Researchers develop robotic thread that may slip through brain's blood vessels

Researchers have developed a magnetically steerable, thread-like robot that may actively glide through narrow, winding pathways like the brain's tiny blood vessels. The study, revealed that the magnetically controlled device could one day deliver clot-reducing therapies in response to strokes or other brain blockages.

If acute stroke can be treated within the 1st 90 minutes or so, patients' survival rates could increase significantly, the researcher said.

If we could design a device to reverse blood vessel blockage within this ' golden hour', we could potentially avoid permanent brain damage. That's our hope. To clear blood clots in the brain, surgeons currently need to insert a thin wire through a patient's main artery, usually in the leg or groin, and manually rotate the wire up into the damaged brain vessel, guided  by a fluroscope that images the blood vessels using x-rays.

However, the procedure is physically taxing, requiring surgeons who must be specifically trained in the task, to endure repeated radiation exposure.

The researchers created a robotic thread core made from bendy, springy nickel-titanium alloy, and they coated the wire core in a rubbery paste filled with magnetic particles.

They then bonded the magnetic covering with a kind of hydrogel that gives the thread a slippery, friction-free surface, but does not affect the responsiveness or the magnetic particles, according to the study.

The researchers tested the thread in a life-size silicone replica of the brain's major blood vessels modeled after scanning an actual patient's brain. Those silicone vessels also have clots and abnormal sacs.

They filled the vessels with a liquid simulating the viscosity of blood, then successfully manipulated a large magnet around the model to steer the robot through the vessels' winding, narrow paths.

The team demonstrated that the thread's wire core can also be replaced with an optical fibre that can activate the laser once the robot reached a target region to clear blockages.

They are preparing to test the robotic thread in vivo, according to the researchers.

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Obstructive sleep apnea can cause diabetes

Obstructive sleep apnea is now as common as hypertension, diabetes and heart disease and can lead to all of these if untreated, say experts. It has been observed that more than 53 per cent sleep apnea suspects are already suffering from either diabetes or high blood pressure but remain unaware of sleep apnea. In such a scenario, there is a critical need for effective treatment and management of sleep apnea.

"When a person sleeps at night, the muscles in the air passage collapse and the airways on the windpipe become narrow. Hence, it does not provide enough air for lungs and breathing gets affected and sometimes blocks the breath, which is called apnea. It basically affects people at the age of 30 to 40 above. Sleep apnea ultimately leads to increase the risk factors of diabetes like obesity and blood pressure as the body's reaction to sleep loss can resemble insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes", said a Dr. of Sleep Science.

Sleep apnea affects children from age 4 causing enlargement in tonsils, snoring and obesity risk factors, which is responsible for the rise in incidence of diabetes at a young age. The complications among the diabetes patients may affect the heart, kidney and respiratory tract. Inadequate sleep not only disturbs emotional health but can cause drowsiness, concentration loss, stress in short-term and hypertension, cardiac disorders and sudden death in the long term.

People with sleep apnea tend to eat more for the energy needs of the body, leading to consuming sugar or other foods that can spike blood sugar levels. Reduced sleep can lead to insulin resistance, when cells fail to use the hormone efficiently, resulting in high blood sugar, leading to diabetes.

"Though sleep apnea seems to be a little uncommon in India, it is mostly because 70 to 80 per cent of people with the disease are still unaware of it. The incidences have increased in last 15 years and its risk factors are worsening the public health. Precautions can be taken by quitting smoking, reducing intake of alcohol, maintaining hygiene etc", said a Dr. 

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Checking Blood Pressure Often Is Important In Winter

The moment winter strikes, we take out our sweaters and shawls to beat winter chills. Including warm tea and hot soups not only helps you to keep warm but also helps you to stay hydrated in winters. As winter is the season of infections due to the chilling weather, most of us gear up to fight common respiratory infections during winters. However, not many know that winter also increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. So to prevent heart attack and take care of your heart in winters, it is advised to get your blood pressure checked regularly during winters. If you suffer from hypertension or cardiac problems or have a family history of the same, then checking your blood pressure is a must. 

Blood pressure is affected by the cold weather. The decrease in temperature causes the blood vessels to become narrow. This increases the pressure on the arteries as more pressure is needed to force blood through the narrowed blood vessels, causing your blood pressure to rise. Moreover, some OTC medications used to treat cold and flu can cause high blood pressure.

A Senior Consultant, Pulmonologist says that extreme winter chill increases the risk of heart attacks, particularly in patients who have pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. The risk of stroke also increases significantly during winters, even in people who are on blood pressure medication. This is why it is important to get your blood pressure checked regularly during winters irrespective of whether you are on medications or not. Also, if you have any doubt or have any signs of uneasiness after taking medications for blood pressure, do meet your doctor to seek advice for altering medication. Hence, it is recommended you must check the blood pressure regularly without fail, especially during winters.

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Pulmonary Hypertension: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

What is pulmonary hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension is a rare lung disorder in which the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the lungs become narrowed, making it difficult for blood to flow through the vessels. As a result, the blood pressure in these arteries -- called pulmonary arteries -- rises far above normal levels. This abnormally high pressure strains the right ventricle of the heart, causing it to expand in size. Overworked and enlarged, the right ventricle gradually becomes weaker and loses its ability to pump enough blood to the lungs. This could lead to the development of right heart failure.

Pulmonary hypertension occurs in individuals of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds although it is much more common in young adults and is approximately twice as common in women as in men.

Cause for the pulmonary arteries narrow

Scientists believe that the process starts with injury to the layer of cells that line the small blood vessels of the lungs. This injury, which occurs for unknown reasons, may cause changes in the way these cells interact with the smooth muscle cells in the vessel wall. As a result, the smooth muscle contracts more than normal and narrows the vessel.

The symptoms of pulmonary hypertension-

Symptoms of pulmonary hypertension do not usually occur until the condition has progressed. The first symptom of pulmonary hypertension is usually shortness of breath with everyday activities, such as climbing stairs. Fatigue, dizziness, and fainting spells also can be symptoms. Swelling in the ankles, abdomen or legs; bluish lips and skin, and chest pain may occur as strain on the heart increases. Symptoms range in severity and a given patient may not have all of the symptoms.

In more advanced stages of the disease, even minimal activity will produce some of the symptoms. Additional symptoms include irregular heart beat (palpitations or strong, throbbing sensation), racing pulse, passing out or dizziness, progressive shortness of breath during exercise or activity, and difficulty breathing at rest. Eventually, it may become difficult to carry out any activities as the disease worsens.

Causes pulmonary hypertension-

Pulmonary hypertension also can occur as a result of other medical conditions, such as chronic liver disease and liver cirrhosis; rheumatic disorders such as scleroderma or systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus); and lung conditions including tumors, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis.

Heart diseases including aortic valve disease, left heart failure, mitral valve disease, and congenital heart disease can also cause pulmonary hypertension.

A blood clot in a large pulmonary artery can result in the development of pulmonary hypertension.

Low-oxygen conditions. High altitude living, obesity, and sleep apnea can also lead to the development of pulmonary hypertension.

Genetic predisposition. Pulmonary hypertension is inherited in a small number of cases. Knowing that someone in the family had or has pulmonary hypertension should prompt you to seek early evaluation should symptoms occur.

Pulmonary hypertension may also be caused by other conditions, and in some cases, the cause is unknown.

Diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension -

Because pulmonary hypertension may be caused by many medical conditions, a complete medical history, physical exam, and description of your symptoms are necessary to rule out other diseases and make the correct diagnosis. During the physical exam, your health care provider will:

• listen for abnormal heart sounds such as a loud pulmonic valve sound, a systolic murmur of tricuspid regurgitation, or a gallop due to ventricular failure.
• examine the jugular vein in the neck for engorgement.
• examine the abdomen, legs, and ankles for fluid retention.
• examine nail beds for bluish tint.
• look for signs of other underlying diseases that might be causing pulmonary hypertension.

• Doppler echo-cardiogram: Uses sound waves to show the function of the right ventricle, to measure blood flow through the heart valves, and then calculate the systolic pulmonary artery pressure.

• Chest X-ray: Shows an enlarged right ventricle and enlarged pulmonary arteries.
• 6 minute walk test: Determines exercise tolerance level and blood oxygen saturation level during exercise.
• Pulmonary function tests: Evaluates for other lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis among others.
• Polysomnogram or overnight oximetry: Screens for sleep apnea (results in low oxygen levels at night).
• Right heart catheterization: Measures various heart pressures (ie, inside the pulmonary arteries, coming from the left side of the heart), the rate at which the heart is able to pump blood, and finds any leaks between the right and left sides of the heart.
• Ventilation perfusion scan (V/Q scan): Looks for evidence of blood clots along the pathway to the lungs.
• Pulmonary angiogram: Looks for blood clot blockages in the pulmonary arteries.
• Chest CT scan: Looks for blood clots and other lung conditions that may be contributing to or worsening pulmonary hypertension.

Treatment for pulmonary hypertension-

Appropriate diagnosis and analysis of the problem is necessary before starting any treatment. Treatment varies per individual based on the different underlying causes but generally includes taking medications; making lifestyle and dietary changes; having surgery, if necessary; and seeing your doctor regularly. 

Medications

Many different types of medications are available to treat pulmonary hypertension. Treatment choices, depend on the severity of pulmonary hypertension, the likelihood of progression, and individual drug tolerance.

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Flu jab may cut heart attack risk by 50% in middle aged people

 A flu jab appears to almost halve the heart attack risk in middle aged people with narrowed arteries, according to a new study.

The researchers wanted to find out if flu is an unrecognised, but clinically important, contributing factor to increased heart attack risk.

Scientists assessed 559 patients over the age of 40 who were referred to a tertiary hospital during consecutive winters in 2008-10. Some 275 of these patients had sustained a heart attack and 284 had not.

Nose and throat swabs and blood samples taken at admission and 4-6 weeks later showed that around one in eight (12.4 percent; 34) of the heart attack patients had recently had flu, compared with just under 7 percent (18) in the comparison group. Half of all the patients had had the flu jab that year.

Flu had not been diagnosed in around one in 10 of those who had the infection, indicating that it may be missed in hospital patients with other clinical problems, say the authors.

A recent respiratory infection was more common among those patients who`d had a heart attack and doubled the risk.

But after taking account of other influential factors, such as age, high cholesterol, and smoking, flu did not increase heart attack risk. But vaccination against the infection did seem to be protective, decreasing the risk of a heart attack by 45 percent.

The researchers said that extending the flu vaccination programme to 50 to 64 year olds has been mooted before, but not considered to be cost effective.

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Aldosterone

The Clues 
Aldosterone regulates your body's sodium-to-water ratio. But a condition called renal artery stenosis--a narrowing of the blood vessels that supply the kidneys--can trigger the release of the hormone, causing a surge in blood pressure. 

What you can do 
A heart-friendly lifestyle that keeps your blood vessels healthy can also be a kidney-friendly lifestyle. Minimize salt intake, follow a low-fat diet, get some exercise, and don't smoke. 

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What is Carotid Sinus Syndrome?

Carotid Sinus syndrome is a result of dilation or widening of the internal carotid artery and is also known as a carotid bulb indicating the swelling of the artery at a particular point or collar syndrome as the carotid sinuses are located near the neck where ones collar would sit.

The Carotid Artery consists of many sensitive receptors and nerve endings which monitor pressure.

During this syndrome the carotid sinus artery may become very sensitive to any form of stimulation and as a result can affect heart rate, amount of blood reaching the brain and blood pressure. This is known as CSH or Carotid Sinus Hypersensitivity. In severe cases a loss of consciousness or convulsions and seizers may occur when a build up of pressure occurs in these arteries due to manual stimulation. When the Carotid Sinus artery is compressed no blood flows to the cerebellum resulting in brain damage and death if the artery is not opened within a specific period of time.

Carotid sinus syndrome is more prevalent in the elderly generation and predominantly affects those over the age of 50. Males are also more prone to developing this condition.

What is Carotid Sinus Reflex?

Blood pressure balance and homeostatic balance are the two major functions of the carotid sinus reflex found in the Carotid artery. When this artery is over stimulated due to massages or pressure in this area, impulses are sent which affects normal blood pressure levels and heart beat (bradycardia). Vasodilatation or the increasing in arterial circumference and light headedness, dizziness and disorientation may also occur.

It is for this reason that one who suffers with Carotid sinus hypersensitivity should be careful even during mild stimulation of the neck area.

What are the causes of Carotid Sinus Hypersensitivity?

• Gender - Males are more likely to develop Carotid Sinus Hypersensitivity
• A sudden feeling of dizziness or disorientation when one stands up quickly. This is known as orthostatic hypotension and is a result of low blood pressure at the particular time when one stands up from a sitting position.
• Age related - The chances of one developing this condition increase with age
• The presence of plague or coronary artery disease or heart disease can make one more susceptible to Carotid Sinus Hypersensitivity.
• Tumours in the head or neck region
• The presence of high blood pressure
• Certain medications can make ones Carotid Sinus more sensitive. These include Beta-blockers and methyldopa

What are the symptoms of Carotid Sinus Syndrome?

• Frequent dizzy spells
• Low blood pressure
• A loss of muscle tone at times due to a decrease in heart beat and blood reaching the muscles.
• Excessive scarring in the neck region due to a trauma or the development of fibrosis and neck tumours in this area.
• Flat lining or having no heartbeat for a period of time.
• Forgetfulness or amnesia after an event which leaves one unconscious
• A slow heart beat or one that beats under 60 beats per minute
• Sudden falls which can result in injuries and fractures in elderly clients.
• Sudden death or strokes
• Carotid sinus reflex death is a result of vagus nerve impulses which may cause the heart to stop beating, i.e. cardiac arrest. This occurs during strangulation.

Please take note, in many cases a person may be completely symptom free or asymptomatic and still have CSH (Carotid Sinus Hypersensitivity). 

Diagnosis of Carotid Sinus Syndrome or Carotid Sinus Hypersensitivity

This condition is often diagnosed by a GP or Doctor when one experiences unexplained dizziness and disorientation.

The GP or Doctor can also use massage techniques in the neck region whilst monitoring any drop or fall in blood pressure. The possibility of Cardiac arrest should also be monitored. 

Treatments for Carotid Sinus Syndrome include-

• Denervation surgery is a procedure which helps prevent nerve impulse responsiveness and conductivity.
• Endarterectomy is a surgical procedure which helps remove plaque or plaque build-up in the arteries. If this plaque becomes dislodged it can get stuck in narrow arteries causing a blockage and prevention of blood flow in this area.
• Medications such as Heparin, Asprin and Plavix are recommended to prevent blood clotting and thickening of blood. These are known as anticoagulants. 

Tips for living with Carotid Sinus Syndrome of Carotid Sinus 
  Hypersensitivity

• Avoid massaging of the carotid sinus – This can be very dangerous as any massaging to this area can cause a thrombus or plaque to become dislodged resulting in it flowing freely through the arteries with a possibility of becoming lodged in a narrow artery and resulting in strokes and even death.
• Avoid wearing tight fitting collars.
• Try decrease the speed at which you turn your head
• Be extra gently when shaving over this artery as not to over stimulate it