Month: June 2017

There is reportedly a rising epidemic in opioid painkiller dependency for women who need C–sections for giving birth.

Though caesarean sections are only carried out when it’s considered to be the safest option for both mother and baby, around one in every four/five women in the U.K. have a caesarean. Recovering from a caesarean usually takes longer than a vaginal birth which is why painkillers are frequently prescribed; but according to Health Day, opioid painkillers are being over-prescribed.
Read More “The rising epidemic in opioid painkiller dependency”

Medtronic, a global leader in medical technology, has recently taken a few medical devices off the market as a result of multiple complaints and one reported death.

In this case, Medtronic issued a voluntary recall of the StrataMR valve and shunt.

The device was created to manage hydrocephalus – a condition where there is an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain. Unfortunately, concerns have been raised about the safety of the devices.
Read More “Brain fluid drainage device recalled due to multiple complaints”

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines are essentially very large medical devices that can take detailed scans of the inside of the body. It uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to pick up images inside the body.

If you need to look at tissue inside the body, an MRI scan is usually what you need. Often used to look inside the brain and other vital organs, MRI’s can show us a much clearer picture of what’s going on inside our bodies.

However, there are some risks with their use…
Read More “MRI scans and the rare risks involved…”