Arizona - May 2012 Archives

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — May 29, 2012.  Mayo Clinic in Arizona is the first medical center in Arizona and the Southwest to provide a new technology that treats dry eye by targeting blocked eyelid glands. Blocked glands can inhibit production of oil that is necessary for healthy tears needed to lubricate the eyes. VIDEO ALERT: Click here for footage of the procedure and information from Dr. Shen about dry eye. People with chronic dry eye, from this evaporative sub-type , often experience pain and irritation caused by an inadequate protective layer of oils in their tears, which creates a cycle where they resort to excessive use of eye drops that can exacerbate the condition, according to Joanne Shen, M.D., Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic in Arizona. "Patients are frustrated in their attempts to find relief, frequently trying warm compresses, ointment, eye drops or even vitamins," says Dr. Shen. The new treatment, called the LipiFlow thermal pulsation system, represents a significant shift from the traditional management of dry eye, in that the system is able to diagnose and address the root cause of the condition — obstructed meibomian glands. When active, these glands lubricate the tear layer, reducing friction caused by the constant rubbing of the eyelids on the eyeballs and providing relief from symptoms such as itchiness, redness, gritty sensation, burning and sensitivity to light. An in-office evaluation of the patient's oil glands determines eligibility for the treatment. The exam includes assessing the severity of symptoms, measuring oil layer thickness by interferometry and observing the number of functioning oil glands in the lower eyelid margins. If eligible, based on this three-part part exam, the patient moves to the next step in the treatment — unblocking the oil glands. An FDA-approved, patented, single-use sterile device resembling an eyecup is placed over the eye while the patient reclines. During a 12-minute period, the device produces a warm, gentle, pulsating massage to the lower eyelid to relieve the blocked meibomian glands. The treatment aids the glands in resuming release of oil with every blink, which is needed for a healthy tear film.

TEMPE, Ariz. — May 18, 2012.  Arizona State University Health Services will join the Mayo Clinic Care Network to bring enhanced services to ASU students. Through this collaboration, ASU Health Services will have access to the latest Mayo Clinic expertise to help care for their patients and improve their health. The agreement allows ASU to tap into the services and tools of the Mayo Clinic, including: AskMayoExpert, a state-of-the-art tool that provides access to Mayo Clinic expertise in disease management, clinical care guidelines, treatment recommendations and reference materials; eConsults, which will allow ASU physicians to connect with Mayo experts to get input on a specific question as they care for their patients; working relationships with Mayo Clinic to support the healthcare of their patients and improve the health of the ASU communities. "Arizona State and Mayo Clinic have been collaborating on a number of levels for many years," said ASU President Michael Crow. "This association, making University Health Services part of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, will provide benefits from day one. "We have more than 70,000 students and we need to provide a wide range of medical care and advice in anticipation of nearly any condition," Crow added. "It is a real advantage to be able to access the vast information network and expertise of the Mayo Clinic to provide the very best health care and advice possible." "We welcome the medical staff at ASU Student Health Services as members of the Mayo Clinic Care Network," said Wyatt Decker, M.D., Vice President and CEO of Mayo Clinic in Arizona. "We have been impressed by the caring medical staff, the state-of-the-art facilities and the dedication to student care that all create an environment focused on well-being for students. "The Mayo Clinic and ASU relationship has flourished over the past 10 years. Together we have established a nursing education program, collaborative research projects, faculty appointments and dual degree programs. We are very excited about this new arrangement with ASU and the continuation of our growing relationship."

PHOENIX — May 18, 2012.  Mayo Clinic and Phoenix Fire Department personnel are partnering to enhance the safety of patients experiencing a heart attack and ...

Phoenix, Arizona — May 17, 2012.  Mayo Clinic, with an annual economic impact in Arizona of $1.5 billion, has been recognized as the first recipient ...