Optical technique provides improved 'virtual biopsies' of internal surfaces
A new optical imaging technique, developed at the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital can provide three-dimensional microscopic views of the inner surfaces of blood vessels and gastrointestinal organs.

The utility of B-type natriuretic peptide in the diagnosis of heart failure in the emergency department: a systematic review
The purpose of this study is to systematically review the accuracy of BNP in the emergency diagnosis of HF.

Progesterone shows promise as treatment for traumatic brain injuries
Researchers have found that giving progesterone to trauma victims shortly following brain injury appears to be safe and may reduce the risk of death and the degree of disability.

Many urinary stones can be treated without surgery
For many patients with urinary stone disease, treatment with a calcium-channel blocker or an alpha blocker can greatly improve their likelihood of passing their urinary stones, which may help these patients avoid surgery...

Postal survey methodology to assess patient satisfaction in a suburban emergency medical services system: an observational study
The authors determined the feasibility of using a single mailing, anonymous postal survey methodology for collecting patient satisfaction data from a suburban EMS system.

Multidisciplinary approach to treatment of heart attacks a success
Acute heart attacks can be successfully treated through a multidisciplinary team approach involving Emergency Medical Services, emergency physicians, cardiologists and specialty centres

Cardiac CT Is More Cost Effective When Managing Low-Risk Patients with Chest Pain in the Emergency Department
The use of cardiac CT for low-risk chest pain patients in the emergency department, instead of the traditional standard of care (SOC) workup, reduces a patient???s length of stay and hospital charges

National study of United States emergency department visits for acute pancreatitis, 1993???2003
The epidemiology of acute pancreatitis in the United States is largely unknown, particularly episodes that lead to an emergency department visit.

Emergency angioplasty use rises, but some patients still miss out
Compared with their counterparts a decade ago, today's heart attack patients are receiving emergency angioplasty or clot-busting drugs to re-open clogged arteries at a far greater rate

Emergency care scheme does not tackle real problems
A new scheme designed to reduce waits in emergency departments is simply massaging the figures to meet government targets

Emergency medicine doctors top stress league
Emergency medicine doctors come top of the stress league, with around double the reported stress levels of other doctor

Reducing dose errors for children in cardiac arrest
When children suffer cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) in the pre-hospital setting

Blood test can accurately diagnose heart failure in patients with kidney dysfunction
NT-proBNP test results comparable to those of BNP blood test in patients with kidney disease

Overcoming obstacles to implementing a primary care research framework
Primary care research has recently garnered greater attention at the national level.

Survey finds care for Europe's adults with congenital heart disease is inadequate
The provision of care in Europe for adults born with heart disease is inadequate and there are too few specialist centres to support their ever-increasing numbers

ESC Congress 2003: New oral anticoagulant shows promise to reduce major cardiovascular events following heart attacks
Efficacy and safety of 6 month treatment with the oral direct thrombin inhibitor, ximelagatran, in combination with acetylsalicylic acid, in patients with a recent myocardial infarction

Appropriateness criteria issued for cardiac computed tomography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
ACCF and others aim to assist patients, clinicians, and payers in determining reasonable imaging tests

Should ambulance crews perform emergency breathing procedure?
A study questions whether ambulance crews can master the skills needed to provide emergency intubation before they reach hospital.

Recognizing Signs And Symptoms Of Acute Heart Failure
Although heart failure is a chronic condition, acute exacerbations are frequent and occur with serious complications

Better Treatment Selection And Improved Therapies -- Key To Improving Prognosis In Acute Heart Failure
Today, acute heart failure represents the most common reason for hospitalisation in the over-65 population.