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 […]
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 […]
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) […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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?” […]
The Use of Tranexamic Acid in Trauma: Helpful or Harmful?
Authors: Tiffany Sun Moon, MD and Albert J. Varon, MD, MHPE, FCCM, FASA ASA Monitor March 2022, Vol. 86, 33–34. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic agent that competitively inhibits the activation of plasminogen to plasmin, stabilizing previously formed clots (J Thromb Haemost 2015;13:S195-9; Eur J Haematol 2020;104:79-87; Crit Care Clin 2017;33:85-99). TXA has been well studied in non-trauma […]