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  Healthcare Distribution Market Healthcare distribution involves transportation and delivery of pharmaceuticals, medical devices and vaccines to healthcare facilities such as hospitals, retail and mail pharmacies. Growing demand for medicines, medical equipment and vaccines globally has prompted manufacturers to outsource distribution activities to specialist healthcare distributors having nationwide warehousing and delivery networks. This has streamlined pharmaceutical supply chains and ensured uninterrupted availability of products at point of care. The global market is driven by rising healthcare expenditure, aging population suffering from chronic diseases and growth in generic drug sales. The global healthcare distribution market is estimated to be valued at US$ 1,633.1 Bn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 6.8% over the forecast period of 2024 to 2031. Key Takeaways Key players operating in the healthcare distribution market are AmerisourceBergen Corporation, McK

  Drug Eluting Balloon What are Drug Eluting Balloons? Drug-eluting balloons (DEBs) are angioplasty balloons coated with an anti-proliferative drug, typically paclitaxel, dexamethasone, or sirolimus. During angioplasty to open blocked arteries, the drug-coated balloon is inflated at the site of stenosis to deliver the drug directly to the vessel wall. This helps prevent restenosis or re-narrowing of the artery which commonly occurs with conventional balloon angioplasty and bare metal stenting. Drugs used in DEBs The most commonly used drug is paclitaxel, a chemotherapy drug that works by preventing cell division and proliferation. When delivered locally via a Drug Eluting Balloon , it inhibits neointimal hyperplasia which is the narrowing of the artery that occurs after conventional angioplasty as the body tries to repair the damaged vessel wall. This helps maintain vessel patency for a longer period. Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, works by modulating the body's immune respo

  Latin America Continuous Glucose Monitoring Device Diabetes Prevalence and Management Challenges Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions across Latin America in recent decades. According to the International Diabetes Federation, over 18 million adults have diabetes in Central and South America alone. Managing diabetes poses immense challenges for many patients in the region due to limited access to healthcare, lack of diabetes education, and financial constraints. Conventional fingerstick blood glucose monitoring requires multiple daily tests, which can be painful and inconvenient. This often leads to poor treatment adherence and glycemic control. Adoption of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices provide an alternative to standard fingerstick testing by measuring interstitial glucose levels in real-time through a subcutaneous sensor. This eliminates the need for frequent finger pricks and allows for constant monitoring of glucose trends. Over

  Lactate meters What are Lactate Meters? Lactate meters are handheld electronic devices used to measure the level of lactate in the blood. They work by taking a small blood sample from the finger or earlobe and analyzing it to determine the concentration of lactate. This provides valuable information about an individual's lactate threshold and anaerobic threshold during exercise. How Lactate is Produced When the body exercises at a high intensity, it relies more on anaerobic respiration for energy production. During anaerobic metabolism, Lactate Meters is produced as a byproduct. The concentration of lactate in the blood increases proportionally to how hard and long one exercises above their aerobic capacity. Measuring lactate levels can help indicate the body's transition between aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. Uses for Athletes and Coaches Athletes and coaches use lactate testing to determine important exercise thresholds like lactate threshold and anaerobic t

  Smart Insulin Pens How Smart Insulin Pens Work Smart insulin pens work similarly to traditional insulin pens but have additional computerized features. The smart pen contains a tiny computer that records information about each insulin dose. It stores data such as the date, time, and amount of each injection. Some models also monitor blood glucose levels if paired with a continuous glucose monitor. When a user administers an insulin dose, the Smart Insulin Pen automatically records this data. It can then upload the records to a digital logbook through an app on your smartphone. This allows both the user and their healthcare provider to easily track insulin dosing history and patterns. The data transmission is typically done through Bluetooth. Many smart pens provide dose reminders to help ensure timely insulin administration. They can alert you when it's time for your next scheduled dose. The pen's memory also helps ensure doses are not missed or doubled up on accidentall

   Non-PVC IV Bags Intravenous (IV) therapy is a medical technique that delivers liquids such as saline solutions, medications or blood products directly into a patient's circulatory system. IV therapy is commonly used for fluid replacement to prevent dehydration, administration of medications that cannot be given orally and to provide nourishment when oral feeding is not adequate. Traditionally, these IV fluids have been delivered via plastic bags manufactured using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material. However, in recent years concerns have been raised regarding the safety of PVC in medical applications leading to a rapid rise in the use of non-PVC alternatives. Concerns Regarding PVC Usage One of the major concerns with conventional PVC IV bags is exposure to dangerous chemical additives known as plasticizers that are added to PVC to increase its flexibility. Common plasticizers used include phthalates like DEHP (diethylhexyl phthalate) which have been labeled as possible human c

  Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure Devices What is a Patent Foramen Ovale? A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a remnant from fetal circulation that failed to close after birth. In a fetus, blood passes through an opening called the foramen ovale that connects the right and left upper chambers of the heart (atria). This bypasses the fetus' developing lungs. After birth, increased blood pressure in the left atrium usually causes the foramen ovale to close. However, in about 25% of people, the opening fails to seal completely, leaving a PFO. Normally this does not cause issues, as the flap blocks the passage of blood between the atria with each heartbeat. However, a PFO may allow blood clots to bypass the lungs, which can lead to certain health problems. Types of Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure Devices There are several types of Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure Devices that can be used to close an abnormal opening without open heart surgery. Closure devices aim to help prev

  Transcranial Magnetic Stimulator What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulator? Transcranial Magnetic Stimulator (TMS) is a noninvasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression. During TMS, a magnetic coil is placed near the head to allow painless pulses of magnetic energy to pass through the scalp and stimulate nerve cells in the regions of the brain involved in mood regulation. How Does TMS Work? TMS works by inducing electric currents in specific regions of the brain using magnetic fields. It targets areas of the prefrontal cortex that are underactive in depression. The stimulation alters the nature and extent of activity in those brain regions. Repeated treatments reset the balance of neural activity in mood-regulating circuits, which can lift depression. The magnetic pulses are painless and do not require surgery. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulator offers a new mechanism of antidepressant action compared to medicati

  Medical Device Coatings Medical device coatings play a crucial role in improving the effectiveness and longevity of implanted and contact medical devices. Coatings serve various purposes depending on the specific device and intended use, but generally aim to improve biocompatibility, prevent corrosion and degradation, and enhance other device properties. As medical technology advances, coatings continue to evolve alongside devices to maximize performance and benefit patients. Biocompatibility and Protection from Corrosion One of the primary functions of Medical Device Coating is to improve biocompatibility and protect base materials from corrosion once inside the body. Many coating types have been developed specifically for their ability to create non-toxic, non-allergic interfaces between devices and tissues or body fluids. Hydrophilic and hydrophobic coatings, for example, are often applied to reduce protein absorption and cell attachment, lowering the risk of inflammation, cl

  Hematology Analyzer What is a ire? A hematology analyzer, also known as hematology autoanalyzer or complete blood count (CBC) machine, is a medical diagnostic instrument for measuring various blood cell count parameters, including red blood cell count, white blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet count. It is routinely used by clinical laboratories for carrying out a complete blood count (CBC) test to screen for or diagnose hematological conditions and disorders, infections, anemia, and other health issues. How does it Work? A CBC machine uses advanced optics, hydrodynamics, and electronics to perform an automated cell count and analysis of blood via the CBC test. In the sample preparation stage, the instrument accurately divides the blood sample through hydrodynamic focusing. It then illuminates the sample and uses precise stereological principles for cell sizing and counting. A sophisticated detection system captures digital images of individual cells from dif