Articles tagged with Anesthesia
Donald E. Arnold, M.D., FACHE, FASA, chair of Mercy Hospital's Department of Anesthesiology, has been named the American Society of Anesthesiologists' new president. He will focus on addressing challenges facing anesthesiology, including the broken Medicare physician payment system and workforce imbalances.
A team of researchers developed a wearable camera system that uses artificial intelligence to detect potential medication delivery errors. The AI achieved high sensitivity and specificity in identifying vial-swap errors, making it a critical safeguard in operating rooms, intensive-care units, and emergency-medicine settings.
A study of over 1 million patients found that Black patients are 22% more likely to die after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery compared to white patients. The research highlights ongoing disparities in cardiovascular health care delivery, particularly among Black patients.
Researchers analyzed data from over 7.5 million records to find that Black, Asian, and Hispanic trauma patients are less likely to receive lifesaving helicopter ambulance services compared to white patients. The study highlights racial disparities in trauma care and recommends a multifaceted approach to address these issues.
Researchers developed a computerized assessment tool to quickly identify anxious and depressed children before surgery. The study found over half had anxiety and one-third had depression, highlighting the need for comprehensive screening in pediatric patients.
A new study suggests that poor sleep quality before surgery can increase the risk of postoperative delirium. Researchers assessed sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and found a correlation between poor sleep and increased incidence of delirium.
A study found that Black patients are less likely to receive multimodal analgesia options, which combine multiple types of pain medication, compared to white patients. This disparity is particularly pronounced for oral opioids, with Black patients being more than 70% likely to receive them in addition to IV opioids.
A recent study found that non-salicylate NSAIDs like ibuprofen can lower the risk of postoperative delirium compared to acetaminophen and salicylate NSAIDs. This may make surgical procedures safer by reducing opioid use, potentially leading to fewer complications.
Patients with multiple orthopedic surgeries are at risk of protein-calorie malnutrition due to repeated or prolonged fasting. This can lead to longer hospital stays, slower recovery and higher health care costs.
Researchers found that a simple blood test can predict a woman's risk of developing preeclampsia by measuring the ratio of fibrinogen and albumin levels. Women with a higher FAR are more likely to develop preeclampsia, prompting extra precautions to ensure their blood pressure and fluid levels remain stable.
Mary Dale Peterson, M.D., MSHCA, FACHE, FASA, received the American Society of Anesthesiologists' Distinguished Service Award for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and workforce challenges in anesthesiology. She has dedicated her career to advancing patient-centered healthcare and is a recognized expert in the field.
Researchers found that conscious thought requires synchronized communication—mediated by brain rhythms in specific frequency bands—between basic sensory and higher-order cognitive regions of the brain. Under anesthesia, communication was lost, highlighting the key role of frontal areas in consciousness.
Researchers at MIT and MGH developed statistical models based on rigorous physiological data from over 100 surgeries, providing accurate measures of nociception. The new models aim to help anesthesiologists optimize drug doses and minimize post-operative pain and side effects.
A breakthrough technology allows for touchless infrared imaging to monitor changes in pupil size and gaze direction behind closed eyes. This innovation can help identify wakefulness, awareness, and pain in sleep, anesthesia, and intensive care, enabling more accurate clinical decision-making.
A novel PET/CT technique has been developed to detect neuroblastoma in children with high sensitivity and short scan time, eliminating the need for sedation or anesthesia. The new technique uses a novel tracer and next-generation scanner, resulting in improved diagnostic accuracy and reduced radiation exposure.
A new study by researchers at MIT and MGH found that even low stimulation currents could sometimes still cause electrographic seizures in awake mice, with a rate of 2.2 percent of tests experiencing seizures. The study cautions against the use of brain stimulation-based therapies without proper monitoring.
A new study warns that exposure to wildfire smoke may lead to increased rates of underlying health conditions among patients undergoing surgery. The researchers hope their findings will inform anesthesia clinicians about the potential impact of wildfire smoke on patient outcomes, leading to better management and reducing complications.
Researchers discovered that propofol, a commonly used anesthesia drug, induces unconsciousness by causing the brain to become increasingly unstable. This instability leads to chaotic brain activity, resulting in loss of consciousness. The study's findings could help develop better tools for monitoring patients during general anesthesia.
The US healthcare system faces a growing imbalance in anesthesia care providers, with major implications for patient care. Short-term and long-term solutions are needed to address the crisis, including reassessing workforce strategies and optimizing perioperative performance.
A recent study published in Anesthesia & Analgesia found that clinical decision support software can prevent up to 95% of medication errors in the operating room. The software provides evidence-based information to clinicians at the point-of-care to enhance decision-making and prevent errors.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have identified clear stress patterns among children undergoing dental treatment, particularly during anesthetic injections. The study used a sensor tool to monitor hand movements and sweating, revealing that invasive treatments were significantly more stressful for longer periods.
A multicenter clinical trial of over 1,000 older patients undergoing cardiac surgery found that minimizing anesthesia did not prevent postoperative delirium. Higher doses of general anesthesia were not toxic to the brain, contradicting earlier concerns.
A meta-analysis of 15 randomized studies found that patients taking GLP-1 medications experienced only mild differences in gastric emptying, delaying solid food by about 36 minutes. The findings suggest it may be safe to continue these medications before surgery without a high risk of aspiration.
A study of 370 patients undergoing elective surgery found that those with higher levels of awareness about anesthesia had better understanding of general and local anesthesia. Patients who underwent surgeries related to eyes, nose, and throat scored higher on the knowledge test due to limited sources of information.
This Neuron special issue highlights recent findings on consciousness research, including neural theories, sleep, anesthesia, coma recovery, and prefrontal cortex roles. It showcases how these areas contribute to our understanding of the complex topic.
A study confirms midazolam's positive effect on post-cardiac arrest oxygen saturation and CO2 levels. Administering midazolam to patients who have been successfully resuscitated improves their chances of optimal blood oxygenation and gas exchange.
A Mayo Clinic study found that microglia shield neurons from the aftereffects of anesthesia, enhancing and boosting neuronal activity to awaken the brain. This discovery could lead to new treatments for post-anesthesia delirium and hyperactivity.
Scientists have developed fUSI technology that enables clinicians to see and map the spinal cord's response to treatments in real-time. This innovation offers improved monitoring of blood flow changes, potentially increasing treatment success rates and optimizing pain relief for patients.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that 56% of patients using GLP-1 RAs had significant gastric contents on ultrasound before elective procedures, despite adequate fasting. The study suggests that conventional fasting times may need to be reexamined for this patient subset.
A new study published at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that prenatal exposure to general anesthesia for maternal surgery during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of disruptive or internalizing behavioral disorders, including ADHD and autism, in children. The study suggests that safer anesthetic drug...
New findings from a study on ketamine's efficacy in treating severe depression reveal that 52% of participants achieved remission after just three infusions. The study also found that half of those who had thought often of suicide before receiving ketamine experienced a dramatic drop in suicidal impulses.
Research at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that social inequity contributes to lower use of epidural analgesia among non-Hispanic White and African American women. In counties with high social inequity, labor neuraxial analgesia was used by 72% of African American women, compared to 78% in low-equality counties.
No significant disparities in receipt of general anesthesia were found among laboring patients who had labor epidural catheters in situ across different racial and ethnic groups. The study suggests that prior care disparities may contribute to higher rates of general anesthesia among minority groups.
Researchers discovered that microglia regulate neuronal activity in a brain region-specific manner, playing a key role in how anesthesia works. Microglia depletion delayed induction and led to early emergence of anesthesia.
A large randomized study investigated the effect of preoperative, low-dose oral administration of midazolam in older patients on patient satisfaction and safety. No significant difference was found between midazolam and placebo groups regarding patient safety.
A new UK study found that 1 in 3000 patients experience cardiac arrest requiring resuscitation during anaesthesia. The study, which included data from over 300 hospitals, identified significant factors contributing to perioperative cardiac arrests.
A national analysis found that potentially serious complications occur in one in 18 anesthesia procedures, with risk factors including very young age, comorbidities, and the urgency and extent of surgery. Complications were most common during emergency surgery, particularly at night and on weekends.
Research suggests that consciousness requires synchronized communication across cortical regions; propofol general anesthesia cancels sensory processing by cutting it off. Neural activity in higher-level processing and cognitive regions fails to propagate during anesthesia.
Researchers at MIT and MGH have developed a closed-loop system that monitors brain state to tailor propofol dose and achieve exactly the desired level of unconsciousness. This technology enables more than 18 hours of fine-grained consciousness control, reducing postoperative cognitive side effects in vulnerable groups.
Researchers developed a closed-loop anesthesia delivery system that continuously monitors brain waves and adjusts anesthetic medication dosage to maintain optimal unconsciousness levels. The system was tested in rhesus macaques, achieving stable levels for up to 18 hours.
The journal publishes articles promoting solution-based approaches at individual, hospital, and policy levels to address DEI. The themed edition aims to eliminate healthcare disparities by fostering meaningful change and progress.
The anesthesiology researcher pipeline trails other specialties, particularly among women. ARC proposes recommendations to increase the size and diversity of the pipeline, including increasing research visibility and expanding fellowship opportunities.
The program gives medical students clinical responsibility, including observing anesthesia administration, to form a picture of their future career. It translates to more anesthesiologists, with 55% of participants choosing anesthesia as their specialty after the externship.
Researchers developed a noninvasive technique to visualize and differentiate nerve tissue using multispectral photoacoustic imaging. The study revealed the optimal wavelengths for identifying nerve tissue, which could improve nerve detection and segmentation techniques.
The series emphasizes the importance of anesthesiologists in addressing unmet needs of patients with Substance Use Disorder (SUDs) in the perioperative period. Anesthesiologists are urged to adopt a broader approach to effective disease management, incorporating trauma-informed patient care and increased collaboration with addiction me...
Critically ill children on ventilator support can experience patient-ventilator asynchrony (PVA), which worsens outcomes. Researchers are using machine learning to develop a common set of definitions and measurements for PVA in pediatric patients, aiming to minimize risks and improve clinical outcomes.
Lacking Medicare coverage for screening CTC may contribute to greater income-based differences in its use compared to other recommended screening strategies or diagnostic CTC. Medicare coverage of CTC could reduce income-based disparities for individuals avoiding optical colonoscopy due to invasiveness or complication risk.
A new MIT study reveals that analyzing brain wave patterns can help doctors determine when patients are at risk of entering a deeper state of unconsciousness during surgery. By tracking these patterns, anesthesiologists may be able to prevent postoperative cognitive impairments and reduce the risk of complications.
A UTHealth Houston study found that regular cannabis users are more likely to experience complications before, during, and after surgery. Patients with a cannabis use disorder (CUD) were approximately 20% more likely to suffer significant postoperative complications than those without CUD.
A study at University of Turku found that reduced central thalamic nuclei activity is related to anesthesia-induced disconnectedness for propofol, dexmedetomidine, and sevoflurane. In contrast, S-ketamine was associated with increased left parietal cortex activity during disconnection.
The inaugural issue of CHEST Critical Care focuses on clinically relevant research and patient management guidance for critical care medicine. The journal accepts submissions of original research, case series, and research letters, covering topics such as intensive care medicine and diverse populations.
A study suggests that ketamine nasal spray is a convenient alternative to intravenous infusion for treating refractory chronic migraine. The treatment showed promise in reducing daily headaches and improving quality of life, with most participants reporting 'very effective' results.
A clinical trial of 403 patients found that ketamine treatment was non-inferior to ECT for treating non-psychotic treatment-resistant depression. Ketamine showed fewer side effects than ECT, with improved depressive symptoms and quality of life.
A study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that nitrous oxide, LSD, and ketamine induce similar changes in brain connectivity, particularly in the cortical 'hot zone' where conscious experience is determined. This common biology may hold the key to using psychedelics as therapeutics.
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute have developed a new method to measure consciousness without external stimulation, using a breathing task internally prompted by the subject. This approach detected loss of responsiveness at lower concentrations of anesthetic than previous methods, suggesting it is more sensitive.
A recent study published in eClinical Medicine analyzed data from over 210,000 adult patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery in Boston between 2008 and 2020. The researchers found that cannabis users had a higher complexity of co-existing conditions, including mood disorders and substance use disorders, compared to non-users. Patients ...
A study by the American Society of Anesthesiologists found that inaccurately recording anesthesia start times results in lost billing time for anesthesia practices and medical centers. The study analyzed 40,312 procedures and determined a potential loss of $638,671.57 in one year.
A study suggests that adding extra anesthesiology residency positions can be financially beneficial for hospitals, with cost savings ranging from $440,000 to $1.9 million over three years. This expansion may help address the projected shortage of anesthesia care professionals and reduce staffing costs.
A new study maps consciousness to brain geometry, revealing three cortical gradients that align with dimensions of consciousness. The findings have potential for developing brain-based diagnoses or assessments for neurologic patients.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists' (ASA) new practice guidelines for monitoring and reversing neuromuscular blockade aim to reduce residual paralysis after general anesthesia. This can lead to decreased postoperative complications such as pneumonia, respiratory arrest, and reintubation.