Functional ultrasound offers less invasive option for people with paralysis
Editor's Note Functional ultrasound has been shown to be a promising alternative to brain-machine-interface (BMI) devices to read neural activity and assist people with paralysis. These findings were published by Nature Neuroscience on November 30.ย BMIs typically require invasive surgical procedures to implant the electrodes into the brain. While these…
Balanced IV solutions may benefit critically ill patients
Editor's Note Using balanced solutions in intravenous fluid (IV) therapy instead of saline can reduce the risk of death in critically ill patients in intensive care by 4%. These findings were published by The Lancet Respiratory Medicine on November 30. Patients in intensive care typically receive IV fluids, which can…
ASCs continue to contend with anesthesia provider shortages, inflating costs
Editor's Note There is a major anesthesia provider shortage that has been and continues to impact ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), and which is driving up costs, Beckerโs ASC Review November 29 reports. Meanwhile, reimbursements from payers are declining, straining ASCsโ ability to provide needed care. Some highlights from the Beckerโs…
Study: VR technology helps reduce patient anxiety prior to surgery
Editor's Note In this original investigation published by JAMA Network on October 31, researchers have found that using virtual reality (VR) technology to give patients familiarity with the surgical setting and surgical tools prior to a procedure can help to reduce their anxiety. The study included 74 patients, ages 18…
Researchers develop new early stage breast cancer detection device
Editor's Note Researchers from the University of Waterloo have devised a new, noninvasive method for detecting early stage breast cancer in just 2 minutes using very low electro-magnetic frequencies. The findings were first published in August in the Nature journal Scientific Reports.ย The research team discovered that very low electro-magnetic…
Proposed bill seeks to end costly insurance fees on electronic healthcare payments
Editor's Note A new bill introduced by a bipartisan group in Congress seeks to ban fees on electronic healthcare payments from insurance companies, which cost hospitals millions and are a particular burden on hospitals in rural areas, according to a November 28 press release. The bill is called the No…
Research indicates CAB sequence yields best results in trauma patients
Editor's Note Trauma patients with massive bleeding may benefit from an initial focus on halting bleeding and restoring circulation over an airway-first approach, according to new findings published by the Journal of the American College of Surgeons on November 28.ย ย The traditional approach to trauma patients has been to first…
Stronger quads shown to reduce need for knee replacement surgery
Editor's Note Stronger thigh muscles could help patients to avoid knee replacement surgery, HealthLine November 27 reports. Preliminary research findings were presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America. Osteoarthritis is caused by age-related wear and tear and often occurs in those over 50. According to…
New AI tool shows promising accuracy when IDing survivors among breast cancer patients
Editor's Note A new artificial intelligence (AI) tool has shown to accurately identify invasive breast cancer patients who are likely to be long-term survivors and could benefit from reduced chemotherapy, according to a new study. The findings were published in Nature Medicine on November 27.ย Researchers from Northwestern University collaborated…
Study: Professional judgment from nurses underutilized in workforce planning
Editor's Note A comparative study found that nursesโ professional judgment is not being utilized during workplace planning. The findings were published in the November 2023 issue of the International Journal of Nursing Studies.ย Conducted in England and Wales, the study found that nurses were consulted for operational purposes during staff…