Elements of Building a TAVR Program

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) involve procedures to replace a damaged aortic valve with a prosthetic one through minimally invasive techniques. Building a TAVR program requires careful planning that includes collaboration and adherence to both medical and regulatory standards. Below are some overarching steps that need to be done to build a successful TAVR program.…

Resuscitation After Cardiac Surgery

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…

Navigating Geriatric Cardiac Care: Dr. Steven Harrington’s Surgical Considerations

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…

2023 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention of Acute Kidney Injury after Adult Cardiac Surgery

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…

Advancing Healthcare Through Gender-Neutral Language

In our rapidly evolving world, the healthcare sector stands as a beacon of continuous growth and understanding. One of the pressing discussions in recent times revolves around the rights of individuals in healthcare—rights that are respectful, inclusive, and devoid of any discrimination. As health professionals, it’s imperative that we are at the forefront of ensuring…

OBL vs ASC: Which Strategy is Right for You?

Choosing the Right Delivery Model Traditionally, vascular and cardiac procedures were performed in hospital-based operating rooms or specialized interventional suites. However, advancements in technology and changes in healthcare delivery models have led to the emergence of Office-based labs (OBL) and ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) as an alternative setting for certain procedures. The concept of office-based…