Study: Redo TAVR procedures safe, effective
Editor's Note This study by researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, finds that redo transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures are both safe and effective. Of 350,591 patients in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons/American College of Cardiology Transcatheter Valve Therapy Registry who underwent TAVR with balloon-expandable valves between November…
Healthcare employment up in August
Editor's Notes Overall healthcare employment in the US was up in August to a seasonally adjusted 17,014,300 workers, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on September 1. That’s up 70,900 since July. Hospital employment also was up by 14,500 jobs. The overall unemployment rate rose in August to 3.8%, for…
FDA: Class I recall of Cardiosave Hybrid, Rescue IABPs
Editor's Note The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), on August 31, identified the recall by Getinge/Maquet/Datasocpe of its Cardiosave Hybrid and Rescue Intra-aortic Balloon Pumps (IABPs) as Class I, the most serious. The FDA posted four recalls for four separate reasons: Because they may overheat when the device’s internal temperature…
Cosmetic surgery, facial procedures rising trend among young adults, teens
Editor's Note The rise of the "selfie boom" and social media usage, often referred to as "snapchat dysmorphia" or the "instaface effect," has led to an increase in young adults and teens seeking cosmetic surgeries, particularly non-invasive procedures like Botox and dermal fillers, News Center Maine August 28 reports. According…
Study: Bacterial transmission in anesthesia work area increases SSI risk
Editor's Note Recent research delved into the connection between the transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the anesthesia work area and the occurrence of surgical site infections (SSIs), Anesthesiology News July 19 reports. While it was previously recognized that reducing microbial transmission through the anesthesia work area is crucial for preventing…
LivaNova receives FDA 510(k) approval for new in-line blood monitor
Editor's Note The Essenz™ In-Line Blood Monitor (ILBM) has received U.S. FDA 510(k) clearance and CE mark, as announced by manufacturer LivaNova on August 30. The new ILBM provides “accurate and continuous measurement of essential blood parameters for perfusionists throughout cardiopulmonary bypass procedures,” and integrates with the company’s Essenz Perfusion…
AONL details novel, nontraditional ways to attract and retain nurses
Editor's Note Healthcare institutions that are grappling with persistent staffing shortages—exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic—are adopting unconventional strategies to attract and retain employees. Nurse leaders are piloting initiatives for both short- and long-term solutions to ensure the provision of quality patient care in the face of ongoing workforce challenges. Such…
Study: Introducing propofol to ambulatory anesthesia may improve endoscopy quality metrics
Editor's Note A study presented at the 2023 annual meeting of the Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia suggests that implementing ambulatory anesthesia services with propofol can significantly enhance various quality metrics in outpatient endoscopy procedures, Anesthesiology News August 28 reports. The study, led by Justin Routman, MD, director of non-OR anesthesia…
HCA, Google Cloud bringing generative AI to hospitals
Editor's Note The Healthcare Corporation of America (HCA), on August 29, announced a new collaboration with Google Cloud to bring generative artificial intelligence (AI) to its hospitals. Emergency department physicians at four HCA hospitals are already using Google’s AI technology and Augmedix to create accurate and timely medical notes from…
Risk factors, complications associated with mortality after outpatient surgery
Editor's Note This study by researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, examines preoperative risk factors, operative variables, and postoperative complications associated with 30-day mortality after outpatient surgery. A total of 2,822,789 patients in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database were included…