MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'anesthesiology'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:16:54 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159269&cid=t_94079_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FwMWX384QCZM%2Fmasimo-sedline-eeg-based-brain-function-monitor-receives-ce-mark.html In conclusion, the benefits remain controversial (the American Society of Anesthesiologists advises to use a brain function monitor only in selected patients). Flashback: Masimo Invests in Anesthesia Awareness Technology. Good Move? We Don’t Think So… Press release: Masimo Obtains CE Mark for SEDLine, Launches EEG-Based Brain Function Monitors in European Market… Product page: Masimo SEDLine… (Source: Medgadget) Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159269 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 16:48:18 +0100 5159269 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5130851&cid=t_94079_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FVRZhTjLQxpc%2Fmasimo-reintroduces-pronto-7-finger-sensor-after-recall.html We reported on the introduction of Masimo‘s Pronto 7 back in June 2010. To review, this handheld, noninvasive device provides a spot-check of hemoglobin (SpHb), SpO2, pulse rate, and perfusion index.  Since then, Masimo voluntarily recalled the sensors associated with this device due to problems with reliability of data at low ambient temperatures.  The company has subsequently redesigned the sensors and re-validated the data with thousands of patients. With the new sensors validated, Masimo has initiated international availability of Pronto-7 in Europe, Middle East, Africa, South America, and Asia (except for countries requiring clearance, such as Japan). As far as the U.S. is concerned, FDA 510(k) clearance is pending at this time. Masimo Founder and CEO, Joe Kiani, stated: &#822... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5130851 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:29:56 +0100 5130851 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050788&cid=t_94079_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FT998SN7alGE%2Fouchless-needles-cool-skin-make-injectable-cosmetic-treatments-less-painful.html Although injectables such as Botox and dermal fillers have made cosmetic treatments much easier for patients, the needles used in these treatments can still cause pain and discomfort. Traditional local anesthetic creams on the injection site can take over half an hour to take effect, but Louisville, KY-based BellaNovus claims that its new line of Ouchless Needle devices will solve this problem while also minimizing post-procedure numbness. The Ouchless Needle is a small disposable device which numbs the injection site by simultaneously cooling the surrounding skin. From the product page: This patent pending Ouchless™ Needle is a disposable syringe-attachable dispenser that delivers a precise stream of numbing vapocoolant to the skin just ahead of the tip of the needle just before the ski... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050788 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 15:08:54 +0100 5050788 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028529&cid=t_94079_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2F4SGK1QQD57w%2Fedwards-ev1000-critical-care-platform-gets-fda-clearance.html The course of a general anesthetic has often been likened to an airplane flight – the induction (takeoff), emergence (landing), and whatever turbulence you encounter along the way.  Now the cockpit just became a lot fancier with a new monitoring system from Edwards Lifesciences.  The Edwards EV1000, which just received FDA clearance, is touted as presenting the status of the patient in an “entirely new, intuitive and meaningful way.” The system integrates the FloTrac arterial waveform analyzer and PreSep/PediaSat oximetry catheters, along with the VolumeView transpulmonary thermodilution method to calculate and display a wide array of physiological variables to help diagnosis and treat critical illness. The VolumeView looks especially interesting, touting to calculate t... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028529 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:27:36 +0100 5028529 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008360&cid=t_94079_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FgSD_a-aFQfU%2Fibag-urine-bag-tweets-when-it-is-getting-full.html Wireless technology is penetrating all sorts of aspects of our world and culture. According to MedCity News, Future Path Medical received FDA regulatory approval to market a urine bag with wireless capabilities. The tiny computer that attaches to the traditional bag measures the fill status and temperature of the fluids inside, and transmits that information via standard IP to any device that wants to receive it. Could be very convenient for caretakers not to have to check up on the status of the bag. iBag™ combines a low-cost fluid sensor with an optional thermistor-based catheter, software and wireless communications providing urine monitoring. In addition, iBag™ will contribute to reduced urine spills and potentially with caregiver assistance – no urine backup in the patient.... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008360 Wed, 06 Jul 2011 18:31:06 +0100 5008360 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4953030&cid=t_94079_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2F4hfZyRZqbXY%2Fnew-allied-healthcare-mass-casualty-ventilators.html St. Louis-based Allied Healthcare has released a line of ventilators designed for mass casualty situations. During natural or man-made disasters, hospitals may be overwhelmed by the sheer number of patients needing life support, and clinical staff typically not qualified to provide life support may be required to assist. Additionally, electric power may become unavailable for stand-alone mobile ventilators that can operate for extended periods of time and demand continuous electricity. The Allied Mass Casualty Ventilators were designed for such situations, and they feature simple operation, long battery life, and are able to operate without external gas connections. “If you can’t breathe nothing else matters,” said Jack Dabrowski, Allied’s National Product Manager. “Early respon... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4953030 Tue, 21 Jun 2011 18:23:40 +0100 4953030 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934407&cid=t_94079_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FO9juTVwK_lU%2Fmaquet-gets-fda-clearance-for-flow-i-anesthesia-system.html MAQUET‘s futuristic-looking, advanced FLOW-i anesthesia system has been given 510(k) marketing clearance by the FDA. The approval applies to C20, C30 and C40 models of the system, according to the company. The anesthesia machine, in addition to advanced monitoring and respiratory controls, features the company’s proprietary MAQUET VOLUME REFLECTOR (VR), a re-breathing device that allows partial re-circulation of exhaled gases, hence it can save a buck or two on vapors in a busy anesthesia department. From the product brochure and press release: Based on the core technology of the MAQUET SERVO ventilator series, FLOW-i is able to maintain constant gas flow despite increasing airway pressure, provide high flow rates quickly, allow quick and easy triggering and keep PEEP constant ... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934407 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 18:45:24 +0100 4934407 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934409&cid=t_94079_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FCbqi-F3AL34%2Fchristie-medical-announces-veinviewer-vision-omnimount.html Christie Medical Innovations has announced its new VeinViewer Vision OmniMount, which provides a smaller physical footprint and reduced cost for the company’s VeinViewer platform. The VeinViewer technology uses near-infrared light to produce an image of a patient’s veins, and then projects the image directly onto the skin to aid in IV placement. From the press release: The form factor of OmniMount is further reduced compared to the high-mobility cart model of VeinViewer Vision, but it features the same clinically proven vein-viewing capabilities. With OmniMount, customers have the key option of using the semi-permanent mount to position the device on a wall or table. The reduced size and mounting feature will prove to be especially useful in smaller treatment settings such as clinics, ... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934409 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 16:20:36 +0100 4934409 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911606&cid=t_94079_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2F-RCfr_LN-c8%2Fmedegrip-given-go-ahead-in-europe.html MedeGrip, a simple foam device for working with small or breakable things in the clinic or on the floor, has received the European CE Mark of approval.  It was less than a month ago that MedeGrip was successfully registered with the FDA as a Class 1 device and Access Scientific included it as part of the POWERWAND Maximum Barrier Kit. Developed by a PICC line nurse, the device helps take away the pain of handling things like Luer Loks and pin knots, and makes it a bit safer to work with glass ampules. Here’s a short video demonstrating the MedeGrip: Product page: MedeGrip… Flashbacks: MedeGrip to Make Work With Central Lines, Ampules, Other Devices Easier and Safer; MedeGrip for Pain Free Fingers Gets FDA Registered (Source: Medgadget) Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911606 Tue, 07 Jun 2011 21:54:35 +0100 4911606 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4902509&cid=t_94079_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2Fpw7mTXLHXzE%2Fmasimo-e1-pulse-oximetry-ear-sensor-receives-fda-and-ce-approval.html Masimo has received both US FDA and European CE clearance for its E1 single-patient-use pulse oximetry ear sensor. The ear is often used as an alternative site to measure oxygenation in situations where measurement at the fingertip is impractical, such as when there is excessive patient movement or when perfusion is too low to obtain reliable results. While traditional fingerclip sensors are often applied to the earlobe, the E1 is attached more securely in the cavum conchae. It promises to give faster detection of oxygen saturation changes during low perfusion, and to avoid cross-contamination risks associated with reusable sensors. Masimo has started a limited market release of the device. Press release: Masimo Initiates Limited Market Release of E1, Single-Patient-Use Ear Sensor for Puls... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4902509 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 13:00:43 +0100 4902509 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893601&cid=t_94079_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2Fv4yFpPxwYos%2Fmadgic-airway-from-lma-aids-in-fiberoptic-intubations.html Fiberoptic intubations can be a messy business, best done with meticulous preparation of the airway.  Topical analgesia/anesthesia of the mouth (and/or nose), palate, pharynx, tongue and vocal cords is essential to a successful awake fiberoptic intubation,  but precisely delivering the local anesthetic while maintaining oxygenation can be tricky.  The MADgic atomizer and MADGic airway from LMA incorporate all these tasks into one apparatus. The mouth,  tongue, palate, and throat are first sprayed with topical anesthetic, then the MADgic airway is inserted. This device has a built-in atomizer that should be now directed at the glottic opening, allowing you to spray the vocal cords directly with more anesthetic.  All the while, an oxygen port delivers fresh gas to the patient while you ... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893601 Thu, 02 Jun 2011 16:51:06 +0100 4893601 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4883694&cid=t_94079_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2F2xQKuhnDqcw%2Fnoninvasively_measuring_brain_temperature-2.html MMS Radiometric Sensing Transducer Researchers at the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters in Norfolk, Virginia, have developed a device that can non-invasively measure brain temperature. The device is about the size of a box of matches and rests on a patient’s head, passively detecting microwave emissions produced by the brain tissue beneath the skull. The device is able to measure the temperature of brain tissue 1.5 centimeters beneath the skull. It mainly would have application in monitoring cooling therapy, and would be used to prevent brain damage during cardiac arrest, total circulatory arrest, or for monitoring intracerebral temperatures in hypoxic newborns.The device is currently being evaluated on infants with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy, and findings ... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4883694 Tue, 31 May 2011 20:01:52 +0100 4883694 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872193&cid=t_94079_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FU5wYhJSV5d8%2Fthe-oxylator-emergency-ventilation-with-no-wires.html The Oxylator from Primedic is a combination between a bag-valve mask and a portable ventilator.  Designed to be operated by either lay rescuers or EMS personnel, it is powered only by an oxygen cylinder, with no electricity required.  This device basically acts as a pressure-controlled ventilator, leaving EMS personnel with free hands to take care of other life-savings tasks. The Oxylator is affixed either to a facemask or a more invasive airway device such as an LMA or endotracheal tube, and with the touch of a button, it begins delivering a preset pressure in the range of 20-45 cm H2O.  In addition, there is an audio-visual alarm that alerts to increased pressures that can occur if more head-tilt/chin-lift is needed in the case of mask ventilation or if the tube slips into the right m... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872193 Fri, 27 May 2011 19:16:35 +0100 4872193 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872090&cid=t_94079_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fiphone-app-can-substitute-for-expensive-pulse-oximeter%2F2011.05.27 The Electrical and Computer Engineering in Medicine (ECEM) research group in collaboration with the Pediatric Anesthesia Research Team (PART) at the University of British Columbia have developed a mobile solution to measuring key vital signs — called the “Phone Oximeter”. The Phone Oximeter uses a traditional FDA approved pulse oximetry sensor, but researchers have modified it to interface with a phone, in this case, your iPhone. Currently the setup is being interfaced with an iPhone for trial studies, but is compatible with Android, and other mobile operating systems. What makes the Phone Oximeter special is its ability to capture SpO2 (blood oxygen saturation), heart rate, and respiratory rate — then dynamically comprehend the variables using the decision support software, giving... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872090 Fri, 27 May 2011 18:00:12 +0100 4872090 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841647&cid=t_94079_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FyZbWkn1-gJA%2Fmedegrip-for-pain-free-fingers-gets-u-s-clearance.html Last month we reported on a very simple but effective tool that helps nurses safely and comfortably work with small and rigid objects like Luer-Loks and glass ampules. Since then the MedeGrip has been registered as a Class 1 – FDA device for use with other medical devices, and Access Scientific has integrated it as part of the POWERWAND Maximum Barrier Kit. From the announcement: Invented by nurse Matthew Ostroff, RN, VA-BC, CEN, a PICC line specialist, MedeGrip recently received FDA clearance as a Class 1 device. Class 1 covers low-risk devices such as elastic bandages, examination gloves, and hand-held surgical instruments. The device is an H-shaped gripping aid made of flexible foam. The two opposing surfaces of the device help nurses grip objects more effectively and safely. Mede... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841647 Thu, 19 May 2011 17:03:38 +0100 4841647 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4775389&cid=t_94079_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fswearing-in-moderation-may-ease-pain%2F2011.05.02 Swearing really can relieve pain, but only if one doesn’t do it daily. Researchers at Keele University in England have considered this topic before, and most recently, they studied whether people who swear more often in everyday life get as much pain relief from cursing as those who swear less frequently. Researchers recruited 71 participants who completed a questionnaire that assessed how often they swore. Pain tolerance was assessed by how long participants could keep their unclenched hand in icy water (5° C, capped at 5 minutes) while repeating a chosen word. The word was either a swear word (self-selected from a list of five words the person might use after hitting their thumb with a hammer) or a control word (one of five they might use to describe a table). Interestingly, one p... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4775389 Mon, 02 May 2011 19:00:00 +0100 4775389 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4714742&cid=t_94079_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpain-management-one-size-doesnt-fit-all%2F2011.04.14 When it comes to treating chronic pain such as arthritis or low back pain, it’s important to remember that what works for one patient may not work for the next patient. Some people are able to control their pain by taking a nonprescription medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), while others may need an opioid (also known as narcotics). Tablets or capsules containing the opioid hydrocodone plus acetaminophen (known as Vicodin or Lortab) are among the most commonly dispensed medications in the US. But remember: just because this medication is popular doesn’t make it the best pain reliever for everyone! For example, a recent study showed the older adults who were prescribed a short-acting opioid such as hydrocodone or oxycodone (e.g., Percocet) were twice as likely to break a bone in... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4714742 Thu, 14 Apr 2011 19:00:06 +0100 4714742 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4704657&cid=t_94079_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ftrue-story-an-anesthetist-attempts-to-sabotage-a-surgeon%2F2011.04.12 There is a sort of love/hate relationship between the surgeons and the anesthetists. Neither one can survive without the other. We supply them with work and they get the work to lie still while we cut and dice. Yet their job is to keep the patient alive while we challenge their ability to stay alive. At the moment of surgery they play good cop and we play bad cop. Of course after surgery the good cop is suddenly the surgeon through and through. But that is another story. I really appreciate a good anesthetist (I‘ve had bad ones) and to tell the truth these days I’m spoiled by the quality of the gas monkeys that I work with. However many years ago I remember a case where the anesthetist and I had a misunderstanding about time frame. I was doing a laparotomy in Kalafong. The gas ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4704657 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:00:00 +0100 4704657 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4704659&cid=t_94079_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fphysicians-and-hospitals-protect-their-turf-with-patient-safety-arguments%2F2011.04.12 Prototype ‘BS’ meter. So many folks express views that are obviously self-serving, but they try to masquerade them as altruistic positions that benefit some other constituency. These attempts usually fool no one, but yet these performances are common and ongoing. They are potent fertilizer for cynicism. Teachers’ unions have been performing for us for decades. Their positions on charter schools, school vouchers, merit pay and the tenure system are clear examples of professional advocacy to protect teachers’ jobs and benefits; yet the stated reasons are to protect our kids. Yeah, right. While our kids are not receiving a top flight education, the public has gotten smart in a hurry on what’s really needed to reform our public educational system. This is why these unions are... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4704659 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 12:00:00 +0100 4704659 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4580895&cid=t_94079_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fanesthesia-medications-automatically-delivered-during-surgery%2F2011.03.13 A team of French anesthesiologists has developed an automatic delivery system of propofol and remifentanil, which they recently tested in a multi-center trial involving 196 surgical patients. The researchers reported in Anesthesia & Analgesia that the system, which uses a Bispectral Index (BIS) monitor as a guide, performed better than manual administration: We have developed a proportional-integral-derivative controller allowing the closed-loop coadministration of propofol and remifentanil, guided by a Bispectral Index (BIS) monitor, during induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. The controller was compared with manual target-controlled infusion. The controller allows the automated delivery of propofol and remifentanil and maintains BIS values in predetermined boundaries duri... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4580895 Sun, 13 Mar 2011 16:00:28 +0100 4580895 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4337941&cid=t_94079_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhow-to-have-a-pain-free-hospital-stay%2F2011.01.11 This is a guest post from Dr. Anita Gupta. ********** How To Have A Pain-Free Hospital Stay Too often patients feel like they’re in the passenger seat when entering the hospital. Even in the best of circumstances — such as planned admissions — patients often don’t feel in control of their own care. One of the most unnecessary issues facing patients when they enter the hospital is untreated (or undertreated) pain. Often the focus of the medical team is to treat a condition, and controlling a patient’s pain comes second. Fortunately, this doesn’t need to be the situation. Here are a few tips for patients to ensure that their pain does not go overlooked: – Let someone know if you are in pain. This may seem obvious, but patients often hesitate to question their doctor... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4337941 Tue, 11 Jan 2011 18:00:55 +0100 4337941 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4331013&cid=t_94079_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ftired-surgeons-how-long-was-the-patient-asleep%2F2011.01.10 In a recent New England Journal of Medicine, a perspective piece on what to do with fatigued surgeons is generating debate. The issue of work-hour restrictions has been a controversial issue when it comes to doctors in training, something that I wrote about earlier in the year in USA Today. But once doctors graduate and practice in the real world, there are no rules. As summarized in the WSJ’s Health Blog, the perspective piece argues for more regulation for tired surgeons: … self-regulation is not sufficient. Instead, “we recommend that institutions implement policies to minimize the likelihood of sleep deprivation before a clinician performs elective surgery and to facilitate priority rescheduling of elective procedures when a clinician is sleep-deprived,” they write. For exampl... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4331013 Mon, 10 Jan 2011 20:00:40 +0100 4331013 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4249058&cid=t_94079_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fbreast-implants-under-local-anesthesia%2F2010.12.10 Reader question: A surgeon I’m thinking about seeing said on his website that breast implants were able to be done under local + intravenous anesthetic (like twilight). Can this really be done? I always thought it was too invasive for just twilight, especially if it is under the muscle. Is there an advantage to using twilight? After looking it up, there are lots of differing opinions out there, but I think that this may just be a way for the surgeon to cut costs. What is the cosmetic surgery truth here, Dr. D? I am not a fan of local anesthesia or twilight sleep for breast implant surgery except in rare cases (simple redos and such). The reasons are patient comfort and practicality. I place most of my breast implants under the pectoral muscles, and these muscles need to be relaxed for th... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4249058 Fri, 10 Dec 2010 19:00:25 +0100 4249058 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4105665&cid=t_94079_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fnurse-anesthetists-allowed-to-work-without-doctor-supervision%2F2010.10.25 New Jersey’s state health department is considering a rule that would allow nurse anesthetists to work without a doctor’s supervision, as long as there’s a plan to reach one in case of an emergency. New Jersey would join the 30 states that allow nurse anesthetists to work without direct supervision. On the other end of the country, a California court upheld the state’s decision to opt out of a Medicare requirement that doctors be present while a nurse anesthetist works in order to be reimbursed. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have allowed states to opt out of that requirement since 2001. Since then, there has been no evidence of increased inpatient deaths or complications, researchers reported in the August 2010 issue of Health Affairs. Earlier this ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4105665 Mon, 25 Oct 2010 22:00:00 +0100 4105665 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3982013&cid=t_94079_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ftranscontinental-anesthesia%2F2010.09.18 Just two weeks after we reported on teleanesthesia in the form of remotely-performed nerve blocks, the first report of transcontinental anesthesia comes in. On August 30, anesthesiologists of McGill-McGill University Health Centre in Montreal, kept watch over a patient in Pisa, Italy, undergoing thyroid gland surgery. Basically they used a teleconferencing setup with four cameras, with two cameras streaming the anesthesia data (ventilation parameters and vital signs), one camera aimed at the operating field, and the last one for any special purposes. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Medgadget* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3982013 Sat, 18 Sep 2010 22:00:01 +0100 3982013 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3780356&cid=t_94079_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdoes-anesthesia-contribute-to-the-end-of-the-world%2F2010.07.22 In a development that may have you undergo your next medical procedure the old-fashioned way, two researchers from the University of California-San Francisco and the University of Oslo are reporting that inhaled anesthetics significantly contribute to the destruction of the ozone layer and add to the overall global warming gas content in the atmosphere. Moreover, the study’s authors conclude with some valuable advice for your own practice: “From our calculations, avoiding N2O and unnecessarily high fresh gas flow rates can reduce the environmental impact of inhaled anesthetics.” We’d like to venture even further. Not only would we recommend closed-circuit, low-flow anesthesia even with sevoflurane (damn those kidneys!), we’d also suggest that patients arrive b... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3780356 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 19:00:01 +0100 3780356 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3742249&cid=t_94079_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ftea-brewed-from-angels-trumpet-causing-hospitalizations-in-kids%2F2010.07.10 Toxicity reports are re-emerging in southern California this week after a dozen hospitalizations of kids using teas made from a fragrant flowering plant called Angel’s Trumpet. A tea made from the plant is used to produce hallucinations, but they can progress to extremely unpleasant experiences. Moreover, Angel’s Trumpet can be deadly, accelerating the heart rate and causing fatal cardiac rhythmic disturbances and bronchoconstriction that can trigger asthma attacks in sensitive individuals. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Terra Sigillata* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3742249 Sat, 10 Jul 2010 12:00:59 +0100 3742249 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3699704&cid=t_94079_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F9uSkJUlkuGQ%2F Scott Reuben, who was accused of faking research for a dozen years in published studies that suggested after-surgery benefits from Vioxx and Celebrex, was sentenced to six months in jail plus three years supervised release after he pleaded guilty earlier this year to health care fraud, MassLive reports. The 51-year-old must also repay $361,932 in research grants, forfeit assets worth at least $50,000 and pay a $5,000 fine. The former chief of acute pain at Baystate Medical Center received grants from various drugmakers but never performed the studies, fabricated patient data and submitted info to anesthesiology journals that was unwittingly published. Later, an investigation found 21 papers published in journals between 1996 and 2008 in which Reuben made up some or all of the data (backgr... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3699704 Fri, 25 Jun 2010 12:45:58 +0100 3699704 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3607499&cid=t_94079_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fplastic-surgery-thoughts-before-going-under-the-knife%2F2010.05.27 More than 10 million Americans undergo elective cosmetic procedures each year. Dr. Jon LaPook reports on what every patient should know about anesthesia with Dr. Panchali Dhar, author of “Before the Scalpel.” Watch CBS News Videos Online Plastic Surgery: Risks Of Going Under The Knife Last year — despite the recession — there were about 10 million cosmetic procedures in the United States. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, over 90 percent were in women and about 1.5 million were surgical.    The top five surgical procedures were breast augmentation (311,957), liposuction (283,735), eyelid surgery (149,943), rhinoplasty (138,258), and abdominoplasty (127.923). As you awaken on the morning of your elective surgery, there’s no way ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3607499 Thu, 27 May 2010 20:00:34 +0100 3607499 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1500304&cid=t_94079_154_f&fid=35946&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fvideo-play.mp4%3FcontentId%3D74e282631cfed93e%26type%3Dvideo%252Fmp4 We've rounded up the most recent strange and wonderful medical stories that didn't make it into our June issue of NRM.Pills to boost first-person-shooter performanceBERLIN -- Eschewing the days of Jolt Cola and Red Bull, hardcore video gamers are turning to caffeine-laced vitamin pills to stay juiced during all-night head-to-head battles. The pills, marketed as FpsBrain by the German company Tomarni GmbH, promise to "speed up your mind" with "rapid reaction and focus" and offer a 110% money back guarantee! Looking for more benefits? Unlike caffeinated drinks, it's reported the pills don't produce hand tremors -- giving gamers precise aim at their virtual enemies.Photo: Tomarni GmbHMD claims Alzheimer's reversal "in minutes"LOS ANGELES -- Sensational footage from a video released in early A... Canadian Medicine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1500304 Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:21:00 +0100 1500304 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1433793&cid=t_94079_133_f&fid=35129&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhitterer-autism.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F05%2Fbad-teeth.html Some bloggers have sitemeters. Some bloggers check their sitemeters to see who is searching what subject, if they are brave. Occasionally I am brave and check. What follows are three pieces upon subjects that three people researched via google.This is the fourth topic:-Now there’s a curious search. I can see why people would visit me to find evidence that "British people have bad teeth." I would be eminently qualified in that department. But why search about bad teeth AND autism? Still, I suppose it makes a welcome change from searching any subject with the addition of "not autism," so I’ll stop moaning. Bad teeth might be an area of concern, if a little vague. Some scientific types are concerned about mercury and the incidence of autism. Some parents and scientists suggest that there ... Whitterer on Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1433793 Fri, 09 May 2008 17:01:00 +0100 1433793 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1404205&cid=t_94079_154_f&fid=35946&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcanadianmedicine.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F04%2Fhollywoods-war-against-physicians.html Hollywood has it in for physicians. That's the only conclusion I can draw from the new release of the thriller Pathology, close on the heels of the anesthesic-awareness terror film Awake.Check out the trailers for the movies. A word of warning: they're pretty gruesome.PathologyAwakeAWAKEAwake had anesthetists up in arms, as we wrote last summer, with its depiction of Canadian actor Hayden Christensen as a patient isn't properly sedated and feels every aspect of his open-heart surgery. "Anesthesiologists are not looking forward to [Awake] coming out at all," University of Toronto anesthestist Dr Scott Beattie told the Toronto Star at the time.I recall that at a Ontario Hospital Association conference last year, one anesthesiology professor was trying to kill some time as technicians tried t... Canadian Medicine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1404205 Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:52:00 +0100 1404205 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1909204&cid=t_94079_177_f&fid=38133&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FTubalReversalBlog%2F%7E3%2F286469495%2Fmeet-dr-caryn-hertz.html At Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center, the close coordination between the surgical and anesthesia teams makes tubal reversal surgery the safest and most comfortable surgery that is possible. Performing 4 tubal reversal operations together every day, 5 days a week, is unique in the medical field and is one of the factors that makes the tubal reversal experience at Chapel Hill truly exceptional. Dr. Caryn Hertz, Director of Anesthesia says, “I am dedicated to making each patient’s surgery comfortable and safe. Working regularly with Dr. Berger has enabled me to truly optimize and continually improve the Tubal Ligation Reversal experience for our patients.” (Source: Tubal Reversal Blog) Tubal Reversal Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1909204 Tue, 22 Apr 2008 22:47:24 +0100 1909204 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1909205&cid=t_94079_177_f&fid=38133&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FTubalReversalBlog%2F%7E3%2F286469496%2Fanesthesiologist-dr-split.html Introducing James Split MD It is a happy occasion to introduce another new member of the staff of Chapel Hill Surgical Center. Dr. James Split is a Board Certified Anesthesiologist. He has worked at Chapel Hill Surgical Center since December 2007. He previously lived and worked in Greensboro, North Carolina for the last 18 months. Before moving to North Carolina, Dr. [...] (Source: Tubal Reversal Blog) Tubal Reversal Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1909205 Sat, 19 Apr 2008 01:38:29 +0100 1909205 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=799402&cid=t_94079_154_f&fid=35946&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcanadianmedicine.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F08%2Fhorror-of-patients-waking-during.html (Source: Canadian Medicine) Canadian Medicine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=799402 Wed, 15 Aug 2007 01:18:48 +0100 799402 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=479469&cid=t_94079_82_f&fid=34955&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.obels.org%2Fmt%2Farchives%2F2007%2F03%2F08%2Fanesthetized_by_sound.html The thermodynamics of general anesthesia On The (Sound) Track Of Anesthetics How can one anesthetize a nerve so that feel ceases and it is possible to operate on a patient without pain? It has been known for more than 100 years that substances like ether, laughing gas, chloroform, procaine and the noble gas xenon can serve as anesthetics. The molecules of these substances have very different sizes and chemical properties, but experience shows that their doses are strictly determined by their solubility in olive oil. Current expertise is so advanced that it is possible to calculate precisely how much of a given material is required for the patient. In spite of this, no one knows precisely how anesthetics work. How are the nerves "turned off"? Starting from their theory that nerve signals ar... Obels Medical Weblog ★★★ blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=479469 Thu, 08 Mar 2007 05:00:00 +0100 479469