Author: Richard Dutton MD ASA Monitor March 2024, Vol. 88, 13. X-ray showing the correct placement of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. We noted a thermal injury to the tongue from the esophageal cooling probe used for this cardiac ablation procedure. There was a focal injury on the anterior 1/3 of the tongue, 1×1 cm. This […]
Fragmentation: Our Greatest Threat
Author: Michael W. Champeau, MD, FAAP, FASA ASA Monitor March 2024, Vol. 88, 8–10. Although this is my ninth and final yearly contribution to Leadership Perspectives in the ASA Monitor, writing these columns remains a challenge. After eight previous officer contributions and 51 Monday Morning Outreaches during my year at the helm, it’s difficult to imagine […]
Trends in Anesthesia
ASA Monitor March 2024, Vol. 88, 14. Noma recognized as a neglected tropical disease As of December 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially included noma, also known as cancrum oris or gangrenous stomatitis, in its list of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Noma is a severe gangrenous disease affecting the mouth and face, primarily afflicting […]
Trauma center hospitals have higher prices for nontrauma care, study finds
Author: Dave Muoio Fierce Healthcare Hospitals designated as trauma centers are charging more than their counterparts for nontrauma admissions and emergency department visits, suggesting that the local monopolies over trauma services many of these facilities run can bleed into other areas of care, according to a new study. The analysis, published Monday in Health Affairs […]
How much money are hackers selling medical records for?
Author: Naomi Diaz Becker’s Health IT Medical records are selling for $60 on the dark web, CNBC reported. Cybersecurity researcher Jeremiah Fowler told the publication that medical records go for the highest amount on the dark web compared to Social Security numbers, which sell for $15, and credit card information, which sells for $3. “Health-care data […]
Payers, providers continue to tussle over Change Healthcare cyberattack response
Author: Paige Minemyer Fierce Healthcare Providers have criticized UnitedHealth Group’s individual response to the cybersecurity incident, including its program to offer temporary funding to cover missing claims payouts. (Getty Images) Providers are still feeling the pain brought on by the cyberattack on Change Healthcare, and they’re continuing to push insurers and the feds to beef […]
Anesthesia shortage threatening provider revenue
Author: Patsy Newitt Becker’s ASC Review Surgical services make up around 60% of a facility’s revenue, according to a 2023 white paper from Medicus Healthcare Solutions, making access to a dwindling number of anesthesia providers nationwide even more precarious. “Healthcare leaders continue to face challenges in how to prioritize the recruitment and retention of surgeons, anesthesia providers […]
SEE Question
ASA Monitor March 2024, Vol. 88, You are responding to a code on the hospital floor. As you arrive, the patient is undergoing defibrillation for ventricular fibrillation. According to a recent study comparing administration of lidocaine versus amiodarone during in-hospital cardiac arrests refractory to defibrillation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which of the following outcomes is MOST […]
Advancing Perioperative Brain Health: Insights from ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2023 Abstracts
Authors: Donna Ron, MD et al ASA Monitor March 2024, Vol. 88, 1–7. The ANESTHESIOLOGY® annual meeting acts as a conduit for pioneering research, with several abstracts presented in 2023 that shed light on different aspects of perioperative brain health. Four thought-provoking abstracts are synthesized below and in the Figure. These abstracts not only offer novel insights into […]
Another View from Across the Drape: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Authors: Zachary Deutch, MD, FASA; Gregory D. Kainz, DO ASA Monitor March 2024, Vol. 88, 26–27. Welcome to this month’s column, which follows up on a recent piece. Last July, I interviewed cardiac surgeon Jack Pirris, who shared his insights and opinions in a well-received article. Judging from the positive feedback I received, this type of article […]