Thomas E. MacGillivray, MD, was elected President of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, emphasizing the importance of long-term outcomes and the value of surgery for patients compared to competing therapies. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. MacGillivray has published extensively on aortic diseases and adult congenital heart disease.
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Recent national data analyzed by leading cardiology and cardiothoracic surgical researchers found that the rate of successful repair has reached over 90% in the US, with an extremely low risk of mortality across nearly all age ranges. A novel risk model was developed to predict 30-day outcomes based on patient health conditions.
Researchers at Boston Medical Center discovered that Black and Hispanic patients had significantly worse vision outcomes after surgical treatment for retinal detachment compared to their White counterparts. The study suggests higher rates of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) may contribute to these findings.
Researchers at the University of Bath show that separating patient preparation from operating theatre schedules can significantly improve theatre availability and reduce waiting times. The study found a 40% improvement in theatre idle times and benefits for patient waiting times when surgery procedures are reconfigured.
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A new jaw surgery technique, segmental mandibular advancement (SMA), has been shown to effectively treat moderate-to-severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in a pilot study. The procedure resulted in a 50% or more reduction in breathing disturbances at night for 58% of patients, with no signs of sleep apnea.
Researchers have developed an innovative amputated human limb model to evaluate molecularly targeted fluorescent probes for human tissues. The model allows for controlled testing of imaging agents with zero risk to patients, improving the accuracy and safety of surgical procedures.
Researchers tracked 392 patients with diffuse low-grade glioma over 20 years and found that aggressive surgical removal offered a distinct survival advantage. Smaller tumor sizes were associated with longer survival times, highlighting the importance of early intervention.
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The procedure requires thorough pre-procedural evaluation and assessment of anatomical and hemodynamic data. Long-term results indicate that TPVR can effectively restore RVOT function, while improving survival rates and reducing the need for reintervention across age groups. Vigilant testing is recommended to avoid rare but serious com...
AORN Journal researcher Danielle Quintana defines surgical conscience as the moral obligation to perform duties regardless of cost or consequence. Her conceptual model illustrates the importance of consistent, accurate, and safe practice in the perioperative environment.
A large longitudinal study found that weight-loss surgery significantly reduces urinary incontinence episode frequency in adults with severe obesity. After seven years, improvements persist despite some weight regain, offering a durable benefit to patients.
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A study published in PLOS ONE found that patients who used virtual reality (VR) during hand surgery required less sedation and had shorter recovery times compared to those who received monitored anesthesia care. VR use also improved patient comfort and reduced anxiety.
Researchers developed a natural material derived from seaweed to promote vascular cell growth and prevent blood clots in heart bypass surgery. Fucoidan, a seaweed-derived compound, was added to synthetic blood vessels using nanotechnology, significantly reducing the chances of clots forming.
A new PET imaging method is more effective than angiograms in determining the need for coronary stents or bypass surgery, according to UTHealth Houston researchers. The study confirms that PET threshold of severity at which stents and bypass surgery improve survival compared to medical treatment alone.
A new deep learning model using conditional generative adversarial networks (cGANs) has been developed to diagnose bowel ischemia. The model achieved an accuracy of over 93% in segmenting ischemic intestine images, surpassing current subjective methods.
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Researchers found cannabis users had decreased patency and were 1.25 times more likely to require amputation one year after lower extremity bypass surgery. Cannabis use was also associated with a higher risk of opioid use after discharge.
The November issue of CHEST journal features new guidelines for perioperative management, studies on COVID-19 treatment and COPD treatment, as well as research on sleep apnea and long COVID. These findings have significant implications for patient care and healthcare resource use.
Rates of complications, death, and subsequent surgery were similar for gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy in adolescents with severe obesity. Adolescents who underwent sleeve gastrectomy had lower emergency room visits and hospital admissions compared to those who had gastric bypass surgery.
A new study has shown that total ankle replacement and ankle fusion surgeries equally improve quality of life for patients with advanced ankle osteoarthritis. However, a fixed bearing joint replacement showed significant improvement over ankle fusion in clinical scores.
A novel surgical procedure has shown promising results in addressing incontinence in children with Hirschsprung disease who underwent the pull-through operation. Four of six patients have achieved normal bowel function, reporting improved quality of life and increased freedom.
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Two new studies found that dialysis facilities owned by nephrologists may provide better care, with patients receiving home dialysis more often. Additionally, a shorter interval between dialysis and surgery was associated with improved post-surgery survival rates.
Researchers at MIT have created biomedical devices made from aluminum that can be disintegrated by exposing them to a liquid metal called eutectic gallium-indium. This process could eliminate the need for surgical or endoscopic procedures to remove medical devices, such as staples and stents.
A recent study found that restoring blood flow to the legs through bypass surgery or stent placement reduced pain and improved quality of life for people with peripheral artery disease (PAD). The Best Endovascular versus Best Surgical Therapy for Patients with Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia Trial enrolled 1,830 participants and foun...
Researchers at MIT have developed a new approach to improve the energy density of nonrechargeable batteries, enabling up to a 50% increase in useful lifetime. The new design uses a fluorinated catholyte material that reduces dead weight and improves safety.
Researchers found that bypass surgery resulted in a 32% lower risk of major medical events related to CLTI, as well as significant reductions in repeat surgeries and amputations. Adults without optimal veins for the bypass had no significant differences in outcomes between open bypass and endovascular procedures.
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Research at American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2022 found that bypass surgery improves blood flow to legs and feet, reducing major amputations and repeat procedures by 65% and 27%, respectively. The study of 1,830 patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia concluded that surgical bypass is a better option for those wit...
The American Association for Thoracic Surgery published an Expert Consensus Document recommending use of mechanical circulatory support before, during, and after lung transplantation. The guidelines include recommendations for veno-venous ECMO and central veno-arterial ECMO.
A study found that reducing noise in the operating room can improve children's behavior after surgery, including fewer temper tantrums and increased willingness to eat. The researchers used a reduced noise environment with low lighting and muted communication devices, resulting in improved post-operative behavior.
The new guidelines, issued by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO), recommend metabolic and bariatric surgery for individuals with a BMI of 35 or more, regardless of obesity-related conditions. The guidelines also endo...
The C-STICH clinical trial found that single-stranded suture threads may improve outcomes for mothers at risk of preterm birth by reducing the risk of infection. Researchers tested whether using single stranded sutures could decrease miscarriage or stillbirth rates due to an increased risk of infection.
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Researchers compared pre- and post-pandemic surgical procedure volumes, finding significant changes in essential, urgent, and nonurgent procedures. Elective surgeries restrictions led to reduced overall surgery volume, with a notable decrease in nonurgent cases.
A landmark study published in The Lancet found that chlorhexidine gluconate and povidone-iodine aqueous solutions are equally effective in preventing surgical site infections in patients with open fractures. This finding has significant implications for healthcare practitioners and may reduce costs associated with accessing these antis...
A Hackensack Meridian health doctor and bioethicist argues that surgeons' subjective assessments can lead to 'ableist' biases in patient treatment. The author proposes using algorithms to aid doctors in making more data-driven decisions, reducing assumptions about patients' quality of life.
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LSU Health New Orleans has been awarded $4.6 million to develop a Burn Prehospital Provider Program, which will provide education and training for military and civilian healthcare providers in different environments. The program aims to improve burn injury care before patients reach a hospital.
Researchers found that cataract surgery patients experienced fewer systemic complications than those undergoing other low-risk procedures, even without anesthesia experts present.
Researchers have developed an easy-to-use online prediction tool to estimate complication risks for patients undergoing laparoscopic and open hysterectomies. The study found that women of Asian background are at higher risk of major complications after abdominal hysterectomy, with adhesions being the most significant risk factor.
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A new study published by The BMJ found no significant differences in mortality or complication rates between male and female gastrointestinal surgeons in Japan. Female surgeons were more likely to be assigned high-risk patients, but the results show that their performance was equal to that of their male counterparts.
Patients requiring emergency dialysis before or after surgery are at increased risk of death and functional decline. Notably, patients undergoing high-risk surgeries like esophagectomy/gastrectomy and heart surgery have significantly higher mortality rates.
A randomized controlled trial found that virtual reality immersion reduced the need for sedatives during hand surgery, leading to lower doses of propofol and shorter post-operative lengths of stay. Patient satisfaction remained unchanged, but discharge times were significantly shorter.
Researchers have developed an injectable shear-thinning hydrogel that exhibits enhanced cohesive strength, resisting fragmentation even under pulsating liquid flows. The gel, similar to toothpaste, retains its structure when force is removed, making it a potential breakthrough in treating critical vascular conditions.
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Researchers developed assistive devices to streamline ear reconstruction surgery, minimizing tissue waste and operating time. The tools use 3D manufacturing to precision-cut rib cartilage, enabling a faster, more accurate process with better outcomes.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that the mortality rate for patients with a torn aorta has decreased significantly, from 37% in the 1950s to nearly 6% today. However, patients who did not receive surgery died at a rate five times higher than those who underwent treatment.
For seven years after bariatric surgery, participants showed clinically important improvements in pain levels, physical function, and work productivity, with some backsliding over time. The study found durable effects on walking speed, fitness, and most metrics of pain, even among older adults.
A recent study found a significant decline in pet neuter surgeries nationwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to increased shelter overcrowding and euthanasia. The study, which analyzed data from 212 clinics, showed a shortage of veterinarians and staffing issues exacerbated the problem.
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Long-term opioid use after lung cancer surgery is associated with a 40% heightened death risk within two years, according to research. The study found that male sex, older age, and chemotherapy treatment are among the factors linked to long-term opioid use.
A randomized controlled trial found that both BVLR and surgery lead to significant improvements in lung function, breathlessness, and exercise capacity. The study suggests that less invasive BVLR may be a good therapeutic option for suitable patients, offering a similar outcome to traditional surgery.
A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that microneedling can significantly improve the final appearance of surgical scars, with best results if done within six to seven weeks. Early intervention with microneedling has been shown to reactivate the healing process and prevent undesirable scarring.
A new risk score can help predict mortality for patients with atrial fibrillation who have undergone successful TAVR and been discharged home. The risk score was developed using data from the ENVISAGE-TAVI AF trial, which found that patients with certain clinical risks were more likely to die within a year of discharge.
A recent study published in the Journal of Urology found that robotic IVC thrombectomy is not inferior to standard open surgery and has lower complication rates. The robotic approach also showed a lower blood transfusion rate, making it an attractive option for patients with optimal candidacy.
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A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that surgical volumes remained significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels despite a full recovery of nonurgent procedure volumes after vaccination. This has resulted in more advanced disease states and poorer outcomes for patients when they finally receive treatment.
A severe decline in surgical procedure volumes was observed across various subspecialties during the COVID-19 peak. The overall volume failed to fully recover after the peak and vaccine release periods, with varying rates of recovery among different specialties.
Researchers at Houston Methodist found that injecting morphine into the tibia during knee replacement surgery reduces postoperative pain and the need for pain medication. This method, known as intraosseous infusion, may also facilitate a swifter recovery of the knee joint.
The new guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for managing patients on warfarin, DOACs, and antiplatelet drugs before and after surgeries. It aims to minimize preventable bleeding and thrombotic events by standardizing approaches and protocols.
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A Michigan Medicine study found that patients who received preoperative education on opioid risks and nonopioid pain management options consumed significantly less oxycodone, with only 16 doses used despite similar pain scores. The results suggest a multimodal approach to managing pain can reduce harm and prevent substance use disorders.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggests that carotid artery stenting can be just as effective as surgery in preventing long-term stroke and improving durability. The research recommends expanding insurance coverage for this minimally invasive procedure, which can improve blood flow to the brain.
A new study suggests that overlapping surgery could help reduce hospital waiting lists by allowing a single surgeon to operate in two parallel theatres. However, the study's authors warn that this approach may increase the risk of complications, especially if critical portions of surgery are not adequately covered.
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A new study published in JAMA Surgery found that surgeons who oversee multiple surgeries simultaneously have a higher risk of complications and death. For surgeries involving one anesthesiologist directing CRNA or resident care, those managing three to four overlapping cases saw complication rates rise by 14%.
Researchers found that despite a powerful brain response to sound during sleep, the level of alpha-beta waves associated with attention and expectation is significantly reduced. This means the brain can analyze auditory input but fails to focus on it, resulting in no conscious awareness.
The study found that patients with severe stress-induced myocardial ischemia are likely to benefit from heart bypass surgery or angioplasty, while those with mild or no ischemia are not. Early revascularization was associated with a more than 30 percent reduction in mortality compared to patients treated with medication.
Researchers assessed total medical and out-of-pocket costs for genital gender-affirming surgery, finding that costs differed between procedures conducted in- and outside the patient's state of residence. The study aimed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the financial burden of this type of surgery.
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A study found that rates of serious complications associated with shoulder surgery are low, but one in 26 patients need further surgery within a year. The effectiveness of some shoulder procedures is doubtful at best, according to experts.