SUNRISE, Fla., March 15, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bioheart, Inc. (BHRT.OB) announced today that it has successfully conducted a laboratory training course in partnership with the Ageless Regenerative Institute, an organization dedicated to the standardization of cell regenerative medicine. The attendees participated in hands on, in depth training in laboratory practices in stem cell science. "We had students from all over the world attend this first course including physicians, laboratory technicians and students," said Mike Tomas, Bioheart's President and CEO. "Bioheart is pleased to be able to share our 13 years of experience in stem cell research and help expand this growing life science field." The course included cell culture techniques and quality control testing such as flow cytometry and gram stain. In addition, participants learned how to work in a cleanroom operating according to FDA cGMP standards, regulations used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, food and medical devices. Aseptic techniques were also taught as well as cleanroom gowning, environmental monitoring and maintenance. Future courses are open to physicians, laboratory technicians and students. After graduating the course, attendees are prepared to pursue research and careers in the field of stem cells and regenerative medicine. For more information about the course, … Continue reading →

LEE COUNTY, FL - The attorney for a Bonita Springs doctor whose license was suspended last week after a patient's death now says a different doctor was treating the patient and the patient had not received a stem cell treatment. Dr. Zannos Grekos is under investigation by the Lee County Sheriff's Office, however no criminal charges have been filed against him. Dr. Grekos' attorney issued a one page statement to our newsroom that says the patient died during a different procedure performed by a different doctor.[Click here to read the statement.] The attorney did not identify the doctor on the statement, but says the other doctor was performing liposuction on THE MAN, not stem cell treatment. The family of 77 year old Richard Poling of Indiana said he was being treated for pulmonary fibrosis. The Department of Health's Emergency Suspension Order stated Poling died from cardiac arrest while at Grekos' office. Dr Grekos' attorney states that the medical examiner's office has not provided a report linking the patient's death to stem cell treatment. We did reach out to the Department of Heath for comment, but have not heard back from them yet. We also reached out to Poling's sister who … Continue reading →

BRAMPTON, Ontario & MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT - News) today announced that it has received from Health Canada a license for Medtronic Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Therapy for refractory epilepsy patients. Medtronic DBS therapy for refractory epilepsy delivers controlled electrical pulses to a location inside the brain which is involved in seizures. The Health Canada license was based on data collected in Medtronics clinical trial called SANTE (Stimulation of the Anterior Nucleus of the Thalamus in Epilepsy). The SANTE trial was a prospective, randomized, double-blind pivotal study to evaluate the use of DBS therapy for patients with medically refractory epilepsy with partial-onset seizures. The trial collected data from 110 patients who were implanted with a Medtronic DBS system at 17 centers in the United States. Medtronic DBS Therapy for refractory epilepsy is also approved in Europe. The therapy is not currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in the United States for the treatment of refractory epilepsy. To date, more than 85,000 patients worldwide have received Medtronic DBS therapy. The therapy is currently licensed in Canada and approved in other regions including the European Union and the United States, for the treatment of the … Continue reading →

Editor's Choice Academic Journal Main Category: Stroke Article Date: 15 Mar 2012 - 10:00 PDT email to a friend printer friendly opinions Current Article Ratings: This finding underlines the need for further education regarding the importance of early intervention and stroke symptoms. The study, which evaluated data gathered between 1997 and 2008, by the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS), was led by Dr. Hooman Kamel, a neurologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell and assistant professor of neurology at Weill Cornell Medical Collage. Dr. Kamel, explained: Based on 1,605 cases, only 51% of adults in the U.S. diagnosed with stroke in emergency departments arrived via ambulance, according to results of the study. In addition, the researchers found that over the 11 year span there was no considerable change. According to Dr. Kamel individuals can recover if they receive early treatment. Co-authors of the study are Dr. Babak Navi, director of the Weill Cornell Stroke Center and assistant professor at Weill Cornell Medical College, and Dr. Jahan Fahimi, an emergency physician and assistant professor at the University of California, San Francisco. MLA The rest is here: Many Stroke Victims Not Calling 911 … Continue reading →

SAN ANTONIO, March 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --The nation's leading advocacy organization for heart health and stroke prevention, treatment and support is working with Interlex to conduct branding, awareness and attitudinal researchto develop a new positioning strategy for the American Stroke Association Brand. "For the past few months we've been deep into the research phase, conducting both quantitative and qualitative studies across General, African American, Asian American, Hispanic, South Asian, and Native American segments," said Interlex President and CEO Rudy Ruiz. The goal, according to Ruiz, is to help the Association build a brand platform and communications strategy which is universally appealing and multicultural at the core. "This is a national initiative," said Ruiz. "The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association is very committed to improving the health of all Americans. And since minority segments are often disproportionately impacted by stroke, it is very important that they reach these audiences in meaningful, motivational ways." Stroke is the number one preventable cause of disability in America, but - according to Ruiz - research shows that a majority of people aren't aware of its dangers, how to prevent it and how to detect its warning signs to save precious time when it occurs. "There … Continue reading →