http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/wounds_and_healing/ Latest medical news in wound treatment and healing. en-us Sat, 26 May 2012 14:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 14:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/wounds_and_healing/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120518132557.htm A surgical milestone was reached on May 1st with a sutureless aortic valve replacement through a thoracic incision just 5 centimeters long. The two patients in their seventies who underwent this innovative procedure were doing well only one week after their operations. Fri, 18 May 2012 13:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120518132557.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502112711.htm Research by vascular surgeons may offer new hope to sufferers of peripheral artery disease, the cause of nearly 60,000 lower-limb amputations annually, through the use of a patient's own stem cells. Wed, 02 May 2012 11:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502112711.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430100211.htm Minutes after you were born, bacteria moved in. Their populations have exploded, diversified and spread in and on your body, including your skin. Scientists are learning how and why bacteria colonize particular places, possibly pointing to ways of treating skin and other conditions. Researchers have discovered that each person's collection of bacteria is unique -- like fingerprints. But unlike your fingerprints, the bacterial communities can change depending on your diet, environment, health, age and many other factors. Swab samples from about 200 volunteers' belly buttons contained an astonishing variety of bacteria -- nearly 4,000 different strains, many of which are completely new to scientists. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:02:02 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430100211.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120419102047.htm Forehead and scalp of victim of workplace injury successfully reattached through rare microsurgery procedure. Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120419102047.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402094341.htm Estrogen causes wounds in women to heal slower than in men -- who have lower levels of estrogen -- says a new study. Researchers provide the first evidence that mild injury response in the eye is fundamentally different in males and females because of estrogen. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402094341.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120329112109.htm A simple test to identify MRSA in wounds could identify the superbug quickly and help prevent infection from spreading. Scientists have developed the test to show whether wounds or lesions are infected with bacteria and if MRSA is present. Thu, 29 Mar 2012 11:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120329112109.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120316094454.htm Nanoparticles containing chitosan have been shown to have effective antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Escherichia coli. The materials could be used as a protective wound-healing material to avoid opportunistic infection as well as working to facilitate wound healing. Fri, 16 Mar 2012 09:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120316094454.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120305081419.htm Receding gums often result in tooth sensitivity and can lead to decay of the root and persistent inflammation of the gum. New research demonstrates that a novel method using bovine collagen is able to enhance gum healing. This resulted in thicker margins around the tooth and, in over half the cases, complete coverage of exposed roots. Mon, 05 Mar 2012 08:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120305081419.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120224110333.htm Researchers have combined bioactive peptides to stimulate wound healing. The peptides act by stimulating the growth of new blood vessels and promoting re-growth of tissue. Further development of these peptides could lead to a treatment for chronic and acute wounds. Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:03:03 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120224110333.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120220090614.htm Aggressive infections in hospitals are an increasing health problem worldwide. The development of bacterial resistance is alarming. Now a young Danish scientist has found a natural substance in a Chilean rainforest plant that effectively supports the effect of traditional treatment with antibiotics. Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:06:06 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120220090614.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131205919.htm Manuka honey could help clear chronic wound infections and even prevent them from developing in the first place, according to a new study. The findings provide further evidence for the clinical use of manuka honey to treat bacterial infections in the face of growing antibiotic resistance. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131205919.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131121238.htm In patients undergoing hip replacement surgery, using a special wound catheter to infuse local anesthetic directly into the hip joint provides significant and lasting improvements in postoperative pain control, according to a new study. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131121238.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123114252.htm Each year, thousands of Americans lose fingers and/or thumbs in accidents. Many are do-it-yourselfers. Hand surgeons are having better results reattaching digits, due to better techniques, surgical instruments and microscopes. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:42:42 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123114252.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110192721.htm Intestinal worm infections may not be all bad, according to a new study. In research on mice immune reaction to the presence of intestinal worms was found to promote wound healing in the lungs. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110192721.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120106105923.htm Although more patients with abdominal gunshot and stab wounds can successfully forego emergency “exploratory” surgery and its potential complications, new research suggests that choosing the wrong patients for this “watchful waiting” approach substantially increases their risk of death from these injuries. Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120106105923.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215135756.htm Millions of Americans suffer from wounds that don't heal, and while most are typically associated with diabetes, new research has identified another possible underlying cause – autoimmune diseases. The finding represents an unappreciated link that could lead to important new insights in wound healing, say researchers. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215135756.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213131956.htm Researchers have developed a jelly-like material and wound treatment method that, in early experiments on skin damaged by severe burns, appeared to regenerate healthy, scar-free tissue. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213131956.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117140302.htm The lowly and simple roundworm may be the ideal laboratory model to learn more about the complex processes involved in repairing wounds and could eventually allow scientists to improve the body's response to healing skin wounds, a serious problem in diabetics and the elderly. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:03:03 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117140302.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116052152.htm A recent study shows an increased risk of stroke and mortality among patients diagnosed with severe sepsis and new-onset atrial fibrillation during hospitalization. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:21:21 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116052152.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031081913.htm The introduction of new antibiotic regimes to tackle hospital-acquired infections, such as C. difficile, must take into account the possibility of increased infections following specific surgical procedures. Researchers have studied 709 consecutive patients over 20 months. Patients undergoing a standard surgical procedure to diagnose prostate cancer developed more than five times as many infective complications when a new standard antibiotic regime was introduced in line with national guidance. These included a number of cases of sepsis and one case of septic shock. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 08:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031081913.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026122401.htm Surgeons have found that a carefully selected surgical care check list of 12 measures reduced Whipple procedure wound infections by nearly 50 percent. Smoking cessation at least two weeks prior to surgery, gown and glove change prior to skin closure, and using clippers over razors to shave the surgical area are some of the measures that helped reduced infection rates, according to the study. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026122401.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026113822.htm A technique developed by surgeons is providing a new route to get to and remove tumors buried at the base of the skull: through the natural hole behind the molars, above the jawbone and beneath the cheekbone. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026113822.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111006125404.htm Scientists have discovered how cells detect tissue damage and modify their repair properties accordingly. The findings could open up new opportunities for improving tissue repair in patients following illness or surgery. Thu, 06 Oct 2011 12:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111006125404.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927134256.htm A new study finds that aggressive glycemic control in diabetic CABG patients does not improve survival. Tue, 27 Sep 2011 13:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927134256.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921093602.htm A new study looks at the complications of spine surgery. While medical experts acknowledge the potential benefits of spine surgery, they also understand that complications can reduce the success in the short and long term. Wed, 21 Sep 2011 09:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921093602.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110915113738.htm Researchers have developed polymers that fluoresce in the presence of bacteria, paving the way for the rapid detection and assessment of wound infection using ultra-violet light. Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110915113738.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110913103107.htm Racial minorities have reduced access to high-quality joint replacement care, according to new research. The study shows that African American patients are more likely than Caucasians to receive total knee arthroplasty (or replacement surgery) in low-quality hospitals. Tue, 13 Sep 2011 10:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110913103107.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110907085356.htm Can wounds be helped to heal faster? Yes, says a Norwegian company whose product’s active ingredient, beta-glucans, comes from common baker’s yeast. Beta-glucans have been called nature's super-medicine. Norwegian researchers have been pioneers in producing these substances from the cell walls of everyday baker's yeast. Beta-glucans are now widely used in the aquaculture industry and veterinary medicine, as well as in dietary supplements and cosmetics. Wed, 07 Sep 2011 08:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110907085356.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110906152455.htm Researchers are developing technologies to better monitor and treat children with craniosynostosis, a condition that causes the bone plates in the skull to fuse too soon. Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110906152455.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110906104837.htm Biomaterials may prove key to healing chronic wounds in diabetic patients, new research suggests. Tue, 06 Sep 2011 10:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110906104837.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815162237.htm Implementing a command-directed casualty response system appears to be associated with reducing battlefield casualties, including killed-in-action deaths, casualties who died of wounds, and preventable combat deaths, according to a new report. Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815162237.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110721095834.htm A dolphin's ability to heal quickly from a shark bite with apparent indifference to pain, resistance to infection, hemorrhage protection, and near-restoration of normal body contour might provide insights for the care of human injuries, according to experts. Researchers interviewed dolphin handlers/marine biologists, and reviewed the limited literature about dolphin healing to offer some new observations. Thu, 21 Jul 2011 09:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110721095834.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110711104924.htm New research may help to explain why anticoagulant therapies have largely failed to extend the lives of patients with sepsis. The study shows that fibrin, a key product of the blood clotting process, is critical for host defense against Yersinia enterocolitica, a gram-negative bacterium that causes sepsis in humans and experimental mice. Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110711104924.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110701121631.htm A urologist has developed a new "hidden" minimally invasive procedure that makes scarring virtually invisible yet is just as effective as more common surgical methods. Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110701121631.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110628113149.htm A simple item found in almost every medicine cabinet -- a cotton swab -- may be a key tool in the fight against post-surgical wound infections. Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110628113149.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110628095039.htm New research has identified a novel drug target for the treatment of infection in bone. Bone disease or osteomyeltitis is a debilitating infectious disease of the bone which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Tue, 28 Jun 2011 09:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110628095039.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110623130944.htm Researchers have put forward a new theory as to what causes sepsis, an often fatal condition that occurs when infection spreads throughout the body. Leaking blood vessels may actually be a cause of sepsis, rather than a symptom as previously thought. Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:09:09 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110623130944.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110623130338.htm In a case study that illustrates the need for people with diabetes to be cautious of foot injuries and to protect themselves from pets, a woman with numbness in her feet caused by diabetic neuropathy slept through a traumatic episode in which her Jack Russell terrier chewed off part of her slightly infected big toe, according to a new article. Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:03:03 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110623130338.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110617081157.htm Negative-pressure wound therapy probably does not promote healing, according to a recent meta-analysis of controlled trials. Fri, 17 Jun 2011 08:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110617081157.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110616193901.htm A gel that creates a watertight seal to close surgical wounds provides a significant advance in the treatment of patients following spinal procedures, effectively sealing spinal wounds 100 percent of the time, a national multicenter randomized study has found. Thu, 16 Jun 2011 19:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110616193901.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110604182018.htm Low testosterone levels and symptoms of male sexual dysfunction due to obesity may be reversible with weight loss after bariatric surgery, a new study finds. Sat, 04 Jun 2011 18:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110604182018.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110524171251.htm New information has come to light explaining how injured skin cells and touch-sensing nerve fibers regenerate during wound healing. It was found that a chemical signal released by wounded skin cells promotes the regeneration of sensory fibers, thus helping to ensure that touch sensation is restored to healing skin. The reactive oxygen species hydrogen peroxide, which is found at high concentrations at wounds, was found to be a key component of this signal. Tue, 24 May 2011 17:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110524171251.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110523075309.htm Researchers have developed a special wound dressing that they report was able to significantly reduced scar tissue caused by incisions. Mon, 23 May 2011 07:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110523075309.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110523074823.htm Sepsis is the name of an infection that causes a series of reactions in the body, which in the worst case can prove fatal. The problem for both patients and doctors is that the early symptoms are difficult to distinguish from less dangerous infections such as a severe flu or winter vomiting disease. A researcher in Sweden has now discovered a substance in the blood which shows both whether a patient has sepsis and how serious the case is. Mon, 23 May 2011 07:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110523074823.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110518075035.htm Improved tissue grafts designed by scientists that promote vascular growth could hasten healing, encourage healthy skin to invade the wounded area and reduce the need for surgeries. Wed, 18 May 2011 07:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110518075035.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110503133056.htm Imagine a battlefield medic or emergency medical technician providing first aid with a special wad of cottony glass fibers that simultaneously slows bleeding, fights bacteria (and other sources of infection), stimulates the body's natural healing mechanisms, resists scarring, and-because it is quickly absorbed by surrounding tissue -- may never have to be removed in follow-up care. Or, imagine diabetics with hard-to-heal wounds finding a source of relief from the battle against infections and limb amputation. Those scenarios are the hope of the developers of a revolutionary borate glass nanofiber material. Tue, 03 May 2011 13:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110503133056.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110417185353.htm For the first time, scientists have made star-shaped, biodegradable polymers that can self-assemble into hollow, nanofiber spheres, and when the spheres are injected with cells into wounds, these spheres biodegrade, but the cells live on to form new tissue. Sun, 17 Apr 2011 18:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110417185353.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110414160738.htm Surgeons have found that in diabetic patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery, aggressive glycemic control does not result in any significant improvement of clinical outcomes as compared with moderate control. The findings also found the incidence of hypoglycemic events increased with aggressive glycemic control. Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:07:07 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110414160738.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110412201713.htm Manuka honey could be an efficient way to clear chronically infected wounds and could even help reverse bacterial resistance to antibiotics, according to new research. Tue, 12 Apr 2011 20:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110412201713.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110404151345.htm Researchers have identified specific bone marrow cells that can transform into skin cells to repair damaged skin tissue, according to a new study. Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110404151345.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110404122207.htm A new risk calculator can predict the risk of postoperative complications occurring for individual bariatric surgery patients, according to a new study. The risk calculator will help in surgical decision-making and will help patients better understand what they can expect during recovery in order to prepare for a bariatric operation. Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110404122207.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110323140152.htm We all know the adage: A little bit of a good thing can go a long way. Now researchers in London are reporting that might also be true for a large protein associated with wound healing. Wed, 23 Mar 2011 14:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110323140152.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110323140138.htm In the first study of its kind, urologists and biostatisticians have found that robot-assisted surgery to remove cancerous prostate glands is safe over the long term, with a major complication rate of less than one percent. The findings follow an earlier Henry Ford study that found nearly 87 percent of patients whose cancerous prostates were removed by robot-assisted surgery had no recurrence of the disease after five years. Wed, 23 Mar 2011 14:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110323140138.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110318091019.htm Researchers have discovered that members of an enzyme family found in humans and throughout the plant and animal kingdoms play a crucial role in regulating cell motility. Their findings suggest an entirely new strategy for treating conditions ranging from diabetic ulcers to metastatic cancer. Fri, 18 Mar 2011 09:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110318091019.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110308101325.htm Medical researchers have found that systemic inflammation caused by sepsis can be suppressed by a protein which occurs naturally in a type of roundworm. Tue, 08 Mar 2011 10:13:13 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110308101325.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110228104316.htm Surgeries with the endoscope are exacting and require special capabilities of the surgeon. The suturing of the tissue and the setting of the knots, in particular, is very complicated due to the lack of space for movement. A new, minimally invasive suturing tool simplifies the procedure. In the future, the suture material will no longer be knotted, but welded with a laser. Mon, 28 Feb 2011 10:43:43 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110228104316.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110225122918.htm Botulism is a rare disease and recurrent botulism even more rare. However, in California, recurrent wound botulism among injection drug users has been on the rise and makes up three-quarters of reported cases in the United States. Fri, 25 Feb 2011 12:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110225122918.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110221071530.htm When it comes to curing skin infected with the antibiotic-resistant bacterium MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), timely and proper wound cleaning and draining may be more important than the choice of antibiotic, according to a new study. Mon, 21 Feb 2011 07:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110221071530.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110217161119.htm A rinsing technique with betadine that costs just a little over one dollar per patient may significantly reduce the infection rate following total knee and hip joint replacement surgery, according to a new study. Thu, 17 Feb 2011 16:11:11 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110217161119.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110217082923.htm Replacing both knees in one surgery, or simultaneous total knee replacement was associated with significantly fewer prosthetic joint infections as well as other revision knee operations within one year after surgery, compared with total knee replacements performed in two separate procedures. However, simultaneous replacement was associated with a moderately higher risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes within 30 days, according to a new study. Thu, 17 Feb 2011 08:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110217082923.htm