Updates & Innovations Spring 2012

Low-dose CT lung screening for patients at high risk of lung cancer

In response to the findings of the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), St. John Providence Cancer Center of Excellence and Imaging Services now offers low-dose CT lung screening for patients at a high risk of lung cancer. “Low dose” indicates a low and safe level of radiation is used for this screening test.

Nuclear Medicine screening differentiates Parkinsonian syndromes from essential tremor

St. John Providence Health System is among the first in Michigan to offer DaTscan adjunct to other diagnostic evaluations for distinguishing between Parkinsonian syndromes and essential tremor. This diagnostic tool improves disease management through more accurate diagnosis since these conditions cannot be diagnosed using conventional CT or MRI imaging.

Study explores renal denervation as treatment for patients with uncontrolled hypertension

Providence Hospital has been chosen as one of the first sites in Michigan, and one of only 90 in the U.S., for the Medtronic Symplicity HTN-3 trial. The goal of the three-year research study is to demonstrate that the Symplicity Catheter System, a minimally invasive treatment for resistant hypertensive patients, is a safe and effective alternative for treating hypertension that is not controlled with medication alone.

Study compares high-dose vancomycin and daptomycin for treatment of deadly MRSA bacteremia

St. John Hospital and Medical Center is one of two Michigan sites participating in a study comparing high-dose IV treatment using vancomycin and daptomycin (a novel cyclic lipopeptide antibiotic) for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia. Funded by Cubist Pharmaceuticals, the study will evaluate whether daptomycin is superior to vancomycin when both are delivered at a higher dose for the treatment of MRSA bacteremia.

Latest da Vinci® robotic technology brings new surgical options to St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital

St. John Providence Health System has acquired the most advanced da Vinci® robot, the da Vinci® SI, for surgeries at St. John Hospital and St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital, Macomb Center in Warren. While St. John Hospital’s da Vinci® SI upgrades the previous model, the robot is a new addition at the Macomb Center, making a range of robotic surgeries possible at this location.

Total Laparoscopic Whipple

The Whipple procedure can be performed by way of minimally invasive techniques, i.e. laparoscopically. It is most often performed for cancerous growths within the head or neck of the pancreas. During the open procedure, approximately one third of the pancreas (head), the duodenum, gallbladder, and bile duct are removed.

Screening ECGs for young athletes identifies abnormalities and may prevent sudden cardiac death

While sudden cardiac death in young athletes is rare, the physicians at Providence Family & Athletic Medicine conduct free electrocardiogram (ECG) screenings annually for junior hockey players in Michigan.

Neurosurgery services now available at St. John River District Hospital

Patients living in the East China, Marine City, St. Clair, Algonac and Marysville area can now be referred in any stage of workup for the full spectrum of neurosurgical diseases to St. John River District Hospital. This includes degenerative spine disease, herniated discs, neck and back pain, brain tumors and brain injuries. Most conditions are considered for non-surgical alternatives before moving on to invasive forms of management. The goal is to guide patients through conservative treatment plans, including epidural, nerve block and discography injections and physical therapy, and return them back to their referring physicians for ongoing care.

Updates & Innovations launches U&I Briefs

Updates & Innovations magazine has launched Briefs, a monthly e-publication including time-sensitive information for physicians. Briefs is emailed to more than 1,100 physicians, clinicians and health care leaders as a complement to St. John Providence’s quarterly Updates & Innovations magazine. Briefs content is quick, timely and provides opportunities for physicians or their patients to engage with St. John Providence for education, new treatment options and more. For more information or to submit an item, email updatesandinnovations@stjohn.org.