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Aim: The availability of long-term (>2 years) safety outcomes of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) remains limited. We evaluated safety in a global SCS registry for chronic pain. Methods: Participants were prospectively enrolled globally at 79 implanting centers and followed out to 3 years after device implantation. Results: Of 1881 participants enrolled, 1289 received a permanent SCS implant (1776 completed trial). The annualized rate of device explant was 3.5% (all causes), and 1.1% due to inadequate pain relief. Total incidence of device explantation >3 years was 7.6% (n = 98). Of these, 32 subjects (2.5%) indicated inadequate pain relief as cause for removal. Implant site infection (11 events) was the most common device-related serious adverse event ( Clinical Trial Registration: NCT01719055 ( ClinicalTrials.gov )

Objectives High‐frequency spinal cord stimulation (HF‐SCS) at 10 kHz has proven to be efficacious in the treatment of chronic back and leg pain in a randomized, controlled, trial (SENZA‐RCT). However, large observational studies have yet to be published. Therefore, we performed a real‐world, multicenter, retrospective, review of therapy efficacy in 1660 patients with chronic trunk and/or limb pain. Methods Data were collected in a real‐world environment and retrospectively sourced from a global database. Included patients were trialed and/or permanently implanted with HF‐SCS at 10 kHz between April 2014 and January 2018. We evaluated responder rates at 3, 6, and 12 months post‐implantation. Response was defined as ≥50% pain relief from baseline. A last visit analysis included responder rate along with overall change in function, sleep, quality of life, and medication intake versus baseline. Results Eighty‐four percent of our HF‐SCS‐treated patients had both chronic back and leg pain. At least 70% of patients reported response to therapy throughout 12 months of follow‐up. This sustained responder rate was corroborated by the last visit value (74.1%). Most patients reported concomitant improvements in function (72.3%), sleep (68.0%), and quality of life (90.3%) at their last visit versus baseline. Thirty‐two percent of patients reported decreased medication intake at their last visit. Interpretation Sustained and effective pain relief was experienced by >70% of our HF‐SCS‐treated patients, consistent with the findings of a previously published randomized, controlled, trial. Our review provides complementary evidence to support the treatment of chronic back and leg pain with this therapy.

Background and objectivesAs a follow-up to the 6-month report,12 this study investigated the analgesic effect of cooled radiofrequency ablation (CRFA) in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) 12 months postintervention and its ability to provide pain relief in patients who experienced unsatisfactory effects of intra-articular steroid injection (IAS).MethodsSeventy-eight per cent (52/67) of patients originally treated with CRFA were evaluated at 12 months, while at 6 months post-IAS, 82% (58/71) of those patients crossed over to CRFA and assessed 6 months later.ResultsAt 12 months, 65% of the original CRFA group had pain reduction ≥50%, and the mean overall drop was 4.3 points (pConclusionsThis study demonstrates that analgesia following CRFA for OA knee pain could last for at least 12 months and could rescue patients who continue to experience intolerable discomfort following IAS.Clinical trial registrationThe ClinicalTrials.gov registration number for this study isNCT02343003.

Introduction: The influence of previous cardiac surgery (CABG, Valve Replacement or both) on In-hospital clinical outcomes in patients(pts) undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) has not been well established. Methods: We analyzed the clinical characteristics and periprocedural in-hospital outcomes among pts undergoing TAVI using 2011-2014 HCUP-Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. ICD-9-CM codes were used to identify pts undergoing TAVI with and without history cardiac surgery. Propensity score matching has been attempted to minimize bias. SAS software was used for statistical analysis with p < .05 used to indicate statistical significance. Results: Among a total of 8466 pts who underwent TAVI during the study period, 1982 had a history of previous cardiac surgery. It was noted that pts with prior cardiac surgery were dominantly male and had a higher prevalence of unfavorable clinical characteristics except pulmonary hypertension (Table). The propensity-matched analysis for 3834 patients showed that the incidence of periprocedural of stroke (2.61% vs1.62%,p=0.03) was lower in pts with previous cardiac surgery. Whereas the prevalence of In-hospital mortality(3.29% vs 2.35% p=0.07), vascular complications(9.96% vs 9.08%,p=0.34), transfusion(23% vs 20.45%,p=0.055), Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)(18.41% vs 16.95%, p=0.23), and pacemaker implantation(10.64 vs 9.29, p=0.16) were comparable for the two cohorts. Conclusions: In Pts with a history of previous cardiac surgery undergoing TAVI there is a lower incidence of periprocedural stroke compared to those without a history of cardiac surgery. The rates of in-hospital mortality, vascular complications, transfusion, Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), and pacemaker implantation were similar between both the groups.

Introduction: Catheter ablation is widely accepted intervention for atrial fibrillation (AF), but data is limited on contemporary trends in major complications and mortality due to the procedure. Methods: HCUP’s Nationwide inpatient sample (NIS) database was utilized from 2011-14 to identify the AF patients treated with Catheter Ablation using ICD-9- CM codes. χ 2 test was utilized to compare categorical variables, the student’s t-test for continuous variables and hierarchical mixed-effects logistic regression models for multivariate predictors of post-procedural complications. Results: In total 50,969 patients were identified undergoing AF ablation during the study period (37.6% female, 51.4 age ≥ 65). Overall complication rate was 5.5% with relative increase over study period (+56.4%, p < 0.001). In subgroup analysis of complication trends significant relative increase seen in respiratory (+352.7%, p < 0.001), neurological (+43.9%, p = 0.003) and vascular (+38.7%, p = 0.003) complications. While cardiac complications (+9.1%, p = 0.323) and In-hospital mortality (+ 60%, p = 0.173) showed insignificant change. On multivariate analysis of mortality and complication significant increased risk was associated with female gender (OR, 95% CI, p-value) (1.40, 1.17-1.68, p < 0.001), as well as higher comorbidity burden (CCI ≥ 1). While higher hospital volume (≥ 50 procedures) was associated with significantly decreased complication rates. Conclusions: Patients undergoing AF ablation showed an insignificant change in mortality, with increase trends of complication. Which was likely related to higher comorbidity burden over study period.

Introduction: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is diagnosed in 1-2% of the patients presenting with troponin positive suspected acute coronary syndromes(ACS). Rising trends of adverse events in patients with TTC, makes it imperative to explore causes and predictors of readmission in this patient population. Methods: National Readmission Data (NRD) 2013-14 was utilized to select study cohort. International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD-9-CM) diagnostic code 429.83 was used to identify takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Admissions within 90 day of index admission were considered as early readmissions. Readmission etiologies were identified by ICD-9-CM code in primary diagnosis field of readmissions. Hierarchical multivariate models were used to evaluate predictors of early readmission. Results: A total of 12255 patients were identified during study period out of which 23.92% (n=2932 with 4224 readmissions) patients were readmitted within 90 days of discharge following index admission. Most common etiologies for readmission were cardiac (18.56%), respiratory (17.20%), GI renal (9.10%), infections (13.12%) and neurological complications (5.88%). Among cardiac complications acute heart failure was the most common etiology (7.48%). Highest number of readmissions happened on first day after discharge (n=125) and within 33 days after discharge, >50% of readmissions took place (n=2136). Conclusions: Patients with TTC are highly likely to be readmitted with first month after discharge, most likely secondary to cardiac or respiratory complications. These findings warrant close post discharge transition to reduce morbidity and improve health care outcomes.

Interventional pain medicine, being a relatively new specialty, has an added burden of marketing itself. A pain physician has to market his own self and his expertise as well as the specialty itself. Direct marketing to the consumers as well as to the referring physicians requires skill and knowledge. There are various modalities available for this very purpose and, if used appropriately, can help launch a new pain practice with little effort and with great success. This article helps guide a new pain specialist toward this very goal and hopefully provides a general idea regarding the complexities of such a task.

Whiplash-associated disorders are comprised of a range of symptoms of which neck complaints and headaches are the most significant spine related. In the acute and sub-acute stage of the disorder, conservative treatment for minimally 6 months is recommended, active mobilization is slightly better than passive treatment. Thereafter, interventional treatment may be considered. The available evidence for injection of Botulinum toxin A (2 B-) and intra-articular corticosteroid injections (2 C-) supports a negative recommendation. Radiofrequency treatment of the ramus medialis (medial branch) of the ramus dorsalis is recommended (2 B+).

Background: There is lack of data regarding impact of atherectomy on the length of stay (LOS) and cost of hospitalization in lower extremity arterial revascularization. Methods: HCUP’s Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) 2012 was queried using the ICD-9- CM code for peripheral vascular disease and procedural codes 39.90 (bare metal stent - BMS), 00.55 (drug eluting stent - DES), 17.56 (peripheral atherectomy) and 39.50 for angioplasty. Only procedures performed in patients ≥18 years of age were included. Hierarchical mixed effects linear regression models were generated to evaluate multivariate predictors of LOS and hospitalization costs. Results: A total of 13,206 (weighted: 66,030) lower extremity arterial revascularizations were identified (43.8% female & 65.5% white). Out of these, atherectomy was utilized in 23.2%. Atherectomy utilization was associated with significant reduction in LOS (4.96 ± 0.11 days vs. 5.78 ± 0.07 days, p Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that atherectomy utilization is associated with significant reduction in length of stay, which was counterbalanced by a slight increase in hospitalization costs following lower extremity arterial revascularization.

Recent literature and animal research has provided insight to potentially new analgesic targets for managing osteoarthritis (OA) pain. Primary afferent neurons located in affected joints express excessive amounts of abnormally functioning sodium (Na) channels on their surface in response to the inflammatory process. These Na channels may play an integral role in production of pain and hyperalgesia. Hence, the authors set out to conduct a 2-week, open-label, multicenter proof-of-concept study to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of lidocaine patch 5% monotherapy in adults with OA pain of the knee (n = 20). Patients with OA of one or both knees who were experiencing inadequate pain relief (defined as an average daily pain intensity of > 4 on a 0 to 10 pain scale) with their current analgesic regimen (i.e. APAP, NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors, tramadol) were enrolled and had all analgesic medications discontinued. Treatment with the lidocaine patch 5% resulted in significant improvements in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA Index (WOMAC) pain, stiffness, physical function subscales and composite index (48.4, 41.1, 47.0, and 46.8% improvements respectively, p < 0.01). In addition, significant improvement was noted for pain intensity, pain relief, and pain interference with quality of life as measured by the Brief Pain Inventory (p < 0.05). The lidocaine patch 5% was generally well tolerated and no patients discontinued due to treatment-related adverse events. Given the open-label design, lack of a control group, and small sample size, the findings from our pilot study need to be confirmed by larger randomized controlled trials. Topical lidocaine patch 5% may provide clinicians with a novel, non-systemic therapy for OA pain with a unique mechanism of action.

Objective. To assess the effectiveness and safety of the lidocaine patch 5%, a targeted peripheral analgesic, in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia, painful diabetic neuropathy, and low back pain patients with incomplete responses to their current analgesic treatment regimen containing gabapentin. Design. This was a 2-week, open-label, nonrandomized, multicenter pilot trial in the clinical setting. Patients with postherpetic neuralgia, painful diabetic neuropathy, or low back pain with partial responses (average daily pain intensity >4/10) to their current analgesic treatment regimen were included. Treatment consisted of daily application of up to four lidocaine patches to areas of maximal peripheral pain. Effectiveness was evaluated using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). Safety was assessed by adverse events, physical and neurologic examinations, vital signs, and clinical laboratory tests. Results. Significant improvements in BPI measures of pain intensity and pain relief were reported for all groups of patients after 2 weeks of lidocaine patch 5% treatment. Significant improvements in BPI measures of pain interference with general activity, mood, walking ability, normal work, relationships with others, sleep, and enjoyment of life were noted. The lidocaine patch 5% was found to be safe and well tolerated. Conclusions. Results of this study highlight the potential advantages achieved with rational polypharmacy using a targeted peripheral analgesic, the lidocaine patch 5%, with centrally acting agents such as the anticonvulsant gabapentin. Controlled trials are warranted to further define the impact of such combination therapy.

Long term mechanical circulatory support (L-MCS) devices have emerged as an effective life prolonging modality among patients with advance heart failure awaiting cardiac transplant or deemed ineligible for transplant. Exploring trends of utilization, mortality and cost burden associated with use of

Objective To assess the evidence on the validity of sacral lateral branch blocks and the effectiveness of sacral lateral branch thermal radiofrequency neurotomy in managing sacroiliac complex pain. Design Systematic review with comprehensive analysis of all published data. Interventions Six reviewers searched the literature on sacral lateral branch interventions. Each assessed the methodologies of studies found and the quality of the evidence presented. Outcome Measures The outcomes assessed were diagnostic validity and effectiveness of treatment for sacroiliac complex pain. The evidence found was appraised in accordance with the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system of evaluating scientific evidence. Results The searches yielded two primary publications on sacral lateral branch blocks and 15 studies of the effectiveness of sacral lateral branch thermal radiofrequency neurotomy. One study showed multisite, multidepth sacral lateral branch blocks can anesthetize the posterior sacroiliac ligaments. Therapeutic studies show sacral lateral branch thermal radiofrequency neurotomy can relieve sacroiliac complex pain to some extent. The evidence of the validity of these blocks and the effectiveness of this treatment were rated as moderate in accordance with the GRADE system. Conclusions The literature on sacral lateral branch interventions is sparse. One study demonstrates the face validity of multisite, multidepth sacral lateral branch blocks for diagnosis of posterior sacroiliac complex pain. Some evidence of moderate quality exists on therapeutic procedures, but it is insufficient to determine the indications and effectiveness of sacral lateral branch thermal radiofrequency neurotomy, and more research is required.

Effective management of trauma victims necessitates a multidisciplinary approach that must include pain management specialists. This is because the effect of pain and the related stress response is almost always detrimental to patients. The immediate effects of pain, mediated by metabolic and neurohormonal mechanisms, lead to hyperglycemia, lipolysis, protein catabolism, increased antidiuretic and catecholamine levels, immunosuppression, and a hypercoagulable state (Table 1). 18 Clinically, these manifest as hypertension, tachycardia, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, immobility, splinting, ventilation perfusion mismatch, reduced gastrointestinal motility, water and salt retention, hypoxia, and infections. Collectively, these result in high morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, and higher costs. Adequate pain management in the acute setting also aids earlier rehabilitation and may reduce the incidence of long-term chronic pain syndromes. The purpose of this article is to familiarize readers with the factors that are important in the management of pain in the trauma setting, with emphasis on practicality. Although different regions of the body are considered separately, it is important to realize that trauma patients frequently present with injuries to multiple areas of the body, necessitating flexibility on the part of the pain management specialist. In the management of trauma patients, it is important to communicate with surgical colleagues. Issues such as monitoring of cerebral function need to be addressed in patients with head trauma. In patients with neurologic peripheral injuries, it is also often necessary to avoid the use of analgesic techniques that may reduce the surgeon's ability to evaluate sensory and motor function. 28 At all periods of intervention, the nature of current problems must be understood. This is best achieved by maintaining a current list of active problems because conditions are constantly changing in patients with severe acute trauma, and this may influence the nature of the interventions that pain management specialists can offer. This article is divided into two sections. The first section deals with the management of acute trauma pain, and the second section highlights the commonly encountered chronic pain syndromes resulting from trauma.

To evaluate the tracheal intubating conditions and neuromuscular blocking characteristics of divided dose mivacurium or single dose rocuronium.Thirty-two patients undergoing elective surgery were studied. Anaesthesia was with propofol 2 mg.kg-1, followed by an infusion of 150 micrograms.kg-1.min.1. Patients were randomized to receive either mivacurium-0.15 mg.kg-1 followed 30 sec later by 0.1 mg.kg-1, or rocuronium- 0.9 mg.kg-1, followed 30 sec later by placebo. Tracheal intubating conditions were assessed 90 sec after the initial dose of relaxant by an anaesthetists who was unaware of patient group. The electromyographic (EMG) response of the first dorsal interosseus muscle to ulnar nerve train-of-four was measured.Successful tracheal intubation was performed in all patients after both mivacurium and rocuronium. Intubating conditions (jaw relaxation, open visible vocal cords) were judged to be good-excellent in all but one patient before insertion of the tracheal tube. However, patients receiving mivacurium were more likely to experience coughing and bucking after tracheal tube insertion (10/16 patients) than those receiving rocuronium (3/16 patients, P0.05). No patient in the rocuronium group experienced moderately vigorous coughing and bucking after insertion of the tracheal tube vs six patients in the mivacurium group (P0.05). Time to 10 and 25% recovery of neuromuscular function was faster (P0.05) after divided dose mivacurium (20 +/- 1 and 23 +/- 1 min, respectively) than after rocuronium (45 +/- 5 and 57 +/- 8 min, respectively).The results suggest that, during conditions of the study, divided dose mivacurium is not recommended for a 90-sec tracheal intubation in patients where moderate coughing and bucking is deemed unacceptable.

To compare the fluid warming capabilities of the Hotline and Flotem IIe devices in surgical patients, and whether warming intravenous (i.v.) fluids with the Hotline device resulted in less hypothermia and less need for other warming methods compared with the Flotem IIe device.Part 1. Prospective, nonrandomized. Part 2. Prospective, randomized.Teaching hospital, tertiary care center.Part 1. 24 adult patients undergoing elective surgery. Part 2. 49 adult patients scheduled for major elective orthopedic or gynecologic surgery of greater than 2 hours' duration with general anesthesia.Part 1. Insertion of sterile in-line thermistors along the path of fluids delivered using the Hotline or Flotem device. Part 2. Patients were randomly assigned to receive i.v. fluids via the Hotline (n = 21) or Flotem IIe (n = 18) warmers. Intervention for core hypothermia [lower esophageal temperature (Teso) less than 35.5 degrees C], was with forced air warming. Intervention for postoperative shivering was with meperidine by a nurse who was blinded to the treatment group.Part 1. Temperature of infused fluids before and after the warmer (T in and T out) and before the fluid entered the patient after insertion of a standard 84 cm extension set having a stopcock for injection of medications (T distal). Part 2. Tympanic (Ttym) was recorded before induction of anesthesia (baseline) and at 15-minute intervals after induction. Teso was recorded at 15-minute intervals after induction. The maximum intraoperative Ttym decline from baseline (delta Ttym max) was calculated.Part 1. Flow rates were between 1 and 33 ml/min. T out and T distal (mean +/- SEM) of fluids infused through the Hotline device were warmer compared with those infused via the Flotem IIe device (Hotline T out: 35.7 +/- 0.1 degrees C and Hotline T distal: 33.4 +/- 0.2 degrees C vs. Flotem IIe T out: 28.9 +/- 0.2 degrees C and Flotem IIe T distal: 28.3 +/- 0.2 degrees C; p0.001 between warmers). Part 2. Maximal decrease in Ttym from preoperative baseline (before intervention) was greater in the Flotem IIe compared with the Hotline group (delta Ttym max = -1.4 +/- 0.1 vs. -0.9 +/- 0.1 degree C, p = 0.01). Five patients in the Flotem IIe group required forced air warming for treatment of hypothermia versus none in the Hotline group (p0.01). Postoperatively, five patients in the Flotem IIe group required treatment with meperidine for severe shivering versus one patient in the Hotline group (p0.05).The Hotline device delivered fluids to the patient at consistently warmer temperatures compared with the Flotem IIe device during actual clinical conditions. This was associated with maintenance of near normal core temperatures throughout the procedure in the Hotline group, and a decreased need for interventions such as forced-air warming and treatment for severe shivering.

To determine the influence of anesthetic technique and primary drug on operating room (OR) exit time (time between end of surgery until time patient exists the OR) after addition of desflurane to the hospital formulary.Prospective study.Ambulatory surgery unit of a university hospital.1,568 outpatients requiring anesthesia.Addition of desflurane to the hospital formulary, and substitution of desflurane vaporizers for enflurane vaporizers in the ambulatory surgery unit.The following information was recorded for all anesthetic encounters over a six-month time interval: demographics, duration of surgery, primary anesthetic technique, primary anesthetic drug, and exit times. General anesthesia was used in 907 patients [desflurane: 209 patients, isoflurane: 429 patients, halothane: 192 patients, propofol: 72 patients, other intravenous (i.v.): 5 patients], major conduction anesthesia (spinal and epidural) in 43 patients, peripheral nerve blocks in 90 patients, and i.v. sedation in 528 patients. The exit time was significantly greater (0.05) in patients who received general anesthesia (mean +/- SEM 14 +/- 0.2 min) compared with spinal/epidural (8 +/- 0.7 min), nerve blocks (8 +/- 0.4 min) and i.v. sedation (7 +/- 0.2 min). Exit times were longer in older patients receiving general anesthesia (exit time = 12.3 + 0.04 x age, SE = 6.7 min, p0.0009), whereas exit times were shorter in older individuals receiving i.v. sedation (exit time = 8.97 - 0.038 x age, SE = 3.6 min, p0.0001). For patients receiving i.v. sedation, exit times were shorter as duration of surgery increased (exit time = 7.86 - 0.015 x duration of surgery, SE = 3.6 min, p0.0002). Primary anesthetic drug did not affect exit times.Regional anesthesia and i.v. sedation were associated with faster OR exit times compared with general anesthesia. Despite desflurane's shorter elimination kinetics and recovery characteristics, use of this drug did not result in shorter exit times.

Background: Cardiovascular disease continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in cirrhotic patients. Liver disease is associated with thrombocytopenia and coagulopathy while anticoagulant use for atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with bleeding risk. However, whether cirrhosis with

The study evaluated the warming ability and flow rates associated with four fluid warming devices during pressure driven infusion and during wide open gravity driven roller clamp infusion. Warmers tested were the Astotherm, Flotem IIe, Level 1 System 250 and a modified cardioplegia heat exchanger. Fluids tested were crystalloid, red cells diluted with 200 ml, 0.9% saline, and undiluted red cells. The volume of fluid and outlet temperatures (point where i.v. tubing would be attached to the patient) were measured for each fluid and compared among warmers for each flow rate condition. For pressure driven infusion of red cells and crystalloid, the System 250, and modified heat exchanger delivered warmer fluids (33-35 degrees C) at higher flow rates (160-740 ml.min-1) than the Astotherm and Flotem (23-31 degrees C, 44-268 ml.min-1, P0.05). For gravity driven infusion, the System 250 delivered the warmest fluids (33-36 degrees C, P0.05) compared with the modified heat exchanger (29-35 degrees C), Astotherm (26-32 degrees C) and Flotem (26-27 degrees C). In conclusion, the modified heat exchanger and System 250 were moderately effective (outlet temperature32 degrees C) in warming crystalloid and red cells at pressure driven flow rates. Only the System 250 warmed red cells35 degrees C at gravity driven flow rates. The Flotem and Astotherm were not effective in warming rapidly infused solutions. None of the warmers tested was able to deliver fluids at normothermia (36.5 degrees C).

The purpose of the study was to compare the relative effectiveness of several combinations of tapes and taping methods with respect to the force required to pull out intravenous catheters. A simulated forearm model consisting of a section of firm PVC pipe was used for the first and second series of experiments. In the third experiment, one method of taping catheters was compared in the PVC model and in volunteers. Pull-out forces were measured with a force transducer and recorded on paper. In the first experiment, catheters secured with Curity tape resisted pullout to a greater extent than those with Transpore tape and provided approximately twice the force advantage (P < 0.05). In the second experiment using Curity tape, minimum forces to dislodge the catheters were (means ± SD) 53 ± 13, 82 ± 13, 113 ± 29, 124 ± 24, 176 ± 29 and 141 ± 46 N, for methods 1–6, respectively. In the third series, the minimum pullout forces were higher for Curity than with Transpore tape for both the human and simulated PVC forearm surfaces (63 ± 11 and 55 ± 12 N vs 52 ± 7 and 44 ± 12 N, P < 0.01), and the pullout forces were higher for the simulated vs the human skin surface for both tape types (P < 0.01). Compared with Curity tape, Transpore tape was more likely to fail by tape fracture in both the simulated and human skin surfaces (P < 0.05). The data suggest that there are important differences in pullout forces and mechanisms of dislodgement depending on taping method and tape type. Curity tape, using method 5 or 6, was superior to Transpore tape and the other taping methods in resisting pullout.

Occurrence of conduction abnormalities requiring permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) is a serious complication after both transcatheter (TAVR) & surgical (SAVR) aortic valve replacement. Nationwide Inpatient Sample was queried from August 2011 to December 2012 using ICD-9 codes 35.05 & 35.06 for

There is an increase in use of percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (PLAAC) for prevention of stroke in atrial fibrillation. This study compares the in-hospital outcomes of PLAAC in patients requiring transfusion of whole blood/blood products versus those who do not require transfusion. The

The study evaluated the effects of different techniques used to secure intravenous (i.v.) catheters. An angiocatheter attached to standard i.v. tubing was taped to human forearm using a standard taping method. A calibrated piezoelectric force transducer was attached to the i.v. tubing. The force applied along the longitudinal axis to pull out the taped catheter was measured and recorded on paper. Three tape types, Curity, Leukopor and Transpore, were evaluated alone, with benzoin skin pretreatment and with mastisol pretreatment. A randomized 3 x 3 block design with 20 replications per block was utilized, and a total of 180 pullout tests were performed on two adult volunteers. Without pretreatment, the forces required to dislodge catheters were (means +/- SEM) 46 +/- 2, 37 +/- 2 and 38 +/- 2 Newtons for Curity, Leukopor and Transpore tape, respectively. Corresponding values for mastisol pretreatment (64 +/- 1, 64 +/- 3 and 52 +/- 3 Newtons) were greater (P0.05) for each tape compared with benzoin (54 +/- 3, 53 +/- 2 and 40 +/- 2 Newtons) and no pretreatment. The most frequent failure mode for Transpore tape was by tape fracture, for Curity tape was by separation from the skin of tape and catheter as a single unit, and for Leukopor tape was by catheter separation while tape remained attached to skin (P0.001). The data suggest that the application of mastisol prior to taping i.v. catheters with Curity or Leukopor tape helps to minimize the risk of accidental dislodgement.

background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is heterogeneous in its epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment options based on individual patient characteristics. Ageing is well recognized as an independent risk factor for AF. We hypothesized that fundamental differences may exist between young and older individuals with AF. The aim of our study was to investigate contemporary data in hospitalization rates, comorbidities, length of stay (LOS) and mortality in AF in young vs. older individuals.

To evaluate tapes and taping methods with respect to the minimum force required to dislodge endotracheal tubes (ETTs).A simulated face model consisting of a section of PVC pipe was used. The ETT was attached to a piezo-electric force transducer and pullout force was manually applied in a vertical, right or left direction. Five tape types were tested: Curity, Leukosilk, Hy.tape, Leukopore, and Transpore, Seven taping methods were used to secure the ETT. The methods differed with respect to tape width and whether the tape was split along its longitudinal axis. Each taping condition was replicated 20 times (7 methods x 5 tapes x 3 directions) for a total of 2100 pullout tests.Minimum forces to dislodge ETTs were higher (P0.05) with Curity tape (mean +/- SD; 135 +/- 75 N) than with the other tapes (Leukosilk: 93 +/- 51 N, Hy.tape: 78 +/- 34 N, Leukopore: 47 +/- 32, and Transpore: 37 +/- 23 N). The most secure taping method was achieved by taping the ETT, using 2.5 cm wide Curity tape, in a circumferential fashion to both the upper and lower borders of the simulated mouth opening, and reinforcing these tapes with two strips applied longitudinally across the borders of the mouth opening (method 7). Taping methods which involved splitting the tape along its longitudinal axis resulted in lower minimal pullout forces whenever the pullout force was directed towards the side of attachment (P0.05 vs right and vertical direction).There are differences in ETT pullout forces and mechanisms of dislodgement depending on taping method and tape type.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the ability of five commercially available devices utilizing a variety of heat exchange technologies to deliver normothermic (37 degrees C) fluids. Conditions of slow (6.5 mL/ min), moderate (13-25 mL/min), and rapid (gravity and pressure driven flows, roller clamp wide open) infusion were simulated. Fluid temperatures were measured using rapid response thermistors after the fluid exited the heat exchanger (T outlet) and before delivery to the patient intravenously (IV) (T distal). Devices tested were the FW537, H1000, Hotline, BairHugger, and Flotem IIe. Fluids tested were crystalloid at room temperature and red cells diluted with saline (11-19 degrees C). At slow and moderate flows, T distal of crystalloid was between 35.3 and 37.9 degrees C for Hotline at 42 degrees C, 33.8 and 37.7 degrees C for H1000 at 42 degrees C, 29.4 and 34.2 degrees C for BairHugger, 26.1 and 31.5 for Flotem IIe, and 23.8 and 32.1 for FW537 at 42 degrees C. With gravity and pressure driven flows, T distal of crystalloid were 39.0 and 38.9 for H1000 at 42 degrees C, 38.7 and 38.4 degrees C for FW537 at 42 degrees C, 34.7 and 28.9 degrees C for Hotline at 42 degrees C, 29.2 and 24.2 degrees C for BairHugger, and 29.7 and 24.2 degrees C for Flotem. In conclusion, only the H1000 at 42 degrees C was effective at delivering normothermic fluids at all clinically relevant flow rates. The Hotline at 42 degrees C was effective at slow and moderate flow, whereas the FW537 was effective only at rapid flow.

Dear Editor, We thank Dr. Roy for his insightful review and comments. He correctly pointed out the need for screening criteria for sacroiliac joint pain. All patients in our study had at least three positive provocation tests for sacroiliac joint pain before undergoing diagnostic and prognostic …

Objective: To assess the effect of a 5% lidocaine patch (Lidoderm), a targeted peripheral analgesic, on pain, stiffness, and physical function in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Design: Open-label, nonrandomized, prospective, 2-week, multicenter pilot study. Setting: Clinic. Participants: Men and women ≥18 years with OA of 1 or both knees; average daily pain intensity >4/10 on a numeric pain rating scale. Interventions: Patients on stable dose of analgesic at baseline were assigned a lidocaine patch as an add-on therapy (group 1; n=137); patients on an as-needed only analgesic received a lidocaine patch as monotherapy (group 2; n=30) and were not permitted to receive other analgesics for the duration of the study. Treatment consisted of an application every 24 hours of ≤4 lidocaine patches directly to area of maximal osteoarthritic pain. Main Outcome Measures: Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index, and Patient and Investigator Global Assessment of Pain Relief. Safety was determined by adverse events, physical examinations, dermal assessment, and skin sensory testing. Results: For both groups, the lidocaine patch resulted in significant reductions or improvements in the following: BPI pain intensity and pain relief (worst pain, least pain, average pain, pain right now, pain relief; P