Study: Virtual reality videos ease fear, anxiety in cardiac surgery patients
Editor's Note Using virtual reality glasses (VR-G) to watch immersive 360-degree nature videos significantly reduces preoperative surgical fear in patients undergoing open-heart surgery, according to a randomized controlled study published November 29 in the Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing. However, anxiety levels were not markedly affected, suggesting targeted efficacy in fear…
Study: AI improves surgical case length predictions
Editor's Note A recent study developed and validated an artificial intelligence (AI) model leveraging natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning to significantly improve prediction accuracy for surgical case length. Published November 29 in the journal Surgery, the findings show promise for using AI as an alternative to current methods…
Medical device coating could reduce blood clot risks
Editor's Note Researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) say their newly created coating could enhance the safety of medical devices by reducing the risks of thrombosis and excessive bleeding in patients. As reported November 30 in Fox News, researchers' findings, published in the journal Nature Materials, highlight how…
Surgeons implant first medically suspended heart pump in US
Editor's Note Cardiothoracic surgeons at Emory University Hospital have conducted the first US implantation of the BrioVAD System, a new ventricular assist device (VAD) from BrioHealth Solutions, Cardiovascular Business News reported November 25. According to the article, the BrioVAD System features a magnetically suspended, hemocompatible pump designed to minimize adverse…
Virtual care enhances perioperative efficiency
Eliminating physical distance as a barrier to communication makes it easier for caretakers to help not only their patients, but also one another. This is the promise of virtual care technology, which offers system-wide potential for providers facing growing demand for high-quality, cost-effective care. For perioperative leaders specifically, advantages of…
Practice updates ease steam sterilization balancing act
Reliable and robust enough for daily use on most medical devices, steam is the most common sterilant in healthcare facilities. However, using steam properly requires a balancing act. For example, too much moisture can lead to wet packs, while steam that is too dry might not be sufficient to achieve…
Study: Digital tool detects preoperative pediatric anxiety, depression
Editor's Note A recent study presented at the American Society of Anesthesiologists’ 2024 meeting reveals that a computerized mental health assessment, KCAT, may effectively identify anxiety and depression in pediatric surgical patients. According to an October 20 report in Anesthesiology News, the single-center pilot study involved 65 children aged 7…
AI-powered surgical robot learns by watching
Editor's Note Kinematics-based AI similar to the technology behind ChatGPT enabled a multi-armed robot to learn new surgical techniques by watching video of human surgeons, according to a November 12 report in Healthday. “The robot is powered by the same AI that underpins ChatGPT, but instead of words and text,…
Color-changing gel could enhance cataract surgery safety, efficiency
Editor's Note Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a fluorescent hydrogel that may improve outcomes in cataract surgery by aiding in the complete removal of residual gel, reducing complications such as increased eye pressure, pain, and potential vision loss, Medical Xpress reported October 31. Cataract surgery, a frequently performed procedure, involves…
Outpatient facilities dominate healthcare construction as demand for community-based care grows
Editor's Note Healthcare construction has been seeing a shift toward outpatient facilities, with medical office buildings (MOBs) and similar structures taking center stage, Building Design + Construction November 1 reports. Citing data from different sources, including the MOB/outpatient facilities 2024 survey, American Society for Health Care Engineering, JLL’s Medical Outpatient…
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- Study: Prehabilitation reduces surgical complications, speeds recovery
- Commentary: Studies show how surgeon decisions follow the money
- Proposed HIPAA updates would improve cybersecurity, increase costs for healthcare providers
- Study: EMR data can enhance hand hygiene compliance, infection prevention
- Study: Machine learning model improves perioperative pain assessment
- Call for improved suicide risk screening in ASCs aims to strengthen safety protocols
- Study: Perioperative pregabalin reduces risk of kidney decline compared to gabapentin
- Medical school diversity declines after Supreme Court ruling
- Surgeons risk losing ground as transcatheter tricuspid valve interventions rise