Comments on: Comments

By: reseacher

reseacher — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:52:41 +0000

Not cool for the patients. The company sells the system as safe, “hey it’s FDA cleared”, many EP’s take the company’s word for it and the patients are completely in the dark. The first rule of robotics in the operating room ought to be “even and idiot can’t hurt you more with it then using his own hands”.

By: Dan Walter

Dan Walter — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 02:43:45 +0000

Cool. Thanks for the tip …

By: reseacher

reseacher — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 02:25:26 +0000

Dan, Long time no see. Good to see you visit the AF forum. Speaking of unsafe devices, check out the MAUDE filings on the Hansen Medical mapping/ablation system. Six patients killed in 2011 and the company continues to market their system through EPs “consultants”.

By: Frank

Frank — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 23:01:10 +0000

Look at the most recent long term data about the efficacy of ablation and then answer your own question. I think not

By: Adarondax

Adarondax — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 23:22:12 +0000

A real eye-opener. My experience mirrors some of Mr. Walters’ except I started asking questions about Tikosyn, Niaspan, and catheter ablation, which was strongly recommended for me, even though I have no symptoms. I got curt two-word answers and a clear expression of annoyance from my EP. That was in February. Now it’s August and he has cancelled my last 7 appointments. Is he trying to tell me something or am I over-reacting?

On a different subject, has anyone read Dr. Calkins’ ebook: “Atrial Fibrillation: The Latest Management Strategies?” Is it trustworthy and accurate?

By: LCorcoran

LCorcoran — Fri, 06 May 2011 18:22:20 +0000

I was the human protections administrator for a local hospital’s Institutional Review Board for several years and, at the same time, was the risk manager at that same hospital. It is inconceivable to me that an esteemed organization such as JH put your wife in such danger by allowing investigational studies to be performed without full informed consent – and then did so little to help you and your wife after the “adverse event” took place. Please be assured that not all hospitals are so careless and thoughtless. There are many organizations with robust IRBs and risk management departments that put the patient FIRST. I feel very fortunate that I had the opportunity to be an advocate for patients in both of those positions. I cannot even begin to imagine how you and your wife feel about the medical profession right now. I am so sorry for the pain and anguish that you have had to endure.

By: JimWel

JimWel — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 07:05:51 +0000

Thank you Dan for sharing your story and thank you for posting a message with what happen to me when I had back surgery with a nasty, arrogant doctor. I’ve only read bits and pieces online and will purchase the book. Hope your Pam is doing better.

By: ellen ball

ellen ball — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 05:52:01 +0000

What an abomination of justice this story is.Personally, i would refer to chapter 18 and put this poor excuse for a dr. on the stand and berate him furiously. My heart just breaks for you both for having gone through this mess. i read chapter 18 and just cried .you really got to me. i had to pick up reading again tonight. This is a valuable story don,t stop fighting you are right…….

By: Dan Walter

Dan Walter — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 13:05:07 +0000

Thank you.

By: rb6

rb6 — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 20:14:42 +0000

LAW BEHIND THE COMPANIES
Commerce, however, was exactly what Congress had in mind when, in late 1980, it passed legislation that directed federally financed researchers like Dr. Bito to patent their inventions, or risk losing control of them to the government.

Ronald Reagan had just won election on a platform to make America strong again. Japan’s electronic industry was out-competing the United States in its own backyard. Determined not to lose, Congress passed Public Law 96-517, known as the Bayh-Dole Act after Senators Birch Bayh of Indiana and Bob Dole of Kansas.

The law was designed to push federally financed research from the university laboratory into the marketplace. Scientists who made discoveries using taxpayer money were required to file invention reports with the government. Universities were directed to license patented inventions to companies that would commercialize them.

The law was originally passed to aid small businesses, but later it was modified so that even big companies like Pharmacia could benefit. If a company did not develop a product quickly enough, the government could revoke the company’s license and hand the job over to a competitor. It could also take control of an invention to alleviate “health or safety needs,” the law said.

It’s just one piece of the puzzle:

http://partners.nytimes.com/library/national/science/042300hth-drugs.html?scp=4&sq=scientists%20Federal%20laboratories%20patent%20license%20commercialize%20research&st=cse