A recent study by chemists from University of Copenhagen and NASA found that anesthetic gases have a significant impact on the climate. One kilo of anaesthetic gas affects the climate as much as 1620 kilos of CO2, with three commonly used gasses having global warming potentials ranging from 210 to 1620 times that of CO2.
Researchers in Rhode Island, led by Johns Hopkins Medicine, reduced central-line associated bloodstream infections to near zero using the widely-heralded Johns Hopkins checklist and other patient-safety tools. The intervention prevented 42 infections, saved 10 lives, and reduced ICU stays by 608 days.
A U-M study reveals that socio-economic factors, particularly race and age, significantly influence the use of alternative therapies like acupuncture and biofeedback in chronic pain patients. As people age, they are more likely to seek alternative therapies to manage chronic pain.
Developed by Drs. Richard Schwartz and Harsha Setty, the Video Rigid Flexible Laryngoscope helps navigate airways in patients with head and neck cancer or anatomical variations, reducing trauma risk.
Researchers at Penn have identified a fluorescent anesthetic compound, 1-aminoanthracene (1-AMA), that allows for precise imaging of anesthetics in the body. This new tool enables high-throughput screening of novel anesthetic compounds, which could lead to safer and more effective drugs.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that obese children are more likely to experience difficulties with airway obstruction and other breathing-related functions during surgery. The study also reveals a higher incidence of illnesses such as asthma, hypertension, sleep apnea, and Type II diabetes among obese children.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine finds that rapid diagnosis and treatment of pain syndromes leads to better outcomes for soldiers. The study shows that establishing pain treatment centers in combat areas can dramatically increase troop levels and military success.
Three anesthesiologists and a medical ethicist discuss whether doctors should participate in state-ordered executions, citing technical problems with lethal injection. They argue that doctors can minimize suffering, but others propose replacing anesthesia-related drugs with alternative personnel.
Anesthesiologists and medical ethicist discuss pros and cons of doctors participating in state-ordered executions. Some argue that humane methods can be used to minimize suffering, while others believe it violates the Hippocratic oath and compromises medical professionalism.
A new study from Michigan Medicine reveals that obese patients have a higher risk of post-operative complications, including heart attack, wound infection, nerve injury, and urinary tract infection. The study found that morbidly obese patients had a death rate nearly twice as high as non-obese patients.
Researchers found PPM abuse varies greatly across US states, differing from traditional illicit drug trends. States with large metropolitan areas often have lower abuse rates despite perceptions of city dwellers being more prone to drug use.
Research highlights continued health risks following surgery, particularly for patients with serious underlying diseases. By understanding the mechanisms of inflammation and adopting strategies such as minimizing surgical incisions and pre-surgery medication, healthcare teams can reduce these risks.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center developed a new formula to predict blood needs in heart surgery, focusing on patient age, weight, and kidney function. The simplified scoring system identifies risk factors for transfusion, aiming to reduce hospital resources and staff time.
A new near-infrared laser device can measure brain oxygen levels with high accuracy and non-invasively, providing real-time information to protect the brain from reduced oxygen levels. This technology has the potential to improve outcomes for patients undergoing cardiac surgeries.
A University of Michigan Health System study found that pharmacies in predominantly minority and low-income areas have lower availability of opioid analgesic pain medications. The gap is pronounced, with 86.9% of white ZIP code pharmacies carrying sufficient supplies compared to 54.2% in minority ZIP codes.
Researchers found complete pain relief in 76% of patients treated with low-dose ketamine infusions, with some experiencing relief lasting over three years. The study's findings suggest a novel approach to treating complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
A survey of medical school deans and state medical society executives reveals widespread physician shortages in the US. The most frequently cited specialties experiencing shortages are anesthesiology (50%) and radiology (44%), with other subspecialties such as cardiology, gastroenterology, and geriatrics also reporting deficits.
A study by Duke University Medical Center researchers demonstrates that training research coordinators on a human simulator prior to a complex clinical trial can significantly improve their confidence in their abilities. The training improved the coordinators' confidence levels, with an average increase from 5.7 to 8.12, and also led t...
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that using Doppler technology to guide fluid administration during major surgery improves outcomes. Patients who received Doppler-guided care experienced shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and less postoperative nausea and vomiting compared to those who received conventional care.
Studies reveal a connection between neuronal plasticity and chronic neuropathic pain. Gene therapy targeting protein kinase C shows promise in reducing sensitivity to pain. Such findings may lead to innovative treatments for persistent and debilitating pain conditions.
Primary care physicians in high-managed care states saw rapid income growth, while specialist incomes lagged. Specialist incomes, especially for radiologists, anesthesiologists, and pathologists, increased most rapidly in low-managed care growth states.