WAGING "WAR AGAINST INFLAMMATION"
6/1/2023 -
One of the most comprehensive ways to confirm the results of any treatment is by clinically tracking the body's physiological response from underneath the skin. Diagnostic imaging captures measurable data about the injured or inflamed area, allowing both clinicians and patients the ability to identify therapeutic progress in real time. AngioFoundation researchers have united with innovators in the science of PHOTOBIOMODULATION (PBM) and PULSED NEUROMAGNETIC technologies to form this unique Image Guided protocol. Candidly called "Scan & Treat", imaging specialists may have finally closed the gap between non-surgical regenerative technologies and the real-time monitoring of its effects on the body. To collect quantitative biometrics through ultrasound and elastography is now available at one of our collaborative DEMO DAYS at the AngioFoundation headquarters (Soon to be erected as Bard Diagnostics Lab).
INFLAMMATION 101
Part of the complex biological response of body tissues to harmful stimuli (such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants) is inflammation. It is also a protective response involving immune cells, blood vessels, and molecular mediators. The function of inflammation is to eliminate the initial cause of cell injury, clear out necrotic cells and tissues damaged from the original insult and the inflammatory process, and initiate tissue repair.
The five cardinal signs are heat, pain, redness, swelling, and loss of function. Inflammation is a generic response, and therefore it is considered as a mechanism of innate immunity. Too little inflammation could lead to progressive tissue destruction by the harmful stimulus (e.g. bacteria) and compromise the survival of the organism. In contrast, too much inflammation, in the form of chronic inflammation, is associated with various diseases, such as hay fever, periodontal disease, atherosclerosis, and osteoarthritis. ACUTE inflammation is the initial response of the body to harmful stimuli from the blood into the injured tissues. A series of biochemical events propagates and matures the inflammatory response within the injured tissue. Prolonged or CHRONIC inflammation, leads to a progressive shift in the type of cells in the inflamed area and is characterized by simultaneous destruction & healing of the tissue from the inflammatory process.
QUANTITATIVE IMAGING CONFIRMS THERAPEUTIC RESPONSE
One of the most comprehensive ways to confirm the results of any treatment is by clinically tracking the body's physiological response from underneath the skin. Diagnostic imaging captures measurable data about the injured or inflamed area, allowing both clinicians and patients the ability to identify therapeutic progress in real time. Widely preferred scanning modalities include the Doppler Blood Flow Ultrasound (or sonography) and Elastography, both using high-frequency sound waves to view inside the body. Like an internal video camera, these high speed scanning innovations capture actual movement of the body's internal organs. This offers a vast amount of biometric information about the patient’s condition, in comparison to still images of conventional x-rays. The ultrasound's ability to evaluate abnormalities within the soft tissue in research and clinical trials are widely used in recording evidence-based biomarkers to trace therapeutic efficacy.
Advancements in ENERGY MEDICINE - By: Dr. Roberta Kline
The term "energy medicine" has been in general use since the founding of the International Society for the Study of Subtle Energies and Energy Medicine in the 1980s. Energy medicine often proposes that imbalances in the body's "energy field" result in illness, and that by re-balancing the body's energy-field health can be restored. Some modalities are described to "bring balance to the body's overall wellness", while others bring claims of addressing pain, detoxing, cell regeneration or improve overall energy. Every living thing requires energy to exist and function, and this comes in different forms. For example, in the human body are “energy generators” called the mitochondria. These tiny powerhouses in our cells convert fat, protein and glucose into ATP – the energy that fuels everything that is needed for us to be alive. When that vibrational frequency or information flow is disrupted or altered, cellular health suffers and the end result can range from minor aches and pains to major illness. But now our knowledge of the Energy of the Biofield also provides the opportunity for healing in a much more effective way that can complement or even replace the need for more invasive conventional therapies. (see complete report on Energy Medicine)
PHOTOBIOMODULATION
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM) is a form of medicine that applies low-power lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to the surface of the body. It is claimed that application of low-power lasers relieves pain or stimulates and enhances cell function. It addresses the underlying cause of all dysfunction in the body (inflammation & disease) and that is cellular health and wellness. Red light is known for its ability to penetrate deeper into the skin- and can be absorbed by cells deep in the body. Today's technology offers Red Light therapy in a variety of devices with different capacities, including the red light bed panels and targeted deep tissue laser therapy systems.
ELECTROMAGNETICS
PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic fields) devices have a wide range of frequencies available. They can influence cell membrane potentials of many different tissues to enhance communication and increase blood flow, decrease inflammation and activate a number of genes possibly through epigenetics. Pharmacology is also leveraging electromagnetics to explore more effective ways of getting medications into cells. Drug delivery systems are being developed using nanoparticles that can manipulate cell membrane electromagnetic fields to improve absorption. In 1979 the FDA approved PEMF therapy for stimulating bone growth, and in 1987 for adjunct therapy for treating postoperative edema and pain. The FDA also approved PEMF therapy for the treatment of patients with depression in 2011. For both animals and humans, PEMF therapy is marketed commercially to address inflammation by stimulating microcirulation, the lymphatic vessels and mobilizing toxins from the cells more efficiently. PEMF therapy is also reported to support restorative health mechanically by improving blood flow.
This educational literature is brought to you by the educational dept. of: BARD DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING
CLINICAL RESEARCH PROGRAM: DEVICE VALIDATIONTHROUGH IMAGING
11/25/2022- The concept behind ‘MEDICAL VALIDATION’ underscores the commitment of “ensuring that health or medical devices shall consistently provide the effects and benefits they are intended. Dr. Robert Bard (NYC) officially drafted an official update to his blueprint coordinating clinical monitoring and validation of non-invasive devices through diagnostic imaging protocols (under Institutional Review Board approved through HHS and FDA regulations). The primary monitoring and biometric reporting research protocol employs the use of medical grade 3D Doppler Ultrasound imaging ... (PDF:see details)
RESEARCH PROJECT: DENSE BREAST IN ATHLETIC COMMUNITY-
9/22/2021- For women with any level of breast density, one of the major concerns is the alarming rate of false positives that may align with cancers missed by a mammogram. The other concern is that women with dense breasts have a naturally higher risk of breast cancer than women with fatty breasts, and the risk increases with increasing breast density. (This increased risk is separate from the effect of dense breasts on the ability to read a mammogram.). The main focal points of this research project covers the diagnostic study of ATHLETIC WOMEN or those with LOW BODY MASS INDEX (bet 12-22% body fat).
"SEEING IS BELIEVING": Advantages of Imaging in Research Studies
QUANTIFIABLE DETECTION OF THERAPY RESPONSE
MEDICAL IMAGING refers to the set of FDA approved modalities that are used to view the human body in order to diagnose and monitor medical conditions or the response of its treatments. The types of common modalities include X-rays, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), Ultrasound, CT scan (computed tomography scan) and Nuclear medicine imaging including Positron Emission Tomography (PET) [1][2]
Ultrasound imaging (sonography) uses high-frequency sound waves to view inside the body. Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can also show movement of the body's internal organs as well as blood flowing through the blood vessels. Unlike X-ray imaging, Ultrasound uses NO ionizing radiation exposure whatsoever.[3] This modality (sometimes referred to as "the orthopedic stethoscope"), offers easy access, portability, affordability and real-time monitoring and is safe for all patients, including those with cardiac pacemakers and metal implants, without any contraindications.
TRACKING THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS THROUGH BLOOD FLOW REACTIONS
To date, the ultrasound's ability to evaluate abnormalities within the soft tissue such as cysts, tumors and inflammation is used to help identify an expanded set of pathologies in the body. Since the early 1970's, Dr. Robert L. Bard (NYC Cancer Radiologist) has used diagnostic imaging for pre and post procedural guidance, and diagnostic care (screening and monitoring) of his patients. Dr. Bard is also recognized for his use of ultrasound in pharmaceutical research and clinical trials, where his leadership in analytical interpretation is sought after worldwide for identifying markers and therapeutic efficacy.
Throughout his career, Dr. Bard has employed this imaging strategy to detect, track and confirm the body's reaction to a variety of therapeutic interventions. He has conducted medical center based double-blinded, corporate sponsored and private studies reviewing the effects of injectable therapies (PRP, Stem Cell therapies, etc) as well as non-invasive therapeutic interventions in studies of neuro-stimulation, electrostimulation and electromagnetic field treatments. His approach involves the comparative study of measurable scanning data or quantitative ultrasound (QUS) which aims at recording interactions between the behavior and activity of biological tissue microstructure and ultrasound waves [5][6]. From a time-based comparative study of the treated area (before and after studies), Dr. Bard applies the use of blood flow detection technology or hemodynamic data gathering protocols, document specific objective and quantifiable biological responses to therapeutic treatments.
The most sensible and logical way to identify the results of any treatment is by tracking the body's response to it. Controlled testing must show the patient's condition PRE and POST effects, where true data-finding is collecting the necessary EVIDENCE of its claims. The investigator can pull a significant amount of data from this form of oberservational testing and recording: including stage-by-stage bodily response to future projections of possible side effects. Recording of any and all psysiological response means the researchers are counting on the patient's body to tell us what it is undergoing during the testing phase. To prevent mis-reading and erroneous reports, trials tend to work with a large number of test patients (commonly 50-100) and may also employ redundancies like undergoing multiple testing protocols for a second or even third opinion. To capture the benefits of a BEFORE AND AFTER review, Imaging is often used as a standard screening solution for the response of most of the major organs.
COMBINING MULTIPLE INNOVATIONS FOR IMPROVED WELLNESS Today's clinical leaders are in constant search for new solutions to old problems. Historically, the medical community has uncovered many remarkable new solutions to countless health issues and symptoms by combining the use of compatible innovations. The AngioFoundation supports the test-driving & evaluation of current therapeutic solutions and exploring the concept of joint application of multiple technologies to advance the prospect of improved therapeutic performance. By joining specific technologies that support common or complementary targeting, we may actually discover a new treatment paradigm or add significant response (including the reduction in recovery time) in the restorative process.
INDEPENDENT CASE STUDIES: EFFICACY & PROGRESS TRACKING Use of Advanced Digital 3D Doppler Sonographic Imaging technology to MONITOR, TRACK, SCREEN and IDENTIFY all treatment responses, successes & efficacy. The AngioFoundation team is experienced with designing a comprehensive Clinical Trial format for all medical protocol developers. The Doppler system is the safest repeat scanning solution for performance monitoring and staging use (no radiation) allowing the tester to accurately achieve and generate a comparative view of Before-After studies. Working with all test patients within this proven and stable paradigm can be incorporated with other current imaging technologies such as MRI, CT etc. Acquire useful data from concurrent patient testing programs such as: duration of desired response, resistance analysis, dosage-effect ratios, statistics assessment, secondary physiological responses and more.
REPORTING FOR INSTITUTIONAL STANDARDS & COMPLIANCE Dr. Bard has supported countless projects, many of them pertaining to the achievement of regulatory standards. From medical device companies, clinical labs and pharma products, our resarch programs have helped to achieve
proper certifications and compliance. By this, we perform a complete and highly detailed objective analysis of the product in question- reviewing all available benefits, a comprehensive assessment of their intended usage and short and long term effects- detailed within your compliance applications, supportive documentation and ansilary reporting.
CUSTOMIZED DESIGNS OF RESEARCH STUDIES As a researcher, Dr. Bard welcomes collaborating with all developers under varying types of research paradigms. To determine a conclusive study within sensible variable scenarios or to help identify and confirm the developer's intended results of their product design, we can offer a wide array of clincal trial design angles including: CASE-CONTROL STUDIES, CASE REPORTING, META ANALYSES,
COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS, DOUBLE BLIND STUDIES, EMPIRICAL RESEARCH just to name a few.
DEDICATED MONITORING OF PRE AND POST-TREATMENT PROGRESS
Within a closed testing program of 45-50 patients, a comparative review of pre and post treatment allows the developer a clear view of its efficacy and performance. Through the use of various imaging technologies and the experienced assessment strategies of our diagnosticians, we are able to provide the desired data which leads the devleoper to identify quality standards as they apply to the inevitable end user en masse.
From Local to Global:
ENTER THE AGE OF REMOTE MEDICAL ACCESS
The subdermal ultrasonic technology has become a powerful new standard in diagnosing and treating patients. The movement to "go digital' also brings significant advantages between clinicians in different locations by allowing them to share patient scans and test images in real time. This benefit is also greatly used in clinical trials from multiple locations. Working with a team is no longer limited to localized personnel; today's medical project allows complete working access to the most credentialed experts from any part of the globe. Dr. Bard has proven this work paradigm throughout his career -having partnered with countless clinical teams and research groups in European medical centers who sought his specific experience and diagnostic talents. Thanks to the use of the latest CLOUD-BASED imaging programs, trial projects can easily acquire, host, transfer and securely deliver any and all 3D/4D subdermal imaging of a patient (or test case) via REMOTE ACCESS. This innovation significantly adds a new level of efficiency and performance to any research project while greatly reducing trial costs and delays.
Contributing to the evolution of SCIENCE
by: Dr. Robert L. Bard
I welcome all solutionists and innovators who support the healing arts community. I have devoted my specialized work to pursue the advancement of MEDICAL RESEARCH with NON-INVASIVE SURROGATE ENDPOINTS with the hopes of contributing my talents to the performance of your current and future projects. With over 45 years in the field of advanced diagnostic science, my life's work has been about the clinical examination and targeted analyses of all subdermal disorders using the latest quantifiable digital imaging innovations. I have established an entire foundation dedicated to Medical Research committed originally to the exploratory studies of all cancer treatment proctocols. Alongside this, I have also been most active in collaboration with some of the top treatment strategists, health centers, clinical labs, experimental / alternative treatment professionals and medical device manufacturers. I have earned a reputation for my investigative approach within various examination paradigms including progress monitoring and surveillance.
As a CO-INVESTIGATOR, I have the greatest interest in supporting all entities committed to contributing technical innovations and new advancements in treatment solutions for our medical community. By this, I wish to build a partnership with establishing research teams to conduct clinical test projects where my talents to support visual reporting through imaging to be a priceless benefit to your overall objectives. Most research sponsors and medical developers' testing and tracking needs often fall into one of a number of common task categories- all within the objectives of public health, safety and healthcare support. I look forward to learning about your project with the hopes of supporting your needs and objectives.
Research & Educational PROGRAMS The AngioFoundation has been recognized worldwide by official medical organizations and peer reviews for its work in FIVE MAIN focal topics and class divisions. We continually maintain and update research works in these categories to support the advancement of these disciplines as part of The AngioFoundation's commitment to the scientific community. Below is a selected examples of medical reseearch projects:
• Efficacy of Injected Hyaluronidase Filler Reduction Dept Dermatology Mt Sinai
Marmur E HS#14-00291 | Icahn School of Medicine 2015
• Photoacoustic and Optical Imaging
Bard R, Krueger L, Rasmussen S Rockefeller University 2013-2014
• Doppler Evaluation of Radiation Treatment Response
Bard R, Kaplan A 2013-2014 NY Medical College
• 3D Doppler Sonography of Malignant Melanoma
Bard R, Lefkovitz A In conjunction with Mt Sinai Medical Center New York, NY 2013-2014
• 3D Imaging of Psoriasis
Bard R, Lebwohl M, Wortsman X In conjunction with Mt. Sinai Med Ctr New York, NY 2012
• Doppler Vessel Density in Melanoma
Morton D, Bard R in conjunction with John Wayne Cancer Institute Santa Monica 2009-2010
• Prostatic Volume Reduction Implementing Radiotherapy Treatment Application
Rotman M, Bard R. Applications in Prostate Cancer Patients 2006-2008
In conjunction with Downstate Medical Center Brooklyn, NY
• Ultrasonography of the Spine in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Smith M, Bard R | Dept Rheumatology St. Vincents Hospital New York 2000-2001
in conjunction with New York Medical College Valhalla, NY
• Ultrasound Evaluation of the Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Smith M, Prashad R, Bard R et al | Dept Rheumatology St. Vincents Hospital New York 1997-1998 in conjunction with New York Medical College Valhalla, NY
Scientific PUBLICATIONS A significant asset to the medical community is publishing our research studies for complete academic access through medical journals and through full-text distribution with Springer Publishing Inc. Publishing all findings of our research reports maintains the tradition of supporting the growth of current and future generations of clinicians and for the expansion of the vast majority of relevant audiences who benefit from our discoveries. Under the authorship of Dr. Robert Bard, we have amassed over 18 combined years of research and generated countless articles, over 22 scientific textbooks with various topics and hundreds of presentations to the medical community worldwide.
Recent & Innovative PROJECTS Within the past decade, the world of medicine has witnessed (and achieved) a significant amount of success with STEM CELL therapies managing a wide range of disorders. There are 2 main types of stem cell transplant processes- AUTOLOGOUS (source of harvested cells are the same as the recipient) and ALLOGENIC (sourced from a matching donor). Concentrates of regenerative cells can be extracted from bone marrow, unbillical cord (newborns) or fat (adipose) cells & bloodstream. Patients are (now) recognized to receive treatments for a growing list of isses such as ORTHOPEDIC damage (bone and joint injuries) and AUTO-IMMUME DISORDERS (lupus, arthritis, diabetes ). NEUROLOGICAL ISSUES are also now being addressed by stem cell treatments whereby research and testing for treatment efficacy relating to the Nervous System is also in full swing within the clinical community.
Dr. Bard's 4D Doppler
capabilities have become the preferred non-invasive solution with research programs to seek out treatment testing or application performance tracking for this exact type of exploratory testing. Dr. Bard has the capacity to identify and track prestroke vasospasms, any increase in intracranial pressure, brain aneurysms
and many degenerative disorders. (See related article)
Early collaboration with technological FRONTIERSHIP
In 1976, during Dr. Bard's days as a young radiologist, he was approached by Dr. Henry Leis Jr., the pioneer doctor who wrote the very first text on breast cancer and developed mammography 18- a means of early diagnosis and instrumental in the use of many of the less invasive procedures used in the treatment of breast cancer today. He confessed with great concern that he had all these patients with lumpy or cystic breasts developing tumors that he could clearly feel but the mammogram kept missing it. Seeking Dr. Bard's help through sonogram technology, they worked on his patients together and the sonogram clearly identified and quickly diagnosed a mass as either a cancer or a benign cyst, in a dense, lumpy breast. Since then, the sonogram became incorporated in high-risk patients’ regimen every six months religiously because it finds tumors while they're small and “lumpectomy” surgery is curative if the mass is less than 1 cm. This is alongside doing mammograms once a year in women over 50 or unless they have a history of cancer- at which case, we do it starting at age 45.
Research Support and Fundraising EVENTS
May 10, 2018- NYC; The LOTOS CLUB hosted the 2018 speaker series with Dr. Robert Bard's opening presentation on Early Detection & Prevention by NYCRA (New York Cancer Resource Alliance) and endorsed Dr. Bard to launch this theme because of his expanded knowledge in today's modern diagnostic technologies and non-invasive applications including the 4D Doppler ultrasound technology - much of which has been driven by European medical influence for the cancer treatment community. Dr. Bard is an internationally recognized leading expert in the use of this process for the screening, scanning and pre/post procedural monitoring of Breast, Prostate & Skin Cancers. He is also known for his public mission to replace surgical analysis of tumors with his coined "digital biopsies". Dr. Bard gave the standing-room only audience at the LOTOS CLUB an astounding look at the effectiveness of his imaging process to the surgical chain. He shared images of actual patient cases including the study of blood flow in tumors, behaviors of cysts, foreign bodies in trauma cases, fracture analysis and proven ways that cancers can be safely detected, studied and even treated with the use of non-surgical means. The high accuracy of 3D-4D Histogram analysis allows cancer treatment to be implemented without invasive biopsies that may spread tumor cells. (full article)
Educational PROGRAMS The AngioFoundation has been recognized worldwide by official medical organizations and peer reviews for its work in FIVE MAIN focal topics and class divisions. We continually maintain and update research works in these categories to support the advancement of these disciplines as part of The AngioFoundation's commitment to the scientific community.
Advanced use of Doppler Sonographic Imaging technology to identify malignant cancers and monitor their behavior through blood flow parameters- (Breast, Lung, Bladder, Prostate, Melanoma, etc) which correlates with comparative studies with other current technologies such as MRI, CT etc.
Research / assessment of musculoskeletal disorders (arthritis, inflammation, trauma) and dermatological issues through the advanced use of 3D/4D ULTRASOUND innovations.
TECH REVIEWER: Beta-testing, industry-wide comparative feature review/evaluation program. Drafting of FDA application / compliance documentation of digital imaging technologies (models, brands and generations) including sub-dermal and musculoskeletal treatment devices
Internal study of all cancer issues and health disorders of victims associated with 9/11 and other disaster-related environmental toxic exposures. Collaboration with geological labs & environmental statistics. (See First Responders Cancer Resource)
Function review / performance evaluation program of all laser-based medical equipment including devices specializing in sub-dermal musculatory treatment of chronic disorders.
Research results in APPLIED SCIENCE
IMAGING ASSISTS SURGICAL PLANNING OF INDICATED BIOPSIES
In my extensive career as the medical director of an advanced imaging diagnostics practice, I have provided great assistance to many surgeons with my work using advanced Doppler Scanning of Tumors and Cosmetic Disorders. I have uncovered countless dermal and subcutaneous issues that would have otherwise gone undetected with less effective technologies, leading to potential complications in the surgical procedure and patient recovery. The advancement in this innovation empowers upcoming surgical procedures with remarkable confidence of a safer end result. Where biopsies are becoming a thing of the past, our non-invasive 4D Digital imaging replaces weeks of lab work and radiologic tests and often provides more useful information.
DIGITAL BIOPSY CASES: WHAT ARE YOU ABOUT TO BIOPSY? WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE NEEDLE INSERTS?Here we have 2 subdermal masses which are non tender and firm with no history of trauma. Case A: The oval mass (dark echoes=suspicious) with irregular vessels (red) was referred as a probable cyst or lipoma. The tumor is highly vascular and connected from the aorta by way of the subclavian feeding artery. Liposuction could result in massive hemorrhage and spread of tumor cells into the circulation.
Case B: The ovoid white region (bright echoes=benign) is ossified as confirmed by the CT scan of the coccyx. The sonogram allows you to reassure the patient it is NOT CANCER. It prompts one to avoid a standard needle that could bend, crack or dislodge into the soft tissues requiring further exploration to locate/retrieve the broken metal fragment.