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New data clarifies safe and effective treatment for patients with mitral valve disease

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.

SourceThe Society of Thoracic Surgeons·JournalThe Annals of Thoracic Surgery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 19, 2023

Black and hispanic patients treated for retinal detachment with surgery had worse vision results than white patients

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.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalCanadian Journal of Ophthalmology·DateJan 17, 2023

Research shows how hospitals can speed up surgery times with separate patient preparation

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.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalOmega·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 16, 2023

HKU Dentistry new jaw surgery concept effective in treating moderate-to-severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea with over 50% of cases cured

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.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalOral and Maxillofacial Surgery·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2023

New pediatric investigation article reviews the potential of transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement for congenital heart disorders

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...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalPediatric Investigation·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 3, 2023

PET technology more effective than angiogram at determining need for coronary stents, bypass surgery

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 30, 2022

Bypass surgery favorable for initial treatment of chronic limb-threatening ischemia

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.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 7, 2022

AATS announces the publication an Expert Consensus Documents (ECD) in the January issue of JTCVS on “The Use of Mechanical Circulatory Support in Lung Transplantation”

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.

SourceAmerican Association for Thoracic Surgery·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 26, 2022

After 30 years -- new guidelines for weight-loss surgery

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...

SourceAmerican Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery·JournalSurgery for Obesity and Related Diseases·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 21, 2022

Single stranded suture threads could prevent pregnancy infection complications, C-STICH trial finds

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.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 20, 2022

Landmark study finds antisepsis agents interchangeable in reducing infection risk in open fracture surgeries

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...

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 14, 2022

Hackensack Meridian health doctor, bioethicist publishes surgery decision-making piece in New England Journal of Medicine

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.

SourceHackensack Meridian Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 6, 2022

Easy-to-use tool predicts complications in patients undergoing hysterectomy for benign disease

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.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 3, 2022

Treating aneurysms with injectable toothpaste-like biomaterials

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.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2022

Less invasive treatment for emphysema is as good as more invasive surgery: results from first randomised controlled trial comparing lung volume surgery and bronchoscopic lung volume reduction with valve placement

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.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 5, 2022

New risk score predicts mortality for atrial fibrillation patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement

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.

Change in surgical volume during COVID-19

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 18, 2022

Surgical backlogs from COVID-19 persist and could have serious healthcare consequences going forward

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.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 18, 2022

A new way to control pain after knee replacement surgery

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.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalThe Journal of Arthroplasty·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 12, 2022

JACC study makes case for expanding coverage for carotid artery stenting

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.

SourceOchsner Health System·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 3, 2022

Children and teens getting spinal surgery don’t need so many opioids, study suggests

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Pediatric Orthopaedics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 3, 2022

“Overlapping surgery” to reduce hospital waiting lists – exciting concept, but no evidence it will increase number of operations

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.

SourceAAGBI·JournalAnaesthesia·DateJul 21, 2022