Month: September 2011

Wireless Capsule Endoscopy

Endoscopy is a procedure that allows medical professionals to look inside your body. Instruments called endoscopes have cameras attached to long, thin tubes – which are inserted into various orifices of the body to examine nearby organs.

Although traditional methods of endoscopy are used in diagnosing problems in all areas of the body, they are most commonly associated with diagnosing problems of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Traditional endoscopy procedures are performed on various components of the GI tract to diagnose conditions like ulcers, Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), polyps, tumors or to find the source of intestinal bleeding. While the traditional methods are beneficial in diagnosing problems of most portions of the GI tract, they are not able to access the small intestine, where some types of serious intestinal conditions, like Crohn’s disease, can begin. Further, some sources of intestinal bleeding are found in the lower intestine and would not be visible through traditional methods of endoscopy.

In 2002, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a highly effective, minimally invasive method of endoscopy that allows physicians to see the lower portions of the GI tract that traditional methods did not. The new method, known as wireless capsule endoscopy, is a camera that is encapsulated in a pill-like covering, which the patient swallows like they would normal medication. As the capsule moves through the GI tract, the tiny camera takes images of the intestinal walls and organs at the rate of 2-4 images per second for up to eight hours. The images are transferred to a device attached to the patient via a belt worn around the waist. Physicians can then review the images and pinpoint any possible problems. Because the capsule passes through the entire GI tract, it offers physicians a glimpse of all three portions of the small intestine, which traditional methods of endoscopy could not do. After about three days, the pill camera will pass through the body during the natural excrement process.

While the wireless capsule endoscopy is a revolutionary approach to endoscopy that medical professionals at La Peer Health Group offers their patients, it is not suitable for everyone. To discuss which method of endoscopy is right for you, schedule a consultation with one of our health care professionals today.

Facelifts and VECTRA Facial Sculptor

Facelifts are a popular surgical method of facial rejuvenation, with just over 100,000 procedures being performed in the United States annually. During the procedure, incisions are made at various points on the face to take the slack out of lax skin and remove fatty deposits underneath. Some tightening of facial muscles is also done during this procedure.

Even though thousands of people opt to have a facelift done every year, there are likely just as many who have considered it, but never gone through with the idea. The most common reason people decide against having the procedure done is the uncertainty associated with the results. The effects of a facelift are permanent, barring additional procedures, and the thought of having to live with a botched facelift or endure another surgery can be overwhelming. Thanks to improved technology in the field of cosmetic surgery, patients can now see what they will look like after  having a facelift, before the first incision is ever made.

The VECTRA® Facial Sculptor is breaking new ground in cosmetic surgery offices across the country and the cosmetic surgeons of La Peer Health Systems are pleased to announce that they, too, are now offering it to their patients. The tool, created by Canfield Imaging Systems of Fairfield, NJ, the world’s leading provider of medical photography systems – uses six cameras with 3D imaging software to produce a real-time 3D image of each patient. When prospective facelift patients come for an initial consultation, they are easily able to point out problem areas they would like to have addressed, using a 3D model of themselves. Then, based on the patients wishes, our surgeons are able to formulate a plan of corrective measures to take and then produce another 3D model depicting what the patient will look like after the corrective measures are taken. By being able to see the end result before starting, much of the fear and apprehension associated with the procedure can be relieved.

If you have been considering a facelift, but were leery of the results, there is no better time to have one than the present. Our team of qualified cosmetic surgeons can help you achieve the results you always wanted, but have been afraid of pursuing. Schedule a consultation with our cosmetic surgery team today and let the VECTRA® Facial Sculptor introduce you to the new you.