FDA: Class I recall of Getinge’s Maquet/Datascope intra-aortic balloon pumps
Editor's Note The Food & Drug Administration on July 23 identified the recall by Getinge of its Maquet/Datascope intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABPs) as Class I, the most serious. Recall of the Cardiosave Hybrid, Cardiosave Rescue, CS300, and CS 100/100i IABPs was initiated because of reports of the IABP batteries failing…
Legal and ethical questions temper excitement about AI--Part 2
As part of a special series on artificial intelligence (AI), OR Manager is taking a deep dive into the many facets of this new technology and its impact on patient care. In this issue we continue our examination of the challenges related to AI, which began in last month’s issue…
Research raises concerns about lubricants used in endoscopes
Current endoscope reprocessing methods are not consistently effective in eliminating organic soil or microbes, and the off-label use of products for defoaming, lubrication, and bleeding control may be contributing to reprocessing failures. Though endoscope manufacturers have cautioned against the use of these products, endoscopists still commonly use them, and many…
Are you prepared for the OR of the Future?
Innovative technology and surgical procedures, including artificial intelligence, will be explored in depth during the OR Manager Conference, September 18-20 in New Orleans. The new OR of the Future gives attendees a unique opportunity to learn through interactive experiences, educational sessions, and discussions with leading experts: product manufacturers as well…
Consider all angles when choosing AI technology
This article concludes OR Manager’s special series on artificial intelligence (AI). Parts 1 and 2 (May 2019 and June 2019) introduced AI, defining the different types of technology and describing its many current and potential applications for surgery. The series also presented examples of AI (June and July 2019). We…
Facilitate and innovate: Ensuring speedy but safe product reviews
Surgeons are the biggest factor in any effort to streamline and standardize the purchase of new surgical devices—and thereby lower costs. But surgeons often balk at getting involved in product review and selection because of the additional demands on their time. Two leading healthcare organizations have moved past this stumbling…
Tackling the opioid crisis through community teamwork
The opioid epidemic has risen to alarming proportions in the United States, claiming 46,000 lives in 2018. Studies and federal reports documenting evidence of narcotics overuse and addiction in patients have built momentum to curb prescribing habits. Responding to these trends, a Midwestern orthopedic practice launched a multiphase project to…
Music reduces anxiety before regional anesthesia
Editor's Note Music is a viable alternative to IV midazolam in reducing anxiety before a preoperative peripheral nerve block, this study finds. A total of 157 adult patients were randomly assigned to one of two options 3 minutes before peripheral nerve block−either an injection of 1-2 mg of midazolam or…
Effect of incentive spirometer patient reminder after CABG
Editor's Note An incentive spirometer reminder after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) improved patient adherence and, in turn, improved the atelectasis severity score and multiple subsequent clinical outcomes, this study finds. In this study of 212 patients who had CABG surgery, 145 were randomized by hourly reminder SpiroTimer “bell on”…
FDA: Class I recall of Neonatal ConchaSmart Breathing Circuit
Editor's Note The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) on July 17 identified the recall by Teleflex of its Neonatal ConchaSmart Breathing Circuit with Dual Heated Limb and ConchaSmart Column as Class I, the most serious. The recall was initiated because of complaints of cracks in the swivel wye adaptors, which…
