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The new Save the Meniscus awareness campaign highlights the importance of the meniscus for the long-term health of the knee joint. Thanks to modern minimally invasive techniques, doctors are increasingly seeking to preserve and repair damaged menisci. Appropriate treatment can help reduce the risk of osteoarthritis and delay or eliminate the need for joint replacement.

All it takes is one awkward step, a sudden change of direction or improperly managed physical activity, and the meniscus can become injured. Meniscus injuries are not limited to professional athletes. They occur just as frequently among amateur athletes and people who suddenly return to intensive physical activity after a longer break.

The meniscus is a small but very important part of the knee joint. By absorbing shocks, stabilizing the knee and distributing load, it protects the articular cartilage, which, unlike some other tissues, has only a limited ability to regenerate.

The importance of prevention, early diagnosis and modern treatment options is highlighted by the new Save the Meniscus awareness campaign, created in cooperation with Arthrex, the professional organizations Czech Society for Orthopaedics and Traumatology (ČSOT), Society for Sports Traumatology and Arthroscopy of the Czech Medical Association J. E. Purkyně (SSTA), and the Slovak Society for Sports Traumatology and Arthroscopy (SSAST).

The Meniscus as Protection for the Knee Joint

The menisci act as natural shock absorbers between the femur and tibia. They help distribute pressure within the joint, provide stability and support the proper distribution of synovial fluid, which nourishes and lubricates the cartilage.

“If a significant part of the meniscus is missing, the knee loses an important shock absorber and protection for the articular cartilage. In selected patients, particularly younger ones, meniscal transplantation using donor tissue may be considered, but this is not a solution for everyone, and the original meniscus can never be completely replaced. This is precisely why it is essential to preserve as much of the patient’s own healthy meniscal tissue as possible during the first procedure. Every millimeter of preserved meniscus can be important for the long-term future of the knee,” explains Prof. MUDr. Petr Zeman, Ph.D., MBA, member of the committee of the Society for Sports Traumatology and Arthroscopy of the Czech Medical Association J. E. Purkyně, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology of the Musculoskeletal System, University Hospital in Plzeň.

Following a meniscus injury, the load placed on the cartilage may gradually increase, potentially leading to osteoarthritis over the long term. This is why the approach to treating meniscus injuries has changed significantly in recent years.

“Just a few years ago, it was common practice to remove the entire meniscus or its damaged portion when an injury occurred. Today, we know that the absence of the meniscus leads to degenerative changes that can result in osteoarthritis. Whenever possible, we aim to preserve the meniscus and restore its function through reconstruction. The goal of modern treatment is not simply to eliminate pain, but above all to preserve knee function for the future,” says Prof. MUDr. Vojtěch Havlas, Ph.D., Chairman of the Czech Society for Orthopaedics and Traumatology of the Musculoskeletal System, Head of the Department of Paediatric and Adult Orthopaedics and Traumatology at the 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, and Motol University Hospital and Homolka Hospital.

“Modern orthopaedics increasingly uses gentle, minimally invasive techniques that make it possible to preserve the meniscus. One of the most common methods is arthroscopic surgery, a procedure performed through small incisions in the knee, allowing the physician to accurately assess the extent of the damage and choose the most appropriate treatment,” says Assoc. Prof. MUDr. Jakub Kautzner, Ph.D., Vice-Chairman of the Society for Sports Traumatology and Arthroscopy of the Czech Medical Association J. E. Purkyně, Department of Paediatric and Adult Orthopaedics and Traumatology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, and Motol University Hospital and Homolka Hospital.

“When repairing a meniscus, its healing capacity is an important factor, particularly its blood supply. In some cases, biological healing support methods can also be used, such as the application of platelet-rich plasma,” concludes MUDr. Radim Kalina, Ph.D., Chairman of the Society for Sports Traumatology and Arthroscopy of the Czech Medical Association J. E. Purkyně, Department of Orthopaedics, University Hospital Olomouc.

When preserving the meniscus, the quality of healing is more important than speed. Recovery after meniscus repair is generally longer than after removal of part of the damaged tissue. This is because the aim is to give the meniscus sufficient time to heal. Properly guided rehabilitation and gradual loading are key to a successful return to active movement and sport.

Physical activity is important for joint health. However, appropriate management of exercise load is essential.

How to Take Care of Healthy Knees

• regularly strengthen the thigh and gluteal muscles, which help stabilize the knee,
• work on balance and movement coordination,
• always warm up before exercise and increase the load gradually,
• pay attention to proper technique when performing squats, landing or changing direction,
• do not ignore pain or swelling, as these may be signs that the knee needs rest or professional examination.

Save the Meniscus Awareness Campaign

The Save the Meniscus project was created to raise public awareness of the importance of the meniscus, prevention, early diagnosis and modern approaches to treating meniscus injuries.

The campaign provides information on how to recognize symptoms of meniscus problems, when to seek professional medical help and why preserving the meniscus, rather than removing it, is increasingly preferred in modern treatment.

The main message of the project is simple: a preserved meniscus means a better chance of maintaining a healthy and active knee in the future.

More information about the campaign and knee care:
www.zachranmeniskus.cz

OB klinika, in collaboration with Boston Scientific, is launching a prestigious international study focused on the non-surgical treatment of obesity. Individuals with a BMI over 30 are offered free participation in a program that uses a, minimally invasive method aimed at achieving significant weight loss without surgery. Results from previous studies show that participants can lose up to three times more weight than with diet or exercise alone—amounting to a loss of 15–20 kg.

For those who have struggled with obesity long-term but are concerned about surgical procedures and general anesthesia, this opportunity may represent a suitable solution.

The study is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a simple, minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure using a gastric balloon (BIB), an innovative tool in obesity treatment. This non-surgical procedure requires no incisions, stitches, or permanent anatomical changes. The balloon is inserted during a short endoscopic procedure lasting approximately 20–30 minutes. It is a soft silicone balloon filled with 400–700 ml of saline solution and remains in the stomach for six months. By partially filling the stomach, it induces a feeling of fullness and helps patients better control portion sizes.

What else does participation in the study offer?

Throughout the program, participants will be under the supervision of experienced specialists. OB klinika provides comprehensive support, including nutritional and psychological care, not only during the treatment itself but also as part of a 12-month follow-up period. The program therefore offers not only the procedure itself but also long-term guidance toward lifestyle change.

Both the insertion and removal of the balloon are performed on an outpatient basis during a short procedure. Side effects are minimal. In the first few days after insertion, patients may experience nausea until the body adjusts to the balloon; however, compared to pharmacological or surgical obesity treatments, this method is considered gentle.

The gastric balloon is particularly suitable for patients in whom conservative methods, such as diet or exercise therapy, have failed. For patients with more severe obesity, it can also serve as preparation before bariatric surgery and help reduce surgical risks.

OB klinika is a specialized healthcare facility providing comprehensive outpatient and inpatient care in the field of obesity treatment and prevention, as well as related conditions.

Individuals interested in participating in the study—both women and men over the age of 18—can already apply at OB klinika. The number of places is limited. Admission is determined by OB klinika specialists based on a short outpatient examination.

Social media has become a significant force in shaping consumer decision-making, influencing how individuals evaluate products, engage with brands, and respond to them after purchase. The discussion begins by examining the impact of influencer marketing, particularly how aspirational content and materialistic attitudes can drive imitation and lead to impulsive or unsatisfying purchases. It then analyses the rise oflivestream shopping, which offers real-time interaction but may also prompt scepticism when persuasive tactics emerge. The essay further explores growing trust in peer-generated reviews alongside the risks of misinformation. Finally, it considers how social media shapes post-purchase behaviour, including reassurance seeking and cognitive dissonance.

As social media has grown, influencers have emerged as a significant source of information regarding current trends and product evaluations (Dinh et al., 2023). According to Statista (2025), the global influencer marketing market reached $24 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $32.55 billion in 2025, highlighting its increasing impact on customer decision-making and brand strategies. Exposure to influencers’ content can subtly encourage followers to imitate their behaviour and develop materialistic attitudes, which may lead to purchasing the products they promote (Dinh et al., 2023). Ruvio et al. (2013) note that, in the context of consumer behaviour, mimicking consumption patterns is generally carried out through a conscious, intentional process rather than spontaneously. Individuals are aware of their actions, and their motivation often stems from a desire to resemble other consumers or emulate a role model whose behaviour they perceive as aspirational (Ruvio et al.,2013).Materialism plays a significant role in shaping consumer behaviour, especially in the context of influencer marketing (Dinh et al., 2023).

From Inspiration to Impulse

Such influence is largely due to the fact that they perceive the promoted products as tools to enhance their social image and strengthen their emotional connection to the influencer’s personality (Mehmood et al., 2025), which, in turn, can lead to impulsive buying and dissatisfaction if expectations are not met.

While influencer marketing continues to shape consumer behaviour through aspirational content and materialistic appeal, another emerging trend is transforming how customers interact with brands in real time. Livestream shopping is becoming a popular strategy among UK brands, combining entertainment, direct interaction, and online retail into one engaging format (Mintel, 2025). Inspired by its success in China, companies are testing this approach to strengthen customer relationships and increase sales (Mintel, 2025). China has established itself as the leading global e-commerce market, characterised by its vast consumer base and exceptionally fast-paced development (Song et al., 2024). This may suggest that UK brands look to China as an example when adopting livestream shopping strategies, given its proven effectiveness in a highly competitive market. According to research on forms of “shoppertainment” generating the most consumer interest in Europe, including the UK, livestreaming on e-commerce platforms ranked highest at 59%, followed closely by livestreaming on social media at 53% (Statista, 2025). Live-stream shopping further humanises brands by showcasing the real people behind them, something static logos cannot easily convey (Mintel, 2025).

One potential drawback of livestream shopping arises when consumers recognise the persuasive techniques used by streamers (Song et al., 2024). This awareness can lead to increased scepticism and caution, ultimately decreasing the chances of them proceeding with a purchase (Song et al., 2024).

Trusting the Crowd: The Growing Power of Peer Reviews

While livestream shopping focuses on interaction between brands and consumers, another significant trend centres on connections among customers themselves.Businesses are increasingly recognising the value of customer-to-customer interaction as a way to strengthen customer engagement(Sury et al., 2024). This shift is driven by growing trust in authentic opinions shared on social media (Sury et al., 2024). According to Mintel (2024), around36% of surveyed consumers trust evaluations on social media more than reviews on retailer websites, largely due to inconsistencies across retail platforms.Threads (60%) and TikTok (59%) rank as the most trusted sources, highlighting a clear move toward social media, particularly among younger generations who increasingly rely on these platforms for purchase decisions (Mintel, 2024).

The Dark Side of Social Proof: Misinformation and Bias

However, this reliance on peer-generated content can also lead to misinformation or biased recommendations, as social media lacks the same level of verification found on official retail platforms. For instance, Borges do Nascimento et al. (2022) argue that social media platforms frequently host health-related misinformation, especially regarding vaccines and medical treatments.

Building on this reliance on peer-generated content, it is important to consider how social media continues to shape consumer behaviour even after the purchase has been made. Post-purchase behaviour describes how consumers respond after buying a product, largely influenced by the gap between their expectations and the product’s actual performance (Armstrong et al.,2019). When expectations exceed reality, dissatisfaction may occur, and consumers often share these experiences withpeers both face-to-face and online, potentially harming the brand (Armstrong et al.,2019). On social media, this could appear as negative reviews, yet satisfied customers might also post positive feedback, which not only reinforces their own purchase decision but can also encourage others to make a purchase. Furthermore, as Armstrong et al. (2019) explain, cognitive dissonance refers to the discomfort caused by post-purchase conflict. Consumers experiencing this discomfort may seek reassurance through social media, where favourable reviews could help validate their decision. Interestingly, research suggests that materialistic consumers, previously discussed in relation to influencer marketing, are particularly prone to negative emotions afterspending, even on products designed to provide pleasure (Brown et al., 2016).

Consumer decision-making is increasingly shaped by the pervasive influence of social media. As shown in this essay, influencers help brands promote and sell products, benefiting companies, but sometimes leading to overconsumption or dissatisfaction. When consumers recognise persuasive tactics used by influencers or livestream hosts, scepticism can grow and reduce purchase intentions. Peer-generated reviews often seem more trustworthy than retailer platforms, yet the risk of misleading information, including health-related misinformation, underscores the need for caution. Social media also shapes post-purchase behaviour, as reassurance seeking may ease concerns or intensify cognitive dissonance.Overall, social media’s powerful yet complex influence highlights the need for critical evaluation in purchasing decisions and greater caution from brands when using social media marketing.

Betty Novotna, University of Portsmouth

· The Multicenter Study Will Evaluate the ElePulse™ PFA System in Patients with Symptomatic, Drug-Refractory Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

· ElePulse Introduces a True Single-Shot, Single-Position Approach

BERLIN, Germany – BIOTRONIK today announced the enrollment of the first patient in the RESET AF 3D Study, a clinical study to evaluate the ElePulse™ Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) System for performance in patients in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). The study aims to support CE Mark approval for the ElePulse PFA System, which introduces a single-shot, single-position approach to pulmonary vein isolation.

The first procedure on a patient as part of the study was performed at Na Homolce Hospital in Prague, Czech Republic by Prof. Dr. Vivek Reddy, Director, Cardiac Electrophysiology, Mount Sinai Health System, New York, USA. “The procedure using the new ElePulse PFA System was efficient. Its single-shot, single-position design performed well and has real potential to simplify AF ablation workflows,” said Prof. Reddy.

Prof. Petr Neužil, Head of the Department of Cardiology, Na Homolce Hospitaladded:“We are proud to enroll the first patient in the study here at Na Homolce Hospital. As a center committed to research, we are excited to help validate a promising next-generation PFA technology.” Today, PFA has emerged as one of the most advanced technologies in cardiac electrophysiology, offering a non-thermal alternative to traditional ablation methods.

The ElePulse PFA System combines a 3D spiral multi-electrode catheter with a compact PFA generator. It delivers donut-shaped pulsed fields for durable, transmural pulmonary vein isolation and contiguous ring-shaped ablations beyond the veins—all without catheter repositioning. The system integrates seamlessly with standard 8.5F sheaths and widely used 3D mapping platforms, minimizing workflow disruption, reducing setup complexity, and training needs.

In the first-in-human cohort of 36 patients¹, ElePulse achieved:

• 100% acute pulmonary vein isolation
• 92% freedom from AF at 12 months
• No thermal-related complications

Dr. Petr Peichl, Principal Investigator andCardiac Electrophysiology Specialist at the Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKEM), Prague, Czech Republic noted: “ElePulse provided true single-shot ablations that were fast, effective, and well-tolerated by patients. This study will help us evaluate the system’s ability to deliver durable AF treatment without catheter repositioning, greatly contributing to streamlining workflows.”

“RESET-AF 3D reflects our commitment to advancing cardiac electrophysiology through meaningful innovation,” said Andreas Hecker, President CRM/EP at BIOTRONIK. “ElePulse represents a major step forward in establishing PFA as a transformative technology in AF with simpler, faster, safer treatment for patients.”

One of the few companies in Europe with focal PFA expertise, BIOTRONIK’s expansion into single-shot PFA builds on its leadership as a significant player in the fastest-growing segment of AF treatment. The RESET-AF 3D study lays the foundation for CE Mark approval and market release of ElePulse, reinforcing BIOTRONIK’s commitment to delivering value-adding, patient-centric solutions.

– END –

References

1 Gould, Paul A. et al. First-In-Human Experience from the RESET-AF Trial: The 6- and 12-Months Outcomes of PVI Using a Novel Single-Shot Pulsed Field Ablation System. Presented at: APHRS 2024 in Sydney.

About BIOTRONIK

For over 60 years,BIOTRONIK has stood at the forefront of medical technology, pioneering breakthrough innovations that are transforming the lives of millions affected by heart disease and chronic pain. Rooted in a deep purpose to seamlessly harmonize technology with the human body, we engineer trusted, life-changing therapies through our advanced active implants in Cardiac Rhythm Management, Monitoring, and Neuromodulation, while providing cutting-edge solutions in Electrophysiology. From creating Germany’s first pacemaker in 1963 to breaking new ground in digital technologies and Conduction System Pacing today, BIOTRONIK is continuously raising the bar for quality, performance, and innovation. Headquartered in Berlin, our global reach spans over 100 countries across the Americas, EMEA, and Asia—bringing bold, future-ready solutions that are shaping the next generation of medical technology.