Research on surgical treatment and outcomes. Covers fat-disorder surgery, survival after hip fracture, prostate-cancer care, and bariatric surgery.
Researchers at Northwestern and George Washington universities developed a wireless, battery-free pacemaker that disappears after use. The device wirelessly harvests energy from an external antenna, eliminating the need for bulky batteries and rigid hardware.
The study analyzed 114 COVID-19 guidelines from leading organizations in the UK, France, Germany, and the US, finding significant variations in respiratory protection recommendations. The variations were attributed to differences in national and international guidelines, as well as shortages of equipment.
Research shows that surgical face masks can filter out up to 98% of particles and provide low resistance to breathing. In contrast, plastic face shields have little to no protective effect.
Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology have developed a new biocompatible polymer-based composite material that can replace metal plates in treating difficult and unstable fractures. The material, AdhFix, enables customized plating for fixation of fractures with a more comfortable recovery.
Dr. Catherine F. Sinclair has been selected as the next Editor-in-Chief of VideoEndocrinology, a pioneering videojournal covering thyroid, parathyroid, and endocrine-related procedures. She brings extensive experience in surgical management of neck endocrine diseases and is an internationally recognized expert.
Researchers developed a bio-inspired hydrogel to prevent post-operative adhesions in the heart, with promising results in rats and pigs. The hydrogel creates a protective barrier while allowing for movement and is designed to be easily removable and dissolveable.
A new study confirms that surgical masks effectively block expired particles from talking or coughing, even with leakage around the edges. The results show a significant reduction in disease transmission via expiratory particles when both infected and susceptible individuals wear masks.
Face masks are highly effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in virus-limited environments, but more advanced masks and ventilation are required in virus-rich settings. High compliance is necessary for mask effectiveness, with at least 60-70% required for surgical masks.
Researchers found that the proportion of non-white residents increased among obstetrics and gynecology, surgical, and nonsurgical training programs. The study suggests improvements in diversity and inclusion efforts are needed to address racial and ethnic disparities in medical education.
A randomized trial demonstrates that TAVI with a self-expanding supraannular bioprosthesis is comparable to surgical aortic valve replacement in terms of mortality and stroke risk at 24 months. Additionally, the study reveals that TAVI is superior to surgery in terms of valve hemodynamics but not in pacemaker implantation rates.
During the winter wave of COVID-19, anaesthetic and critical care staff in the UK faced immense pressure due to a surge in newly admitted infected patients. Surgery rates plummeted by one quarter compared to previous years, with many hospitals expanding ICUs to accommodate the influx.
New research published in CMAJ found Indigenous peoples in Canada experience higher rates of complications after surgery, lower surgery rates, and longer wait times for life-saving procedures. The study highlights the need for better data collection methods and real-time outcome monitoring to address structural racism in healthcare.
A recent study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood found a significant rise in young children swallowing magnets over the past 5 years in the UK. Nearly half of these cases required surgery for retrieval, highlighting the dangers of small, powerful magnets, especially those intended for toys.
A recent study found that Black and Latinx surgeons are underrepresented in university leadership positions, with only a few individuals holding full professorships or department chairs. The study suggests that sponsorship, mentorship, allyship, and representation can help promote diversity and address these disparities.
A new study found that leaving an atrial communication at biventricular repair of unbalanced AVSD is associated with reduced long-term survival. The study included 581 patients and showed a significant difference in five-year survival rates between those with and without atrial fenestration.
The AATS Foundation fellowships have been shown to support career success in academic surgery, with recipients publishing peer-reviewed papers and securing NIH grants. A total of 42 individuals received the scholarship, resulting in impressive scholastic contributions and ascending to leadership positions.
A new study has successfully performed heart transplants using donation after cardiac death with normothermic regional perfusion, increasing cardiac allograft availability by 20-30%. The procedure allows for immediate reperfusion and assessment of the heart prior to transplantation, improving outcomes for patients.
Patients with segmental CTEPH treated surgically achieved excellent outcomes, with 80% long-term survival and good quality of life. Multidisciplinary post-operative care is crucial for optimal results.
A new study found that patients with severe mitral regurgitation who undergo transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral repair (TEER) may need surgical intervention if treatment fails. Up to 95% of these patients cannot have their valves repaired and require mitral valve replacement.
A new, low-profile thoracic aortic endograft device has demonstrated safety and effectiveness in treating descending thoracic aorta aneurysms and PAU diseases. The RELAYPro endovascular device achieved 89.2% one-year treatment success rate with a reduced risk of complications.
The ACS Quality Verification Program utilizes data surveillance, standardized processes, and systems to identify quality improvement issues and improve surgical patient care. The program's 12 standards provide a framework for hospitals to implement robust surgical quality improvement initiatives.
A new set of guidelines developed by AATS and ESTS recommends a 30-day course of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis post-discharge for patients undergoing surgical resection for lung or esophagus cancer. The guideline panel endorsed by American Society of Hematology and International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis found th...
A new study presented at the AATS 101st Annual Meeting found that severely ill COVID-19 patients treated with ECMO did not suffer worse long-term physical, psychological, and cognitive deficits than other mechanically-ventilated patients. The multidisciplinary team followed patients for up to five years after hospital discharge.
This study examines how the COVID-19 pandemic affected general surgical residents' operative experiences, finding that year of training and case complexity influenced their experiences. The research provides insights into factors contributing to the challenges faced by residents during this period.
The 101st AATS Annual Meeting focuses on Diversity without Exclusion in a Culture of Safety, with keynote speakers including Condoleezza Rice and William G. Kaelin, Jr. AATS members will discuss advances in cardiothoracic surgery and related specialties.
Researchers found that well-fitting three-layered cloth masks reduce exposure by up to 75% and can be as effective as surgical masks in preventing COVID-19 transmission. The study's findings suggest cloth masks can significantly reduce the risk of contraction, making them a valuable tool in community efforts
A new study investigated associations between EHR usability and nurse job outcomes (burnout, job dissatisfaction) and surgical patient outcomes (inpatient mortality, readmission). The results found that EHR usability is critical to reducing nurse burnout and improving patient outcomes.
Increased tourniquet use in Los Angeles County has improved patient survival and reduced the need for blood transfusions. The study found that patients with prehospital tourniquets had lower mortality rates, fewer delayed amputations, and lessened blood transfusion requirements.
A minimally invasive retinal reattachment procedure using pneumatic retinopexy leads to better long-term integrity of photoreceptors compared to more invasive procedures. This technique achieves superior visual outcomes by allowing the retina to reattach naturally and minimize damage to critical cells.
A new study identifies risk factors for readmission to a different hospital for cancer patients who received surgical removals, associated with a 50% increased odds of dying. Risk factors include living far away from the original hospital and being older or white, highlighting the need for better care coordination.
A nationally representative survey found that over 40% of US adults aged 50-80 trust online reviews almost as much as family or friend recommendations when selecting a physician. Factors such as insurance acceptance and race/ethnicity were more influential, with online reviews ranking ninth in importance.
A large US study found that critically ill COVID-19 patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) have a significantly lower risk of death compared to initial studies. The study analyzed outcomes of over 11,000 patients and found that ECMO treatment resulted in an overall in-hospital mortality rate of 45.9%.
This study compared clinical outcomes of surgical patients with COVID-19 to those without, using data from a national database. The results showed differences in postoperative in-hospital morbidity and mortality between the two groups.
The Cohen Center will provide comprehensive, coordinated treatment for patients with Lyme and tick-borne diseases, offering affordable care with experienced physicians. The center will also integrate research and physician training into its clinical model, aiming to address the growing need for evidence-based treatments.
A new study from the University of Arizona Department of Surgery found that pancreatic cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy followed by resection live an average of 19.75 months, compared to 10.12 months for those who received only chemotherapy. The researchers suggest that surgery can improve survival even in difficult cases.
The study found that telehealth use surged across surgical specialties in response to the pandemic, highlighting its potential as a tool for sustaining surgical care. The analysis of insurance claims data revealed significant increases in virtual consultations and procedures.
A survey study found frequent sexist and racial/ethnic microaggressions against underrepresented groups in the medical field, associated with burnout. The study aimed to address a growing concern in the medical community.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that patients undergoing elective esophagectomy, gastrectomy, or pancreatectomy for malignancies at top-ranked hospitals had significantly lower in-hospital death rates compared to those at unranked hospitals. The average annual case volume for these high-ri...
A randomized clinical trial found that wearing clear masks reveals surgeons' faces, improving patients' perceptions of communication, trust, and empathy. This study suggests a potential benefit to using clear masks in surgical clinics.
A recent study published by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that elderly patients are at greater risk of dying from hip surgery if surgeons are in a hurry. During busy periods, patients have to wait an average of 20% longer before being operated on, which can lead to serious consequences.
Researchers at University of Calgary and University of Bern discovered that macrophages, a type of white blood cell, rush to surgical sites and cause excess scarring. Two methods to inhibit this natural response were found: removing macrophages or introducing a drug to block their stickiness.
Researchers have shown that three-layered surgical masks are most effective at stopping large cough droplets from getting atomized into smaller aerosols. This is crucial since these smaller droplets can linger in the air, spreading to people at larger distances.
Respirator and cloth masks increase difficulties in recognizing speech amidst background noise. Surgical masks have no negative effect on communication., Researchers found face masks negatively affect speech recognition in noisy settings.
A study investigated the correlation between surgical site infection rates and hospital audit scores in Swiss hospitals. The results showed a clear connection between low SSI rates and high audit scores, suggesting that better surveillance systems can reduce infection rates.
Researchers found that delayed treatment improved surgical outcomes and reduced complications for facial bone injuries. The 'Critical Revascularization Period' allows for healing and formation of new blood vessels, improving oxygen supply and reducing morbidity.
Funding for surgeon scientists has increased by 40% in terms of both numbers and amounts since 2010, despite overall NIH funding decreases and an increase in demand for clinical productivity. Basic science research has also remained stable, with 70% of grants focused on basic science.
A new study found that elderly patients with locally advanced esophageal and esophagogastric junction cancer can achieve similar outcomes as younger patients when receiving recommended multimodal therapy. The therapy regimen includes initial chemoradiotherapy followed by surgical resection.
A study of 620 patients who had surgery found that those counseled to use opioids only as backup experienced less pain and similar patient satisfaction compared to standard care. The approach took a middle ground between controlling pain and reducing the risk of long-term opioid use or addiction.
Researchers developed a novel Biomesh that captures positively charged cytokines, reducing inflammation and tissue adhesion in hernia repair. The new mesh effectively minimized postsurgical complications in an animal model, improving outcomes and reducing symptoms.
A study found that older cancer patients residing in areas with high social vulnerability are less likely to achieve textbook outcomes following surgery. The research used the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) to analyze the impact of socioeconomic challenges on health outcomes.
The global demand for cancer surgery is projected to rise from 9.1 million to 13.8 million cases by 2040, with a 52% increase in low-income countries. The study estimates that these countries will need to increase their surgeon and anaesthetist numbers substantially to meet the growing demand.
A study by Dr Tom Hutley and colleagues found that the longer healthcare workers wear personal protective equipment (PPE), the more issues they experience, including tiredness, headaches, and dizziness. The survey also revealed a negative impact on team performance, with 92% of respondents feeling PPE affected communication.
The FAROS project aims to develop surgical robots with non-visual sensing capabilities, including tactile and auditory sensors, to master complex tasks autonomously. This new concept enables surgeon-like autonomous behavior with physical and cognitive intelligence.
Researchers developed a bio-inspired hydrogel fiber with a spiral structure inspired by lotus fibers. The fiber exhibits high strength, toughness and excellent biocompatibility, making it suitable for surgical sutures.
A new protocol has been established to evaluate patients for elective surgeries following COVID-19, taking into account the high risk of complications and clinical uncertainty. The guidelines include minimum recovery times, patient history assessments, and objective testing to determine safe surgery procedures.
A new study found that non-Hispanic white patients are disproportionately placed on liver transplant waitlists, with disparities attributed to private health insurance access and travel distance. The researchers suggest increasing awareness of these trends may promote equitable access to transplants.
Researchers define surgical smoke as a hazardous vapor composed of aerosolized chemicals, with potential to obscure vision, cause respiratory issues, and even contain viruses. Laws mandating its evacuation from operating rooms are recommended to reduce health impacts.
A virtual telehealth platform allows patients to undergo comprehensive evaluation for kidney transplantation from the comfort of their own homes. This innovative approach has enabled the Medical University of South Carolina's transplant program to maintain access to life-saving surgeries despite pandemic restrictions, with over 282 pat...
A study at Stony Brook University found that telemedicine helped reduce patient volume by 75% and surgical visits by 55% while increasing follow-up visits for non-surgical practitioners. This shift suggests a template for post-pandemic adoption of multidisciplinary telehealth clinics.
A recent study reported a significant drop in low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for lung cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite resuming full operations, new patient monthly LDCT rates remained low, and patients were more likely to miss appointments, increasing the no-show rate from 15% to 40%. This led to a rise in m...