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Journal and News Scan
January 12, 2023
Submitted by: Cameron Lind
When more complex tools are not available, such as in rural or low resource areas, this study found that a pulse oximetry screening tool can be used to detect congenital heart defects in neonates. In the 5,874 neonates studied, 164 were found to have significant hypoxemia on pulse oximetry, and 44 were subsequently found to have a congenital heart defect. These findings are important to finding congenital heart defects in infants whose doctors may not have access to other diagnostic tools.
January 12, 2023
Submitted by: Cameron Lind
INTEGRITTY, a group dedicated the appraisal of evidence to support optimized patient management, published a paper highlighting concerns surrounding major TAVR versus SAVR studies. While their findings do not aim to directly discredit the studies, they do raise questions about the integrity of their methodology.
January 6, 2023
Submitted by: Cameron Lind
This study compares the clinical outcomes of two operative strategies for type A aortic dissection with true lumen collapse and malperfusion downstream, which is associated with a devastating prognosis. The authors compare a hybrid approach of ascending aorta (and hemiarch replacement) supplemented with retrograde stenting of the descending aorta (thoracic endovascular aortic repair [TEVAR]) with standard ascending aorta (and hemiarch) replacement without stent placement.
January 6, 2023
Submitted by: Cameron Lind
A study found that insured Black patients who need mitral valve replacement surgery are more likely to undergo open heart surgery, while their white counterparts are more likely to have minimally invasive surgery. These disparities in care may be due most Black patients being treated at under-resourced hospitals, or where minimally invasive surgeries and experienced surgeons are not available.
January 6, 2023
Submitted by: Cameron Lind
The FDA has approved the drug Cytalux for use in lung surgery. The drug, also known as pafolacianine, binds to lung cancer cells to make them glow under infrared light. Surgical removal of lung tumors before they spread to the rest of the body remains one of the most effective ways to treat the disease, so the availability of this drug has major implications for lung cancer patient outcomes.
December 21, 2022
Submitted by: Cameron Lind
Aortic root replacement and aortic arch replacement surgeries were performed on patients in Odisha, India for the first time recently. This achievement means that patients suffering from life-threatening aortic diseases do not have to go out of state to receive care, and can undergo surgery close to home for free.
December 21, 2022
Submitted by: Cameron Lind
A comparative study between five types of transcatheter heart valves found that although adverse outcome rates are low among all devices, some differences do stand out. The authors found that each TAVI device has characteristics that apply to individual patients, and an approach highly tailored to individual patients is recommended.
Minimum Volume Standards for Surgical Care of Early-Stage Lung Cancer: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
December 21, 2022
Submitted by: Cameron Lind
This study aimed to determine the cost-effectiveness of receiving surgical resection for non-small cell lung cancer at hospitals that perform at least forty lung resections annually. An analysis was performed at hospitals stratified by Leapfrog standard, and concluded that although it is more costly, care at Leapfrog centers results in better ninety-day and five-year outcomes.
December 15, 2022
Submitted by: Cameron Lind
A multinational study found an association between extreme hot and cold temperatures and cardiovascular diseases. Heart failure was the most common cause of death associated with extreme temperatures, closely followed by ischemic heart disease and stroke. This study highlights the increased cardiovascular-related mortality that may come with the effects of climate change.
December 15, 2022
Submitted by: Cameron Lind
The outcome of perioperative prophylactic glucocorticoids for heart surgery in infants was unknown, and this study aimed to determine the effectiveness using a multicenter, randomized trial. Out of the infants who received either a dose of methylprednisolone or a placebo, the likelihood of a worse outcome did not significantly differ.