Defibrillator RecallWritten by T.Going
In June of 2005 Guidant Corporation recalled cardiac defibrillators implanted in 50,000 patients around world because of potentially fatal malfunctions. In United States there are approximately 38,000 patients with Guidant brand defibrillators which have failed 45 times and are responsible for at least two deaths since May 30th.The recalled models are listed below: VENTAK PRIZM 2 DR The problem with Ventak Prizm 2 DRs is that they might undergo a manufacturer defect of wire insulator in lead connection block. This defect can potentially cause a short circuit and prevent device for providing help at time needed. There has already been one death related to this malfunction. CONTAK RENEWAL The Contak Renewal devices also have a fatal manufacturing defect. The wire insulation used on lead connector block has been known to deteriorate causing a short ciructui in titanium case of device. There are about 15 failure so far, and one death so far. VENETAK PRIZM AVT This device provides a trial therapy for those suffering from fatal heart problems. This device has a flaw in its memory system that can prevent defibrillator from delivering appropriate amount of therapy needed. This device has failed twice but there are no reported serious injuries or fatalities related to it. Still, patients are advised to report to their doctors to receive a necessary programming change.
| | Safer meat with rosemaryWritten by Anonymous
ADDING a dash of rosemary extract to ground beef appears to reduce amount of cancer-causing compounds created during cooking process, according to new study findings.The investigators found that when they added antioxidants extracted from rosemary to ground beef, hamburgers contained smaller amounts of heterocyclic amines, or HCAs, carcinogenic compounds that form when muscle meats like beef, pork and poultry are cooked at high temperatures. Study author
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