Implementation and 2-year outcomes of the first FDA-approved implantable apheresis vascular access device.

Background: Patients requiring chronic apheresis treatments typically lack sufficient peripheral venous access to support long-term therapy. Historically, central venous tunneled catheters, septum-bearing subcutaneous ports, and fistulas were used to obtain required blood flow rates for apheresis procedures. In 2017, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the first intravascular device specifically designed for apheresis therapy, the PowerFlow Implantable Apheresis IV Port.

Tapping midwives' views about the neonatal hepatitis B vaccine: how welcome is a move towards a health promoting orientation?

Issues Addressed: Although current health care policies in theory are moving more towards inclusion of prevention and health promotion approaches alongside curative care, it is questioned whether these policies are being embraced by health care professionals in their practice. One area where providers might take an active health promoting role is in influencing parents' decisions to have their children vaccinated against serious diseases. This pilot exploratory study was undertaken to gain some understanding of attitudes and perceptions among midwives towards administering and promoting the neonatal dose of the hepatitis B vaccine.

Management of complications in early pregnancy.

This article examines complications in early pregnancy and outlines their management in an early pregnancy unit. It includes a description of early fetal development. The use of ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool and the psychological impact of early pregnancy loss are discussed.