Robotic-arm assisted TKA: A growing and promising technology
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a highly effective treatment for end-stage degenerative joint disease and has helped patients regain functional mobility with reduced pain and improved quality of life. Every year, almost 700,000 primary TKA procedures are performed in the US.1 This number is expected to grow to 3.48…
Are obese patients good candidates for the outpatient setting?
Obesity rates and, consequently, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are on the rise in the US, and an increasing number of obese patients are undergoing surgical procedures at ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). Healthcare providers at such facilities are adding procedures and taking steps to ensure the safety of patients whose body…
Decreased postop opioid prescribing not linked to patient’s satisfaction with surgeon
Editor's Note This study found that opioid prescribing can be decreased by more than 50% and not adversely affect patients’ satisfaction scores with their surgeons. Of 996 patients surveyed on their satisfaction with their surgeons before (period A) and after (period B) an educational intervention that resulted in decreased opioid…
Joint Commission seeking comments on new advanced hip, knee replacement standards
Editor's Note The Joint Commission on October 16 announced that it was seeking comments on proposed standards for the Advanced Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement Certification program for hospitals, critical access hospitals, and ambulatory surgery centers. The new standards were developed to further promote patient safety and quality of…
Association between heart failure and postop mortality in ambulatory surgery patients
Editor's Note In this study, heart failure with or without symptoms was associated with an increased risk of postoperative mortality at 90-days and complications at 30-days in ambulatory surgery patients. In this analysis of 355,121 patients having noncardiac ambulatory surgical procedures, 90-day mortality was 2% in patients with heart failure…
Joint Commission: Revisions to Office-Based Surgery Accreditation program
Editor's Note The Joint Commission announced October 16 that several elements of performance for the Office-Based Surgery Accreditation program have been revised, effective January 1, 2020. The revisions, which are in the Environment of Care chapter, were made to align with 2012 Life Safety Code requirements and updated National Fire…
Effects of MINDBODYSTRONG program on newly licensed RNs
Editor's Note This study found that the MINDBODYSTRONG for Healthcare Professionals program has excellent potential as an intervention for improving the mental health, healthy lifestyle beliefs and behaviors, and job satisfaction in newly licensed RNs. Of 89 new RNs (divided into two groups, intervention and control) participating in a nurse…
UC San Diego expands Center for Future of Surgery
Editor's Note The University of California San Diego School of Medicine announced October 14 that it has expanded its Center for the Future of Surgery, one of few facilities in the world that teaches surgery in high-tech simulated ORs. This fall, the 22,000 sq-ft center added a new hybrid OR…
Pulmonary embolism risk more than 6 weeks after surgery
Editor's Note In this French study, the risk of postoperative pulmonary embolism was elevated beyond 6 weeks regardless of the type of procedure. This analysis of 60,703 patients who had one of six types of surgery (ie, vascular, GYN, GI, hip or knee replacement, fractures, and other orthopedic procedures) found…
FDA: Class I recall of Medtronic’s 6 French Sherpa NX Active Guide Catheters
Editor's Note The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) on October 8 announced the recall by Medtronic of all models of its 6 French Sherpa NX Active Guide Catheters. Medtronic is recalling the catheters because of the risk of the outer material separating from the device, resulting in detached fragments that…