Month: May 2022

Uncategorized Published - 17 May, 2022    By - Dr Clemens
Ketamine Psychedelic and Antinociceptive Effects Are Connected

Authors: Erik Olofsen, Ph.D. et al  Anesthesiology May 2022, Vol. 136, 792–801. Background Ketamine produces potent analgesia combined with psychedelic effects. It has been suggested that these two effects are associated and possibly that analgesia is generated by ketamine-induced dissociation. The authors performed a post hoc analysis of previously published data to quantify the pharmacodynamic properties of […]

Read More
Uncategorized Published - 16 May, 2022    By - Dr Clemens
Quality Reporting for 2022: Performance Threshold Raised to 75 Points

Author: Matthew T. Popovich, PhD ASA Monitor March 2022, Vol. 86, 37. In the first quarter of each year, anesthesiologists and their groups encounter a number of burdens for federal quality reporting. These burdens include choosing quality measures, updating measure specifications, and modifying workflows to accommodate new quality measure data capture. For 2022, ASA was able […]

Read More
Uncategorized Published - 16 May, 2022    By - Dr Clemens
Technology for Diabetics

Author: Barbara M. Rogers, MD, MBOE, FASA ASA Monitor March 2022, Vol. 86, 26. Editor’s note: The ASA Monitor is pleased to introduce Dr. Gearhead, a new recurring column developed to provide anesthesiologists with a strong working knowledge of the latest patient wearables, implantable devices, and other medical technologies sure to be encountered in the OR or preoperative […]

Read More
Uncategorized Published - 16 May, 2022    By - Dr Clemens
Cardiac Anesthesiology Subspecialty Certification: A Step Forward in Cardiac Perioperative Medicine

Author: Christopher A. Troianos, MD, FASE, FASA et al  ASA Monitor December 2021, Vol. 85, 39. The Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists (SCA) was established in 1978 to provide education and to support research and mentorship to anesthesiologists caring for patients with cardiac disease undergoing cardiac and non-cardiac surgery. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) […]

Read More
Uncategorized Published - 16 May, 2022    By - Dr Clemens
Vocal Leaders in the OR: Saving Lives in Trauma Anesthesiology

Authors: Joseph Liao, MD et al  ASA Monitor March 2022, Vol. 86, 44. Your pager shrills in the middle of the night. The overhead speakers broadcast for all available staff to the operating room STAT. You put on your N-95 and face shield and race to the OR. The bloodied, injured patient is wheeled in by […]

Read More
Uncategorized Published - 16 May, 2022    By - Dr Clemens
Where Are They? A Look at New Anesthesia Professionals Billing Medicare

Author: Thomas R. Miller, PhD, MBA ASA Monitor March 2022, Vol. 86, 1–11. Workforce issues were a key concern in health care in 2021, and they continue to be a focus of attention among clinical specialties in 2022. Relevant to anesthesiology were headlines about potential shortages of anesthesiologists, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), and certified anesthesiologist […]

Read More
Uncategorized Published - 13 May, 2022    By - Dr Clemens
Frequency and Risk Factors for Difficult Intubation in Women Undergoing General Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery

Authors: Sharon C. Reale, M.D. et al  Anesthesiology May 2022, Vol. 136, 697–708. Background Estimates for the incidence of difficult intubation in the obstetric population vary widely, although previous studies reporting rates of difficult intubation in obstetrics are older and limited by smaller samples. The goals of this study were to provide a contemporary estimate of […]

Read More
Uncategorized Published - 13 May, 2022    By - Dr Clemens
Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block with Liposomal Bupivacaine versus Standard Bupivacaine with Perineural Dexamethasone

Authors: David H. Kim, M.D. et al  Anesthesiology March 2022, Vol. 136, 434–447. Background The interscalene nerve block provides analgesia for shoulder surgery. To extend block duration, provide adequate analgesia, and minimize opioid consumption, the use of adjuvants such as dexamethasone as well as the application of perineural liposomal bupivacaine have been proposed. This randomized, […]

Read More
Uncategorized Published - 13 May, 2022    By - Dr Clemens
Perioperative Brain Health in OIder Adults: Could Our Consent Be More Informed?

Authors: Katie J. Schenning, MD, MPH, MCR et al  ASA Monitor March 2022, Vol. 86, 18–19. “Common perioperative risks include risk of sore throat or postoperative nausea and vomiting. Rare but serious complications include heart attack, stroke, or death. Any questions?” Anesthesiologists have a critically important role that often occurs minutes before a patient is transported […]

Read More
Uncategorized Published - 13 May, 2022    By - Dr Clemens
Getting Granular with Practice Management: Seeking Sustainable, Sensible Staffing

Authors: Zachary Deutch, MD, FASA and Amr E. Abouleish, MD, MBA, FASA ASA Monitor March 2022, Vol. 86, 14–15. Welcome to the early spring installment of “Ask the Expert!” Many of us have been presented with dashboards, charts/tables, and proposals relating to the organization and economics of our practices, questioning “Why do you need so many people?” […]

Read More