Dr. D'Ambrosio.

CONTACT: Katie Carlisle, Medical Management Services Group, L.L.C.

978.470.8217

PRACTICE CONTACT: Wilma Stone, D'Ambrosio Eye Care

1.800.325.3937

SOURCE: Medical Management Services Group, L.L.C.

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Contact Information Katie Carlisle

Medical Management Services Group, LLC

http://www.aboutcataractsurgery.com

978-470-8217

Bumrungrad International Hospital Won 1st Place as "Best Website for International Medical Travel"

2009-02-24T16:45:00.000+02:00

Bumrungrad International Hospital Won 1st Place as "Best Website for International Medical Travel"

Bumrungrad International hospital - www.bumrungrad.com, won 1st Place as "Best Website for International Medical Travel" at the 2008 Consumer Health World Awards event in the US capitol. Bumrungrad.com is a hospital website serving international audiences, Thais, and expatriates. The Award organizers said the site "makes it easy for prospective patients to find the information they are interested in, provide an efficient way to make inquiries and request appointments, and provide information to help international medical travelers understand how to get care at Bumrungrad."

Bangkok, Thailand (PRWEB) February 24, 2009 -- Bumrungrad International (http://www.bumrungrad.com) won 1st Place as "Best Website for International Medical Travel" at the 2008 Consumer Health World Awards event in the US capitol.

Bumrungrad.com is a hospital website serving international audiences, Thais, and expatriates. The Award organizers said the site "makes it easy for prospective patients to find the information they are interested in, provide an efficient way to make inquiries and request appointments, and provide information to help international medical travelers understand how to get care at Bumrungrad."

JWT Connect, Bangkok, helped the hospital redesign its home page, focusing on audience segmentation and content architecture, earlier this year.

The award adds to a list of honors (http://www.bumrungrad.com/hospital-news.aspx) achieved by Bumrungrad in 2008, including "Thailand's Most Innovative Company" by Chulalongkorn University's School of Business; top medical tourism destination (Tourism Authority of Thailand); top Thai company for quality of products and services (Asian Wall Street Journal); and excellence in information technology (Assoc. of Medical Directors of Information Systems).

About Bumrungrad International

Bumrungrad International (http://www.bumrungrad.com), is Southeast Asia's premier private hospital and a regional referral center for advanced care, offering 554 beds, 30 specialty centers, 940 medical specialists and over 800 nurses. It is Asia's first JCI accredited hospital and serves more than one million patients yearly from 190 different countries.

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Contact Information Mr. Kaorop Wongprasert

Bumrungrad International Hospital

http://www.bumrungrad.com

+66-2-667-2212

Singapore Offers Hope to Patients with Facial Paralysis

2009-02-24T11:45:00.000+02:00

Singapore Offers Hope to Patients with Facial Paralysis

To date, NUH remains the only medical center in the region apart from Australia that possesses the capability of performing the facial reanimation operation. The entire operation costs around US$6,500 and is relatively risk free.

Singapore (PRWEB) February 24, 2009 -- Singapore's willingness to try new and novel ways of performing hitherto complicated surgeries has given a new lease of life to countless hundreds who suffer from facial paralysis (http://www.singaporemedicine.com/healthcaredest/healthcaredest1.asp).

"A paralysis of the face severely hinders a person's ability to engage in social interaction. Even day to day activities like talking may be a problem," says Associate Professor Lim Thiam Chye, Head of the Division of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (http://www.singaporemedicine.com/intl_pts_guide/preparation.asp) at the National University Hospital (NUH).

Such a condition is usually caused by trauma to the brain, cancer or stroke. According to A/P Lim, who also teaches at the National University of Singapore, patients who suffer from paralysis of the face could benefit from a procedure called facial reanimation (http://www.singaporemedicine.com/leadingmedhub/leadingmedhub1.asp).

The surgical process, which was first engineered by Professor Wayne Morrison in Australia about two years ago, is surprisingly simple.

"The traditional method of facial reanimation involved a number of complicated surgeries. Now, patients at NUH are able to undergo a face-lifting procedure to elevate the facial tissues that have dropped down.

"The next step is to harvest a strip of fascia or tendon from the upper thigh. Only about 10cm is required. This works as a sling which is used to connect the facial skin to the temporalis muscle. By giving this muscle an alternative function, we help to reanimate the facial tissues in one single procedure," explains A/P Lim.

Patients will start moving the facial tissues by the end of the first week following surgery, says Dr Ong Wei Chen, a fellow Consultant at NUH.

To date, NUH remains the only medical center (http://www.singaporemedicine.com/hcp/hcp1.asp) in the region apart from Australia that possesses the capability of performing such an operation. The department has been doing about six cases a month for the past one year.

The goal of facial reanimation is basic, yet important. A patient whose face is paralyzed inevitably has a sad appearance, because the face tends to sag. With surgical help, both expression and symmetry can be restored.

"Facial paralysis is a very distressing condition. When half of your face cannot move, simple things that we take for granted become difficult. For example, the eye cannot close and constantly weeps. The mouth dribbles, the speech is interfered with and even a smile becomes difficult. What we try to do is not a matter of aesthetics. We are not making improvements for vanity's sake. We only seek to give the patient back what he or she has lost through some unfortunate circumstances," stresses A/P Lim.

He cautions, however, that while most trauma, brain cancer and stroke patients could potentially benefit from such a procedure, not all of them will be eligible candidates for facial reanimation.

"The thing about it is this - the patient must be very motivated. What we are grafting here is a voluntary muscle. Unlike the gut for example, which is involuntary and works without you having to consciously tell it to, this procedure works only if the patient consciously activates the muscle, especially in the first few months after surgery."

A/P Lim advises his patients to "practice smiling" in front of the mirror regularly, until such time when the act comes naturally and easily.

"The facial sling basically helps to pull the corner of the mouth upwards, resulting in a smile of sorts. This is achieved when the patient bites down on his teeth," he explains.

The entire facial reanimation operation costs around US$6,500 (http://www.singaporemedicine.com/healthcaredest/sg.asp) and is relatively risk free. Most patients would not need hospitalization beyond a couple of days.

"People whose faces are paralyzed are virtually social cripples. They are unwilling and even ashamed to go out or attend social functions. Hopefully, this procedure will restore their confidence and their social life," he says.

About the National University Hospital (NUH)

NUH is a specialist hospital that provides advanced, leading-edge medical care. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities as well as dedicated and well-trained staff, NUH is a major referral centre that delivers tertiary care for a wide range of medical specialties. In 2004, NUH became the first Singapore hospital to receive accreditation by the Joint Commission International (JCI), an international stamp for excellent clinical practices in patient care and safety. It was also the first hospital in Singapore to receive a triple ISO certification concurrently for Quality, Environmental, and Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems. (www.nuh.com.sg)

About the NUH Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Center

The NUH Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Center (http://www.singaporemedicine.com/hcp/intl_pts_svcs_ctr.asp) is a one-stop clinic providing comprehensive and customized aesthetics and medical treatments for patients suffering from any medical or surgical conditions affecting the face and body. The Center seeks to help individuals find solutions for their cosmetic concerns using surgical or non-invasive surgical methods.

About SingaporeMedicine

Launched in 2003, SingaporeMedicine is a multi-agency government-industry partnership committed to strengthening Singapore's position as Asia's leading medical hub and international health care destination (http://www.singaporemedicine.com/). Led by the Ministry of Health of Singapore, SingaporeMedicine is supported by three government agencies: the Economic Development Board, which develops industry capabilities, the International Enterprise Singapore, which fosters regionalism by Singapore-based health care players, and the Singapore Tourism Board, which markets Singapore as a healthcare destination to inbound international patients and develops associated people-oriented services. (www.singaporemedicine.com)

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Contact Information Felicia Tan

Singapore Tourism Board - Singapore Medicine

http://www.singaporemedicine.com/

+65 6831-3505

VerteLoc™ Now Implanted in More than 230 Patients in US / VGI Announces New Interactive Website to Support Demand

2009-02-23T17:45:00.000+02:00

VerteLoc™ Now Implanted in More than 230 Patients in US / VGI Announces New Interactive Website to Support Demand

VG Innovations, Inc (VGI), announced today that its revolutionary VerteLoc™ Minimally Invasive Spine Stabilization system has now been implanted in more than 230 patients across the United States. A new interactive website has now been launched to support the demand for the VerteLoc™ system.

Winston-Salem, NC (PRWEB) February 23, 2009 -- VG Innovations, Inc (VGI), (www.vginnovations.com) announced today that its revolutionary VerteLoc™ Minimally Invasive Spine Stabilization system has now been implanted in more than 230 patients across the United States.

VerteLoc™ is designed to address minor spinal instabilities by effectively stabilizing the spinal facets, which are multi-directional joints of the spinal column. By addressing these indications earlier in the continuum of spine care, it may serve to reduce or eliminate back pain caused by the facet joints.

"The interest from surgeons continues to grow on a weekly basis," stated VGI's President and CEO, Dan Grayson. "VerteLoc™ is making a significant difference in the way surgeons address minor instabilities caused by various spinal diseases. Our unique patent pending allograft implant design, which combines two unique geometric shapes, and innovative directional instrumentation allows our surgeon users to replicate the VerteLoc™ procedure in a variety of surgical approaches."

A new interactive website (www.verteloc.com) has now been launched to support the demand for the VerteLoc™ system. "With the assistance of Zero Gravity Design Associates (www.zgda.com) (ZGDA), we have created an informative and educational online tool that is unlike anything currently seen in this market space," Grayson added. "Jim Olsen, and his team at ZGDA, have assisted us to raise the bar with regard to the education and training of our current and potential surgeon users and distribution partners."

The VerteLoc™ Minimally Invasive Spine Stabilization System is designed to allow earlier intervention in the continuum of spinal care. The procedure should prolong or prevent more invasive spine procedures in indicated patients, which would provide significant benefits to the quality of life versus traditional methods of spinal fusion.

Company Profile

VG Innovations, Inc, (VGI) is a privately held company and was formed in late 2007. The company is in the business of developing and commercializing proprietary, implantable devices with a specific focus on minimally invasive surgical products that could provide better surgical solutions over present technology. The products are designed to treat specific spinal disease indications that affect millions of people. More information on the company and its products can be found at: www.verteloc.com

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Contact Information Dan Grayson

VGI

http://www.verteloc.com

336-760-2012

Baltimore LASIK Eye Surgeon Walter J. Stark, M.D. of the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Joins Trusted LASIK Surgeons Directory

2009-02-20T09:45:00.000+02:00

Baltimore LASIK Eye Surgeon Walter J. Stark, M.D. of the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Joins Trusted LASIK Surgeons Directory

Trusted LASIK Surgeons announced today that LASIK and refractive eye surgery expert Doctor Walter Stark of the Wilmer Laser Vision Center at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland has joined the Trusted LASIK Surgeons Directory, an informational resource for consumers looking for vision correction and improvement through laser and lasik eye surgery or another refractive eye surgery procedure. Dr. Stark's practice primarily serves patients seeking laser eye surgery throughout Maryland including Arlington, Bethesda, and Frederick, Washington D.C., Dover and Newark in Delaware, as well as surrounding states, and patients visiting from international locations.

Baltimore, MD (PRWEB) February 20, 2009 -- Trusted LASIK Surgeons (http://www.trustedlasiksurgeons.com/index.htm) announced today that Walter J. Stark, M.D. (http://trustedlasiksurgeons.com/baltimore_lasik_surgeon_walter_stark_md.htm), of the Wilmer Laser Vision Center at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland (http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/wilmer/lasik) is listed in the Trusted LASIK Surgeons Directory (http://www.TrustedLASIKSurgeons.com), an informational resource for consumers looking to improve their vision through laser eye surgery or another refractive eye surgery procedure. Dr. Stark's practice primarily serves patients seeking improve uncorrected visual acuity through LASIK and laser eye surgery in Baltimore, Arlington, Columbia, Rockville and Washington, D.C. areas (http://www.trustedlasiksurgeons.com/baltimore_lasik_surgeons.htm). Dr. Stark also treats patients seeking LASIK and other vision correction procedures throughout Maryland (http://trustedlasiksurgeons.com/maryland_lasik_surgeons.htm), as well as surrounding states and international countries.

Trusted LASIK Surgeons directory endeavors to list only those LASIK eye surgeons who are among the best in the United States. To accomplish this, Trusted LASIK Surgeons screens each eye surgeon based on experience, premier patient care, and professional credentials. Trusted LASIK Surgeons estimates that Dr. Stark's outstanding professional credentials place him among the top 1% of LASIK and refractive surgeons in the United States.

The most significant professional qualifications that set Dr. Stark apart from the majority of LASIK eye surgeons in the United States are based on his extensive research, teaching and consulting expertise. Dr. Stark serves as a Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology and Director of the Stark-Mosher Center for Cataract and Corneal Diseases of The Wilmer Eye Institute Wilmer Eye Institute (http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/wilmer) at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, which is repeatedly ranked as the top eye care center in the nation in surveys by U.S. News & World Report and Ophthalmology Times. He has served as a principal investigator for 1 FDA study for vision correction lasers, has written 10 textbook chapters and textbooks, and has published over 400 scientific articles for major peer-reviewed eye journals. In addition, he serves in an editorial capacity for Ophthalmology Times and Ophthalmology World News. Dr. Stark has made over 400 presentations at major eye meetings throughout the world. He was the former chairman and is currently a consultant for the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Ophthalmologic Devices Panel. He is also a consultant for the National Eye Institute, as well as many organizations dedicated to improving vision, including the Medical Eye Bank of Maryland, Tissue Eye Banks International, Project ORBIS, and the National Foundation for Eye Research among others. His considerable contributions to the field of refractive eye surgery have earned him the respect of his peers throughout the world.

In the course of helping patients improve their vision, Dr. Stark has performed thousands of LASIK eye surgery and laser vision correction procedures. With over 18 years of experience in laser vision surgery, including LASIK, as well as in other refractive surgery procedures such lens implants, Dr. Stark has the proven know-how to provide patients with the best care available.

Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, this highly qualified LASIK eye surgeon is an active member of many professional organizations. The American Academy of Ophthalmology, where he has served for several years as the Chairman of the Committee for Research and Regulatory Agencies and the Chairman for the Committee for Ophthalmic Technology Development, has honored him with an Achievement Award, a Life Achievement Honor Award, the Binkhorst Medal Lectureship and a Senior Honor Award. In addition, Dr. Stark is a member of the American Medical Association, the Cornea Society (formerly the Castroviejo Society), the International Society for Contact Lens Research, the Microbiology and Immunology Group, Ophthalmic Genetics Study Club, the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), the Eye Study Club. Locally, he is a member of the Maryland Ophthalmological Society.

Dr. Stark's practice at The Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins provides state-of-the-art patient care, including use of the IntraLase system for "All-Laser" or "Bladeless" LASIK, Wavefront Based ("Custom") LASIK and PRK, and the iLASIK procedure, which includes WaveScan Technology, IntraLase, and Visx Advanced CustomVue treatments. Dr. Stark treats a full range of vision problems including nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism (blurred vision), and presbyopia. Dr. Stark offers not just LASIK and PRK (laser eye surgery procedures), but other procedures like RLE/CLE (lens implants), phakic implants, limbal relaxing incisions, and cataract lens implants procedures to ensure patients have a complete range of options when it comes to choosing the right procedure to improve their vision. Other eye doctors and eye surgeons commonly seek Dr. Stark to perform their LASIK or other refractive surgery procedure. In addition, new patients who have suffered problems from a LASIK eye surgery or another vision correction procedure performed by another surgeon regularly seek Dr. Stark to manage and treat their problems.

Dr. Stark's most treasured honor was the dedication of the Walter J. Stark, M.D. and Margaret C. Mosher Center for Cataract and Corneal Diseases. Margaret Mosher, his long-time patient and friend, made the Center possible through her generous donation. In addition, he has been recognized as one of Baltimore's "Top Doctors" by Baltimore magazine and one of Washington D.C. "Top Doctors" by Washingtonian magazine.

"Dr. Stark was among the first group of refractive eye surgeons in the world to perform Excimer laser surgery when he was the principle investigator for the VISX FDA Phototherapeutic study in the early 1990's," said James J. Salz, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Trusted LASIK Surgeons. "He has made major contributions to the field of Excimer laser surgery and cataract surgery techniques through hundreds publications and lectures throughout the world. We are honored to have him as a member of the Trusted Lasik Surgeons Directory."

"Providing safe and effective refractive surgery is our goal. We are more conservative than many refractive surgeons and, therefore, will not offer you the surgery if you are not a good candidate," said Walter Stark, M.D. Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology and Director of the Stark-Mosher Center for Cataract and Corneal Diseases of The Wilmer Eye Institute at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions.

Visit Baltimore, Maryland LASIK Surgeon Walter J. Stark, M.D. profile page at Trusted LASIK Surgeons (http://www.trustedlasiksurgeons.com/baltimore_lasik_surgeon_walter_stark_md.htm)

To learn more about Dr. Stark's refractive surgery practice, please visit Baltimore, MD, LASIK eye surgeon Walter J. Stark, M.D. at Wilmer Eye Institute (http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/wilmer/employees/cvs/Stark.html)

For more on why consumers should consider surgeons listed in the Trusted LASIK Surgeons directory for their vision correction needs, please visit: Why choose a Surgeons from the Trusted LASIK Surgeon's Directory (http://www.trustedlasiksurgeons.com/why_use_a_trusted_lasik_surgeon.htm)

The screening process and standards used by Trusted LASIK Surgeons are located at How Are LASIK Surgeons Qualified at Trusted LASIK Surgeons? (http://www.trustedlasiksurgeons.com/how_are_lasik_surgeons_qualified_at_tls.htm)

SOURCE: Trusted LASIK Surgeons

About Trusted LASIK Surgeons, Inc.

Trusted LASIK Surgeons, Inc.

(800) 483-8028

The Wilmer Laser Vision Center

The Wilmer Eye Institute has been performing laser vision correction since the early 1990's and has performed thousands of surgeries to date. Our facilities are state-of-the-art with the most technically advanced equipment designed to make your procedure as safe and efficient as possible. The Wilmer Laser Vision Center utilizes the iLASIK system which includes the VISX WaveScan Wavefront(tm) System, IntraLase FS(tm) Femtosecond Laser, and the VISX STAR S4 IR(tm) Excimer Laser for our laser vision correction procedures. Our laser vision correction surgeons are members of the Trusted LASIK Surgeons Directory. The Wilmer Eye Institute is repeatedly ranked as the top eye care center in the nation in surveys by U.S. News & World Report and Ophthalmology Times. The Wilmer Eye Institute has been a leader in laser vision care and has developed some of the earliest lasers for vision care and pioneered laser removal of corneal scars and laser treatment for corneal diseases. The Wilmer Eye Institute participated in the first clinical trials of laser correction for nearsightedness, farsightedness and wavefront technology and continues to participate in clinical trials for approvals of new advanced excimer laser software and technology. Wilmer is helping to develop the next generation of laser vision correction procedures. The laser surgeons at The Wilmer Laser Vision Center are full-time faculty members of The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Wilmer Eye Institute and are highly trained cornea experts who can help you to understand laser vision correction and its impact on your long-term vision health. The Wilmer Eye Institute trains more eye experts, are entrusted to perform more eye research than any other center and have contributed to amazing advances in eye care. For more information about the Wilmer Laser Vision Center, please visit: www.hopkinsmedicine.org/wilmer/lasik.

The Wilmer Laser Vision Center at Green Spring Station

10753 Falls Road, Pavilion II, Suite 455

Lutherville, MD 21093

phone: 410-583-2802

fax: 410-583-2842

The Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute

The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

600 N. Wolfe Street

Baltimore, MD, 21287

phone: (410) 955-5490

fax: (410) 614-9172

About Wilmer Eye Institute

The Wilmer Eye Institute has long been recognized for bringing together ophthalmologists consistently ranked by their peers as among the finest internationally, with a specially trained and highly experienced team of nurses cited by patients for their knowledge, responsiveness, and sensitivity. Working together, they have established and refined a flexible approach for delivering state-of-the-art ophthalmic care - and created the Wilmer Eye Care Pavilion as the optimal setting for that approach. We welcome you to visit us. For more information about the Wilmer Eye Institute, please visit: www.hopkinsmedicine.org/wilmer.

# # #

The Wand Employed in Offices of Dr. Jan Linhart

2009-02-19T10:45:00.000+02:00

The Wand Employed in Offices of Dr. Jan Linhart

Dentist emphasizes patient comfort and pain-free dental care

New York, NY (PRWEB) February 19, 2009 -- Dr. Jan Linhart, an acclaimed Manhattan cosmetic and restorative dentist (http://www.drlinhart.com), uses state-of-the-art equipment to ensure the best possible care for his patients. One of the most advanced pieces of equipment now employed in his offices is The Wand.

"The most painful part of dental work is often the injection of anesthetics," states Dr. Linhart. "That's why we use The Wand--it's virtually painless." The Wand is an anesthetic delivery system of the highest caliber. It includes a computerized injector that minimizes the opportunity for painful human error. Dr. Linhart explains, "If anesthetics are administered too quickly, it hurts. The Wand controls pressure and flow rate to ensure a comfortable injection." The dentist controls the machine with a foot pedal and applies the anesthetic with a tiny needle nestled in a pen-like applicator.

"It looks nothing like a syringe," continues Dr. Linhart. "The non-threatening appearance works to reassure patients. Additionally, it is lightweight and easy to handle, which makes application easier and safer."

One key feature of The Wand is that anesthesia is induced before the needle is inserted, and the flow of anesthetic precedes the needle throughout the entire process. Dr. Linhart states, "Because of this unique system, the patient can hardly feel the needle. That was one of the major factors in our deciding to use the equipment. Whether someone is getting a crown, a root canal or an implant, our use of The Wand makes the process as comfortable as possible. Patient comfort is very important to us."

The Wand is not the only pain-reducing product currently used in the offices of Dr. Linhart. "We also use the Waterlase MD." Made by Biolase Technologies, Inc., this high-tech drill uses a laser and water to effectively vaporize cavities and unwanted tissue. "The Waterlase MD can be used in place of a traditional drill and often removes the need for anesthesia entirely. This laser has many of the same strengths as The Wand: it is easy to control, precise, and it reduces pain and anxiety," says Dr. Linhart.

He concludes, "At our offices, a patient never has to fear the ominous sights and sounds of old-fashioned syringes and drills--it's a much more positive experience for all involved."

Dr. Jan Linhart, DDS, a Manhattan based cosmetic and restorative dentist attracts patients from around the world. Come by our Park Avenue Manhattan office to inquire about our Pearinbrite teeth whitening procedures and other state-of-the-art dental services that we offer including implant dentistry (http://www.drlinhart.com/implants.html), porcelain veneers (http://www.drlinhart.com/veneer.html), and more.

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Contact Information Ellen S. Linhart

http://www.drlinhart.com

212-682-5180

Landmark Trial Provides Vital Information for Cardiac Disease Treatment

2009-02-19T00:55:00.000+02:00

Landmark Trial Provides Vital Information for Cardiac Disease Treatment

NorthShore University HealthSystem Ted Feldman, M.D., Lead Investigator

Evanston, IL. -- NorthShore University HealthSystem (http://www.northshore.org/) (NorthShore) has played a leading role in a landmark clinical trial comparing two forms of treatment for patients with severe coronary artery disease (CAD). The results were published on-line in this week's issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

The SYNTAX trial was a clinical research study that compared percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents and coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) in patients with three-vessel and left main coronary disease. The trial results did not show any statistically significant differences between PCI and CABG in rates of death or heart attack, an excess of stroke in the CABG treated patients, and a greater need for repeat PCI procedures in the stent treated patients. These are better outcomes for PCI than have been seen in prior trials in less complex patients.

"At NorthShore, we experienced stunning outcomes in patients whose only option would have previously been bypass surgery," said Ted Feldman, M.D, F.S.C.A.I., Director of Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, NorthShore University HealthSystem, and a lead investigator of the trial. "The data in this study will provide cardiologists with additional information as they determine treatment therapy for patients with complex CAD."

The trial is the first randomized, controlled clinical trial to compare these two treatments in patients with left main disease and/or three-vessel disease, who are typically treated with CABG and represent a population with far more complex anatomy and advanced disease than those studied in prior drug-eluting stent (DES) clinical trials.

There were 1,800 patients enrolled in the randomized arm of the trial. All patients were assessed by a multidisciplinary team including an interventional cardiologist and a cardiac surgeon. If both the cardiologist and surgeon felt that they could offer equivalent complete revascularization, patients were randomized 1:1 into one of the two treatment strategies. If either the cardiologist or surgeon felt that one or the other revascularization technique was the preferred option, due to technical considerations or co-morbidity, for example, then patients were recruited into one of two parallel, nested registries for PCI or CABG. Thus, patients in the PCI registry had been rejected for cardiac surgery.

About NorthShore University HealthSystem

Headquartered in Evanston, Ill., NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) is a comprehensive, fully integrated, healthcare delivery system that serves the greater North Shore and northern Illinois communities. The system includes three Hospitals--Evanston Hospital, Glenbrook Hospital and Highland Park Hospital--and a fourth, Skokie-based Rush North Shore Hospital, to be added in January 2009. In addition, the healthsystem has more than 2,000 affiliated physicians, including a 550-physician, multispecialty physician group practice with over 70 office locations-- NorthShore University HealthSystem Medical Group. Further, NorthShore is committed to excellence in its academic mission and supports teaching and research as the principal teaching affiliate of the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Medicine. The NorthShore University HealthSystem Research Institute, with more than $100 million of grants, focuses on clinical and translational research, including leadership in outcomes research and clinical trials.

NorthShore has annual revenues of $1.5 billion and a staff of more than 8,000. The healthsystem has significant capabilities in a wide spectrum of clinical programs, including cancer, heart, orthopaedics, high-risk maternity and pediatrics. NorthShore is a national leader in the implementation of innovative technologies, including electronic medical records, (EMR ). In 2003, the healthsystem was among the first in the country to successfully launch a systemwide EMR with demonstrable benefits in quality, safety, efficiency and service to patients. NorthShore has been recognized by multiple national organizations for this notable achievement. Visit http://www.northshore.org/

CONTACT: Amy Ferguson

Senior Director, Public Relations

NorthShore University HealthSystem

(847) 570-3146

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Contact Information Amy Ferguson

Northshore University HealthSystem

http://www.northshore.org/

847-570-3146

Physicians online library is a worldwide hit

2009-02-18T10:45:00.000+02:00

Physicians online library is a worldwide hit

Drs. William H. Lippy and Leonard Berenholz today announced their plans to expand their online video library, (www.TheLippyLibrary.com) in 2009 due to the overwhelming success achieved by the website since its inception a year ago. To date, the online video library has been visited by physicians from 64 different countries. Almost half of the website traffic comes from repeat visits and the average length of stay for the ten most watched videos has been 26 minutes.

Warren, OH (PRWEB) February 18, 2009 -- Drs. William H. Lippy and Leonard Berenholz today announced their plans to expand their online video library, (www.TheLippyLibrary.com) in 2009 due to the overwhelming success achieved by the website since its inception a year ago.

To date, the online video library has been visited by physicians from 64 different countries. Almost half of the website traffic comes from repeat visits and the average length of stay for the ten most watched videos has been 26 minutes.

"The power of the Internet has provided our practice the ability to share our knowledge as well as our database of over 25,000 surgical cases with physicians and teaching hospitals all over the world," Dr. Berenholz noted.

Dr. Lippy has been amazed with the number of calls, letters and E-mails the practice has received, all inspired by the idea to put their collective work onto the Internet in a streaming media format.

"In hindsight this is something we should have done years ago, however, the technology we used was not available," he said. "Creating streaming media libraries is probably something colleagues in other practice areas should consider doing in light of what we have been able to achieve in such a short period of time."

Dr. Berenholz, who specializes in a newly developed procedure named the BAHA, is excited to put several more videos into the online library this coming year. "The opportunity to make such a dramatic impact in our field of expertise compels us to put additional materials online," he said. "We can't wait to get started on our next series of videos".

Dr. Berenholz is originally from Philadelphia. His medical education, surgical, and otolaryngology training were undertaken in Philadelphia from 1979 through 1988. From 1988 until 1996, he was on staff at several hospitals in Philadelphia, including the Einstein Medical Center (a level 1 trauma center). In addition to working at Einstein Medical Center, he was an instructor at Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. He was active in training residents at both Jefferson University Hospital and at Einstein Medical Center.

Dr. William Lippy is founder of the Lippy Group for Ear, Nose & Throat in Warren, Ohio. He is an internationally recognized expert in stapedectomy surgery for treatment of deafness. He is one of only a handful of surgeons in the world who has performed thousands of stapedectomies.

"The volume of visitors to the Lippy Library site, the repeat visitors and the number of countries utilizing the video library demonstrated the worldwide interest and need for this type of online education," said David W. Lippy, Executive Producer of the project and Dr. Lippy's son. "We see this as a potential trend within medicine where applicable because it is a great way for physicians to share information as well as grow their own practices.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SCHEDULE AN INTERVIEW PLEASE CONTACT:

David W. Lippy

(614) 939-1533

DavidLippy @ EffectiveGlobalCommunications.com

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Contact Information David Lippy

The Lippy Group

http://www.TheLippyLibrary.com

614-939-1533