1. Virtual Reality Simulators to Practice Surgery
Physicians at the University of Minnesota are using virtual surgery to hone their skills. Dr. Robert M. Sweet, director of the U’s Medical School Simulation Programs, thought of the idea while he was a resident, training to conduct prostrate surgery.
The simulator will allow surgeons in training to get (nearly) real life experience before attempting surgery on a living patient. Read the entire Star Tribune article here.
(KYNDELL HARKNESS/STAR TRIBUNE)
2. Medical Glasses Allow You to See Through Skin
Evena Medical has developed glasses that allow nurses and other medical professionals to 'see through' skin to allow them to more easily target veins for needles and IV drips. The glasses can be worn over other eye wear and can record images for future use. Read more here.
3. Surgeon Live Streams Knee Surgery Using Google Glass
Dr. Christopher Kaeding of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center wore Google Glass and live streamed ACL surgery to colleagues and students. He said once he put the glasses on he almost forgot they were there.
Watch the report here:
4. Patient Sues Doctor for Posting Unflattering Pictures on Social Media
This story has more to do with common sense than breaking news, but with the rise in Social Media use by patients and physicians, we thought it an important story to include. The patient and doctor knew each other prior to her ER visit for consuming too much alcohol, but she never expected him to take and post images of her while in the ER. Read the full story here.5. Head Transplants
Yes, you read that correctly. The June Issue of Surgical Neurology International told the story of neuroscientist/neurosurgeon Dr. Sergio Canavero and his project to conduct the first human head transplantation with spinal linkage within the next two years. The process involves putting the head to be transplanted into "hypothermia mode" for up to 45 minutes.
Read the full article on Medical News Today.
MNT Photo
For those of us who are not working in medicine, this is definitely the most mind blowing story we've read in quite some time.
We'd love to hear about the stories that fascinated you this week.
