(August 11, 2010 - Insidermedicine)

From Maryland - Advances in imaging may greatly enhance angioplasty, according to a report published in Review of Scientific Instruments. Researchers added optical coherence tomography to the baloon tipped catheter normally inserted into the arteries to flatten plaque and improve blood flow, thereby making it possible to  monitor the inflation of the balloon itself.

From Atlanta - The American College of Rheumatology has released new rheumatoid arthritis classification criteria. Researchers updated criteria from 1987 to reflect recent advances regarding RA--the intent to identify the condition early on in order to prevent joint damage.

And finally, from Geneva - The H1N1 pandemic is officially over, according to the World Health Organization. The absence of out-of-season H1N1 outbreaks, the waning intensity of outbreaks, and an adequate level of community acquired immunity to the virus are the reasons the declaration was made.