Latest news with #AVM
Business Wire
a day ago
- Health
- Business Wire
ZAP Surgical Announces First ZAP-X Gyroscopic Radiosurgery
SAN CARLOS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ZAP Surgical Systems, Inc., a global leader in non-invasive robotic brain surgery, today announced the first patient treatments using its ZAP-X® Gyroscopic Radiosurgery® platform in Latin America. Located in Neuland, Boquerón, Paraguay, Radioterapia Concordia ( has officially commenced clinical use, marking a major milestone in the decentralization of state-of-the-art brain tumor care across the region. In its first day of operation, four patients received next-generation stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) with ZAP-X® for a range of intracranial conditions, including meningioma, acoustic neuroma, trigeminal neuralgia, and arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Historically, patients in the central regions of Latin America have had limited or no access to modern SRS, often requiring travel to large metropolitan hubs like Buenos Aires, São Paulo, or Santiago. Radioterapia Concordia now offers these advanced treatments locally, helping bridge a longstanding healthcare gap for rural communities. 'People in rural areas deserve to receive world-class medical care where they live, from people they understand, and at a fair price,' said Prof. Dr. Peter Douglas Klassen, Founder of Saludconcordia SA. 'With ZAP-X, we are bringing the most advanced SRS capabilities to communities that have long been underserved.' The creation of Radioterapia Concordia is further bolstered by its strategic location along the Bi-Oceanic Corridor—a transformative infrastructure project linking Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Chile to improve regional access and trade. The new cancer center also benefits from its collaborative relationship with ZAP-X Zentrum Lingen in Germany, home to Europe's first ZAP-X system. 'This is more than just a technology deployment—it's a movement toward cooperative medicine,' said MBA MSc Edelgard Loewen, Case Manager at ZAP-X Zentrum Lingen. 'We're witnessing a new model emerge in Latin America—one that rises above the limitations of national and purely private healthcare systems to prioritize patients through altruistic, turnkey cancer care.' As an alternative to open brain surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery is a non-invasive, outpatient procedure used to treat many primary and metastatic brain tumors, as well as other disorders of the head and neck. Unlike traditional surgery however, SRS does not require incisions or anesthesia, and patients often return to normal activities the same day. The ZAP-X system is renowned for its unique gyroscopic design, which enables the delivery of radiosurgical beams from thousands of unique angles. This approach enhances the ability to concentrate radiation precisely on the tumor while minimizing dose to surrounding healthy brain tissue—an important factor in preserving cognitive function. ZAP-X is also the first and only vault-free SRS system, removing the need for costly shielded treatment rooms. Additionally, by utilizing a modern linear accelerator, ZAP-X eliminates the use of Cobalt-60, avoiding the exorbitant costs and regulatory burdens tied to radioactive isotopes. For more information about ZAP Surgical and the ZAP-X system, visit About ZAP Surgical Systems, Inc. ZAP Surgical Systems, Inc. designs and manufactures the ZAP-X® Gyroscopic Radiosurgery® platform. ZAP was founded in 2014 by Dr. John R. Adler, Emeritus Dorothy & TK Chan Professor of Neurosurgery and Radiation Oncology at Stanford University. Dr. Adler is also renowned as the inventor of the CyberKnife ® system and founder of Accuray, Inc. The ZAP-X platform incorporates a unique vault-free design that typically eliminates the need for costly shielded treatment rooms. ZAP-X also utilizes a modern linear accelerator to eliminate legacy use of Cobalt-60. Learn more at ZAP Surgical and follow us on LinkedIn.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Meriden woman with rare brain condition inspires others on social media
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — A Connecticut woman had no idea she had a rare brain condition since birth until she passed out and was flown to Hartford Hospital, where she would end up needing four surgeries. 'My mom had said that I came to her with a regular headache and she said within a matter of five minutes, I had passed out,' 26-year-old Michaela Williams of Meriden said. That jumpstarted her emergency medical ordeal. Dr. Eric Sussman, a Hartford Hospital neurosurgeon helped save her life. It turns out that Williams was among just 1% of the population to have a condition called arteriovenous malformation, or AVM. It is abnormal tangles of high pressure blood vessels in her brain. They flowed into delicate arteries which started to bleed under pressure. 'Removing the AVM is very, I think, one of the more complex surgeries that we do. But in her case it was just the whole clinical picture of her being sick and really teetering on the edge the whole time she was here,' Sussman, who specializes in vascular surgery, said. Sussman says Williams underwent four surgeries, including a craniotomy, where part of her skull was removed to allow her brain to heal for a period of time. Williams' strength and faith pulled her through. Sussman calls it miraculous. 'I'm still creative. I like to write. I like to paint. I like to go outside,' Williams said, who continues to make uplifting TikTok videos like she did before her diagnosis. She hopes to help others who may be going through a tough time. 'I want them to feel encouraged, understood, heard. I want them to feel like they're not the only one,' Williams would like to make a dating app for others living with brain injuries.'Everybody that follows me on TikTok, they are family. They encourage me, they push me, uplift me and we encourage and push and uplift each other,' Williams said. There are two very positive takeaways from Williams' journey. First, she was very lucky that her mother was home when she first passed out to get her emergency care. Second, Dr. Sussman said that her brain will continue to heal, possibly for a few more years. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Business Wire
05-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Veros Publishes New Research Paper on Optimizing AVM Testing Methodologies
SANTA ANA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Veros Real Estate Solutions (Veros®), a leading provider of collateral property valuation and risk management solutions, has released a groundbreaking new research paper which examines prevailing methodologies for testing the accuracy and performance of Automated Valuation Models (AVMs), a vital tool in the housing finance market. The paper, titled " Optimizing AVM Testing Methodologies," was thoroughly researched by Veros' Senior Research Economist, Reena Agrawal. It highlights key challenges and proposes an improved approach that aligns with real-world mortgage lending practices. "Some current AVM testing practices have inherent biases that can skew performance evaluations and misrepresent real-world accuracy." — David Rasmussen, EVP Operations at Veros Share As AVMs continue to play a critical role in property valuations for housing finance and risk assessment, the accuracy of AVM testing methodologies is increasingly under scrutiny. Veros' research paper provides an in-depth analysis of three testing approaches— purchase transactions testing, refinance/HELOC appraisal testing, and pre-MLS listing testing —assessing their strengths, limitations, and influences on reported AVM performance metrics such as P10 and hit rate. Key findings from the research paper include: Data Access & Timing Matter – A representative and accurate evaluation hinges on when the test is conducted and how much information the AVM can access. AVM Use Cases Matter – This paper emphasizes the critical importance of considering AVM use cases when evaluating AVM performance. A New Approach – This research aims to address some common and previously unchallenged opinions on AVM testing as it aims to significantly enhance the transparency and applicability of AVM testing results. "Some current AVM testing practices have inherent biases that can skew performance evaluations and misrepresent real-world accuracy," said David Rasmussen, EVP Operations at Veros. "The research by our Senior Research Economist underscores the need for a standardized, data-driven approach that aligns with how AVMs are actually used in lending decisions. By introducing a methodology that evaluates true AVM performance, we can ensure a more level playing field and improve the market's understanding and confidence in automated valuations." The research paper underscores the importance of continuous validation and the need for testing methodologies to evolve alongside advancements in technology and data availability within the property valuation spectrum. By challenging existing assumptions and proposing a more representative testing framework, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of AVM capabilities and their role in the housing finance market. Veros invites industry stakeholders, lenders, regulators, and AVM providers to review the research paper and join the discussion on refining AVM testing standards. The full research paper is available for download at: AVM Method Testing on VeroVALUE A mortgage technology innovator since 2001, Veros is a proven leader in enterprise risk management and collateral valuation services. The firm combines predictive technology, data analytics, and industry expertise to deliver advanced automated solutions that control risk and increase profits throughout the mortgage industry, from loan origination to servicing and securitization. Veros' services include automated valuation, fraud and risk detection, portfolio analysis, forecasting, and next-generation collateral risk management platforms. Veros is the primary architect and technology provider of the GSEs' Uniform Collateral Data Portal® (UCDP®). Veros also works closely with the FHA to support its Electronic Appraisal Delivery (EAD) portal. The company is also making the home-buying process more efficient for our nation's Veterans through its appraisal management work with the Department of Veterans Affairs. For more information, visit
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First Post
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
Meet YouTuber Nikki Lilly who lives AVM arrives at Cannes: How she is an inspiration & all you need to know about this rare disorder
Nicole Lilly Christou aka Nikki Lilly, the prominent British charity campaigner, YouTuber, author and television presenter, made a classy entry at Cannes Red Carpet, where she had arrived for the premiere of the film 'The History of Sound'. Sharing her pics from the festival, Lilly wrote, 'such a pinch me moment attending the 78th annual @festivaldecannes with my @lorealparis family and my very first time on that iconic red carpet ♥️ forever grateful' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Who is Nikki Lilly? The popular YouTuber covers topics including living with a chronic illness, bullying, mental health, baking and beauty on her channel. Lilly is from London, England and of Greek-Cypriot and Indian descent. She has been the subject of two episodes of the CBBC documentary series My Life: Born to Vlog, and I Will Survive for which Lilly also won the International Emmy Kids Awards in 2019. At the age of six, she was diagnosed with arteriovenous malformation (AVM). What is AVM? Arteriovenous malformation or AVM is a rare disorder, which is an abnormal connection between arteries and veins, bypassing the capillary system. In Nikki's condition, it affected blood vessels in the face. To date, Lilly has undergone over 90 surgeries to manage her health. She is an inspiration for everyone as despite facing severe challenges, Lilly is a ray of hope and continues to share awareness about AVM on her platform. Apart from Emmys, she remains the youngest recipient of the BAFTA Special Award. In one of the interviews, Nikki shared how her life would have been different if she had not started her YouTube channel. 'I think YouTube saved me. Like, that's such a big statement to make but I found YouTube in a time where I truly had nothing else. If I wasn't a YouTube video maker, I was an avid YouTube video watcher. And I think being able to delve in and escape into other people's lives really, and have a break from my own and the hardship that I was going through and being a sick kid, it meant so much to me. It was like being able to take a breath for two hours and take the weight off my shoulders a little bit. When I think about what I'd be doing now, I honestly have no idea. I mean, I think I would probably just still be sat at home in bed unable to leave the house. And there's been times when that is still the case sometimes, despite doing YouTube. But YouTube has done so much good for my life in ways that I never could have even imagined. And I kind of fell into it. I think that's what's been the beauty of it. I never started my channel with any anticipation of anything that I'd be able to do any of this, but also of how it would change me as a person for the better and my confidence and my love for myself. I had no idea where it would lead, so it's been like a journey of discovery. And it's kind of amazing to be able to watch back a chronicle of my life over the last 10 years. The growth and the self-assurance grow and develop as my videos go on through the years. I think it's a really special thing. Obviously, I have my days, but I think I'd be probably a much sadder person if it wasn't for YouTube because it's brought so much opportunity to my door over the years, but also it's also allowed me to accept myself, and feel more comfortable in my skin. When I used to make makeup videos, my appearance was changing before me and you're having to stare in the mirror and confront that by just putting on makeup. It's special to see everything I've been able to do,' Nikki told Principle magazine.
Associated Press
13-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Dart Appraisal Launches New "Portfolio AVM" Product
TROY, MICHIGAN / ACCESS Newswire / May 13, 2025 / Dart Appraisal, an independent, nationwide appraisal management company (AMC), continues to expand its product offerings with the launch of its new Portfolio AVM solution. Built with speed, accuracy and scale in mind, Portfolio AVM is ideal for Lenders who service loans they originate and Servicers who purchase from the original lending institution. 'We pride ourselves on listening to the needs of our customers and developing customized solutions to meet those needs. In this case, our clients were asking for a more cost-effective way to value large portions of their portfolio for both oversight and opportunity identification. All other methods, including traditional AVM pulls was just too cumbersome and cost prohibitive' said Michael Dresden, CEO of Dart Appraisal. 'Portfolio AVM is our response to that need and another example of how Dart prioritizes and acts on the needs of our clients. We're excited about the early adoption of Portfolio AVM and encouraged by the positive feedback we've been receiving since product rollout'. An automated valuation model calculates an estimated property value by using mathematical models along with a database of similar properties. A Portfolio AVM can do this for thousands of properties at a time so that servicing. This allows Servicers to: Available nationwide, Portfolio AVM reporting includes a value range with confidence score. Dart believes that the best way to get the most accurate valuation of a property is through a skilled, licensed appraiser. But we also know that a full appraisal is not always possible or required. So, if you are a Lender or Servicer who wants a quick, effective way to evaluate your loan portfolio, we'd love to discuss Portfolio AVM with you as well as our suite of other valuation products to see what best suits your specific needs. You can email us at [email protected] or call us at Contact Information Lon Bollenbacher VP, Marketing SOURCE: Dart Appraisal press release
