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“Medical reversal” refers to when a newer and methodologically superior clinical trial produces results that contradict existing clinical practice and the older trials on which it is based. Through medical reversal, we come to know of existing practices which are ineffective or causes harm than good to patients. In a recent study, results show the existence of about 400 medical reversal cases. Studies were performed on 3,000 randomized controlled trials published in three prestigious medical journals over the last 15 years and 396 medical reversals were found. Once an ineffective practice is established, it may be difficult to convince practitioners to abandon its use. By aiming to test novel treatments rigorously before they become widespread, we can reduce the number of reversals in practice and prevent unnecessary harm to patients.", says Dr. Vinay Prasad, hematologist-oncologist and associate professor at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute. From these examinations, the relevance of testing established practices as well as new practices are evident. The researchers believe that these finding promote medical professionals to test and make reconfirmations on their practices before adopting any method.

(Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com)

In medical world, stent is a metal or plastic tube inserted into the lumen of an anatomic vessel or duct to keep the passageway open, and placement of a stent is called stenting. Stents are available in different fabrics. In some cases, doctors use soluble stents as a temporary solution. Sometimes, blood vessels get blocked by the build-up of plaques, which is a combination of cholesterol, fat, and other substances found in the blood. Plaques, in due course of time can narrow the blood vessels and limit the amount of good blood reaching different parts of the body. This where stents come in. If the artery is at risk of collapsing or becoming blocked again, doctors may recommend inserting a stent to keep it open. Other uses of stents are the following:

      - blood vessels in the brain or aorta that are at risk of an aneurysm

      - bronchi in the lungs that are at risk of collapse

      - ureters, which carry urine from the kidneys into the bladder

      - bile ducts, which carry bile between the organs and small intestine

It also carries a small set of risks like:

       - bleeding from the catheter insertion site

       - an infection

       - an allergic reaction

       - damage to the artery from inserting the catheter

       - damage to the kidneys

       - irregular heartbeat

After insertion, antiplatelet drugs will be prescribed to prevent clotting of blood near the stent. Aspirin will also have to be taken by the patient for an indefinite amount of time.

(Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com)