Surgery/Specialties Editor's Note Robotic-assisted cardiac surgery had significantly reduced length of stay, complications, and mortality compared with nonrobotic surgery in this study. Robotic-assisted had a higher median cost than nonrobotic surgery ($39,030 vs $36,340). The results show that robotic-assisted is as safe as nonrobotic cardiac surgery and offers surgeons an additional…
Editor's Note The rate of major complications was significantly higher in Canada than the US after total knees, but there was no significant difference after total hips, this study finds. US patients also had substantially shorter lengths of stay, which perhaps reflects more efficient postoperative care and discharge planning, the…
Editor's Note Characteristics of total hip replacements (THRs) were found to be related to early prosthetic revision in this French study. Antibiotic-free cemented and antibiotic-impregnated cemented THRs were compared with uncemented. Ceramic-on-ceramic, ceramic-on-polyethylene, and metal-on-metal THRs were compared with metal-on-polyethylene. The antibiotic-impregnated cemented THRs had a better prognosis than uncemented,…
Editor's Note The Food and Drug Administration on August 5 categorized the recall of 6,912 units of Medtronic Cardiovascular Surgery’s EnVeo R loading system as Class I, the most serious. The loading system is used with the CoreValve Evolut R replacement heart valve. The recall was issued over concerns about…
Editor's Note The Food and Drug Administration on August 5 issued a Safety Communication on serious adverse events linked to left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). Two implantable LVADs are approved by the FDA (HeartMate II by Thoratec Corporation and HeartWare HVAD by HeartWare Inc), and serious events have been associated…
Editor's Note When surgeons listen to their preferred music, they’re more efficient at closing incisions, and their technique improves, this study finds. Researchers asked 15 plastic surgery residents at the University of Texas to perform layered closures on pigs’ feet. Half the resident worked in a silent OR and half…
Editor's Note A central issue discussed at the US House Committee on Ways and Means on July 28 was the Critical Access Hospital (CAH) Relief Act, HR 169, which is supported by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). Currently, for CAHs to receive Medicare Part A reimbursement, physicians must certify…
Editor's Note Patients exposed to radiation during cardiac computed tomographic angiography had evidence of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage that was associated with cell death, DNA damage in cells, and activation of genes involved in DNA repair, in this study. Most cells damaged by the CT scan were repaired, but a…
Editor's Note The AmericanCollege of Surgeons calls the usefulness of surgeon rating systems released last week by two public interest group websites questionable. The groups use differing methodologies (ie, years of Medicare data reviewed, procedures studied, and rating scales used) to determine their rankings, and a patient visiting both sites…
Editor's Note The use of hybrid coronary revascularization is safe and effective, with faster recovery and similar outcomes compared to conventional coronary artery bypass grafting, this study finds. The 30-day composite of mortality, myocardial infarction, or stroke was similar for both procedures, as was mortality during a 3-year follow-up period.…
