Editor's Note Miniaturized pacemakers implanted in neonates and infants have demonstrated reliable performance for up to two years, with no unexpected device failures, according to a March 11 article in Healio. The research, published in Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, suggests that these modified pacemakers could offer a viable alternative for…
The poster presentations at the 2024 OR Manager Conference showcased exceptional perioperative initiatives, highlighting advancements and innovative practices. From streamlining documentation and optimizing billing processes to ensuring patient and staff safety in postanesthesia settings, the posters selected last year showed the ingenuity and dedication of healthcare professionals committed to excellence…
Editor's Note Surgeons recently performed open-heart surgery on an infant during a C-section to correct a congenital heart defect, according to a February 25 brief from the American College of Surgeons. Led by Dr. Sameh Said at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, a team of specialists conducted the procedure on a…
Editor's Note A cohort study published February 24 in JAMA Pediatrics found that prophylactic antibiotics reduced the odds of surgical site infections (SSIs) by 72% in children undergoing cholecystectomy for uncomplicated cholelithiasis. However, extended-spectrum antibiotics offered no additional benefit over cefazolin, suggesting that simpler prophylaxis protocols could optimize outcomes while…
Editor's Note The first large-scale, randomized pediatric trial of its kind reveals the potential of treating acute, non-perforated appendicitis in children with antibiotics instead of surgery, Medical Xpress reported January 20. Published in The Lancet, the APPY study involved collaboration among 11 children’s hospitals worldwide to compare the effectiveness of…
Editor's Note Although medical device shortages threaten all patients, a recent FDA announcement highlights particular risks for pediatric populations who require size-appropriate equipment. “From ventilators and neonatal breathing tubes to hemodialysis catheters, the scarcity of these critical devices poses a growing threat to patient care – especially for our youngest…
Editor's Note Computational fluid dynamics (CFD), a technique historically used in engineering, is transforming pediatric cardiac surgery at Boston Children's Hospital, Healthcare IT News reported January 2. This approach aims to enhance surgical precision and reduce the need for repeat operations in children with congenital heart defects. Traditionally, pediatric heart…
Editor's Note A quality improvement protocol at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical campus resulted in a 48.8% decrease in the number of pediatric urology patients returning to the emergency department (ED) unnecessarily within 30 days of surgery. According to a December 2 university report, the initiative has significantly reduced…
Editor's Note Non-operative management (NOM) with antibiotics for pediatric uncomplicated appendicitis is both less expensive and slightly more effective than urgent laparoscopic appendectomy over a one-year period, according to a study published November 19 in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons. The findings support the viability of NOM…
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…