Hospitals and health systems are recovering from one of the worst financial years in recent history and focusing energy on achieving growth and sustainability. Although hospital margins did improve in 2023 with the median operating margin increasing to 2% according to Becker’s Hospital Review, executives are continuing to look for ways to cut costs and…
I have a close family member who took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with heart failure. He had an active and vibrant lifestyle that suddenly became a series of doctor’s appointments, medications, and lifestyle adjustments. Despite his best efforts, his health continued to deteriorate, and he eventually had to have an ICD implant.…
Every year, as many as 400,000 patients will undergo major cardiac surgery operations with anywhere from 0.7% to 8% experiencing post-surgery cardiac arrest requiring resuscitation. Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) continues to be the standard approach in the management of those experiencing cardiac arrest. While it can be an effective approach it is not the…
Total joint replacements have been a game changer in the world of orthopedics, helping millions of people suffering from joint pain and arthritis to lead a more active and pain-free life. In the past, joint replacements were performed in a hospital setting and patients would need to stay for several days after the procedure. However,…
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! That’s right, football season has once again begun, with its passionate fans and intense game-day atmosphere. Yet football can teach a variety of valuable lessons that extend beyond the sport itself. Football is not just a game played on a field, it extends beyond the field and…
In the ever-evolving field of healthcare, advancements in technology have paved the way for innovative treatments that promise better outcomes and improved quality of life for patients. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is one such revolutionary procedure that has transformed the management of aortic valve diseases, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional open-heart surgery.…
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) approved a new rule on November 9, 2023, to establish a statewide system of care for ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. The STEMI system will utilize the existing regions and Medical Control Authorities (MCAs) established for the trauma system of care in the state. The rule…
Perioperative services refer to the care provided to patients before, during, and after a surgical procedure. These services are designed to ensure safe and effective surgical care and are delivered by a team of healthcare professionals, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and support staff. Perioperative services begin with preoperative care, which includes patient evaluation and preparation…
Surgical Evaluation of Geriatric Patients by Dr. Steven Harrington: The heart, a remarkable organ that beats tirelessly throughout our lives, requires specialized care as we age. Ensuring its health means not only practicing heart-healthy lifestyle measures but also understanding the unique challenges the geriatric heart faces, particularly when surgical interventions come into play. In…
The Relationship Between Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and Cardiac Surgery Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs in 15% to 50% of adults undergoing cardiac surgery. The definition of AKI is defined by a 0.3mg/dL or 50% increase in serum creatinine from the patients’ baseline or oliguria. After using a comprehensive review of the literature, including pharmacologic…
