Inspired by Chinese finger traps, an annuloplasty ring that grows with the child
This post is part of a series on innovations to treat valvular disease in children. Read our prior posts on transcatheter valve replacement and an expandable prosthetic heart valve. Prosthetic annuloplasty rings have improved the durability of heart valve repairs in adults. Implanted at the perimeter of dilated, leaky valves, they help keep the valve ... Read More about Inspired by Chinese finger traps, an annuloplasty ring that grows with the child
Soft stents, hardened in place by UV light, allow a snug, custom fit
Airway stents are often used when the trachea and bronchi need to be buttressed, as in children and adults with tracheobronchomalacia whose airways become “floppy” and collapse during normal breathing. This condition can occur in conjunction with congenital cardiac anomalies in which the major heart vessels compress the trachea, and with severe, recurrent bronchitis. But ... Read More about Soft stents, hardened in place by UV light, allow a snug, custom fit
Predicting pediatric seizures with a wristband: Study shows what’s possible
The ability to track seizures has a number of potential benefits: It could allow physicians to better determine optimal dosing and timing of medication, as well as enable timely interventions to help prevent impending seizures. Traditionally, electroencephalography (EEG) and electrocorticography have been used to evaluate and forecast seizures. However, more compact, portable approaches — such ... Read More about Predicting pediatric seizures with a wristband: Study shows what’s possible
Innovative new shunt delivery system holds promise for treatment of fetal urinary tract obstruction
Urinary tract obstruction that occurs in utero can have serious consequences for the fetus. Such obstructions can block the flow of fetal urine, which makes up amniotic fluid. Without adequate levels of amniotic fluid, a fetus may not develop properly, especially in terms of the fetal lungs. Fetal urinary tract obstructions can range from mild ... Read More about Innovative new shunt delivery system holds promise for treatment of fetal urinary tract obstruction
The new COVID-19 vaccines: Will they be safe?
Just within the past week, pharmaceutical companies have announced encouraging news about two COVID-19 vaccines in the final development phase. As more vaccine developers announce similar reports in the coming weeks and months, it’s key to remember that vaccine safety is as important as effectiveness against the virus. Fortunately, scientists have learned lessons from the ... Read More about The new COVID-19 vaccines: Will they be safe?
A COVID-19 DNA nanoswitch: A new kind of test for a new kind of virus
When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down research laboratories across the country, several labs at Boston Children’s Hospital geared up, including that of Wesley Wong, PhD. He and his team responded to the threat by developing a new, easy diagnostic test for COVID-19. Wesley Wong “Our technology, a DNA nanoswitch, is a new way of probing ... Read More about A COVID-19 DNA nanoswitch: A new kind of test for a new kind of virus