Editor's Note MedStar Health announced the first successful all-plastic total ankle replacement surgery, performed at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. According to a September 30 announcement, the 71-year-old patient has a lifelong metal allergy and suffered from advanced joint degeneration in her right ankle, causing significant difficulty in walking. Dr. Paul…

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Editor's Note The October 1 vice presidential debate showcased sharp divisions between the candidates on healthcare policy, focusing primarily on the future of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and reproductive rights. A summary published October 2 in Stat details how Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) proposed changes that could allow insurers…

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Editor's Note The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designated software-related recalls for Fresenius Kabi USA’s Iveni Infusion Systems and Philips Respironics Triology Evo ventilators as class 1, the most severe category indicating serious risk of injury or death. According to FDA’s October 1 announcement, Fresenius recalled the Ivenix Infusion…

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Editor's Note A joint communication from AORN and the Association of Healthcare Value Analysis Professionals (AHVAP, a strategic partner of AORN) provides advice and resources for affiliated healthcare professionals who could be impacted by the recent strike by port workers across major US shipping ports. Issued September 30, the statement…

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Editor's Note The success of flood-resistant engineering and a daring rooftop rescue are amid the positive stories to emerge amid the many tragedies wrought by Hurricane Helene, which made landfall as a Category 4 this past weekend in Florida before drenching much of the Southeast and Midwest. Left with too…

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Editor's Note Multiple surgeries can spur gradual cognitive decline in older adults, according to recent research from the University of Sydney. Published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity and detailed in a September 27 university announcement, the study followed nearly half a million adults aged 40 to 69 over 20 years…

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Editor's Note Bariatric surgery significantly reduces the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity compared to those on GLP-1 diabetes medications, according to a study from Cleveland Clinic. Published in Annals of Surgery and detailed in a September 20 announcement from Cleveland Clinic,…

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Editor's Note The Health Infrastructure Security and Accountability Act, introduced by Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.), proposes new mandatory cybersecurity standards for the healthcare sector, with oversight from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Nextgov/FCW reported September 26. The bill, which amends the Health Insurance…

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Editor's Note MedStar Georgetown University Hospital’s Verstandig Pavilion is now home to a moveable MRI system that enables real-time intraoperative imaging, NBC Washington reported September 18. As detailed in the article and accompanying video, MRIs are typically performed the day after surgery, sometimes revealing residual tumor tissue that could have…

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Editor's Note Starting October 1, US hospitals participating in Medicare's Inpatient Quality Reporting Program will need to report adherence to 25 patient safety best practices, as mandated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). According to a September 4 report from the Association of Health Care Journalists, the…

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