Pfizer warns FDA of penicillin shortage
Editor's Note Pfizer alerted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on June 12 that its supply of two forms of injectable penicillinโBicillin L-A and Bicillin C-Rโmay run out by the end of this month, the June 13 The Hill reports. Pfizer cited a combination of factors for the shortage, including…
Reduced opioid administration leads to increased pain, opioid use
Editor's Note A new study led by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) finds reduced opioid administration during surgery unintendedly increased postoperative pain and opioid use. The retrospective cohort study included 61,249 individuals who underwent noncardiac surgery with general anesthesia from April 2016 to March 2020. The maximal pain score…
Continued increases in HAIs during second year of COVID-19
Editor's Note This study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, finds that standardized infection ratios (SIRs) were significantly higher during COVID-19 than during the prepandemic period, and the incidence of healthcare associated infections (HAIs) was elevated during periods of high COVID-19 hospitalizations. The analysis revealed elevated incidence…
ACS, SVS verify first four hospitals in Vascular Verification Program
Editor's Note The American College of Surgeons (ACS) and Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) announced on June 14 that they had verified the first four hospitals as part of the recently launched Vascular Verification Program (Vascular-VP). To receive verification, these hospitals displayed a commitment to improving outcomes and delivering the…
FDA: Class I recall of Walnut Wearable Smart Thermometers
Editor's Note The Food and Drug Administration, on June 12, identified the recall of the rechargeable Walnut Wearable Smart Thermometer as Class I, the most serious. BearCare, Inc, is recalling the thermometers after receiving reports of skin burns and irritation resulting from use of the device. The company reports five…
National Time Out Day is June 14
Editor's Note National Time Out Day on June 14 renews attention on the surgical team to prevent wrong-site surgery by pausing before a surgical procedure begins to make sure it is the right site, right procedure, and right person, a June 7 joint statement by The Joint Commission and AORN…
Surgeonsโ leadership style linked to team behavior in hybrid OR
Editor's Note This study, led by researchers in Belgium, finds that surgeonsโ leadership style enhances surgical team behavior, especially during the most complex phases. A total of 22 endovascular procedures (47 hours of video recordings) were analyzed. Among the findings: Surgeonsโ transformational leadership was positively related to the extent that…
FDA letter on supply shortage of nonsterile, single-use pneumatic tourniquet cuffs
Editor's Note In a June 5 letter to healthcare providers, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says it is aware of US healthcare facilities and providers experiencing supply constraints of nonsterile, single-use pneumatic tourniquet cuffs. The cuffs are used in elective limb surgeries and in emergency and trauma settings. During…
Effect of N95 face masks on cardiopulmonary stress
Editor's Note This Chinese study finds that wearing N95 face masks for 14 hours significantly affects physiological, biochemical, and perception parameters. The effect was primarily caused by increased respiratory resistance and subsequent decreased blood oxygen and pH. This randomized clinical trial included 30 healthy participants between March 7 and August…
AI accurately predicts 30-day readmission risk
Editor's Note Researchers at New York University Langone Health, New York City, have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) computer program that predicts whether a newly discharged patient will be readmitted within 30 days, the June 7 HealthDay reports. The AI program, named โNYUTron,โ is a large language model that works…