Three-year results of mandated work hour restrictions: attending and resident perspectives and effects in a community hospital.

In response to the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education mandated resident work hour restrictions, our residency program used a night float system in 2003. We undertook a survey of attending staff and residents to assess its effects on patient care and resident education. An anonymous survey was administered to attending staff and residents 1 year and 3 years after work hour restrictions took effect.

Increased prevalence of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in hand infections at an urban medical center.

Background: The purpose of this article is to report the increased incidence of community-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus in hand infections at an urban medical center.

Methods: The authors performed a retrospective review of all patients with hand infections over a 21-month period, and all patients with culture-positive methicillin-resistant S.

Expanding the scope of the turnover flap.

Background: Turnover flaps are often utilized as alternatives to more traditional flaps, especially in situations where traditional flap viability is limited. Most turnover flaps are currently used in the lower extremities.

Methods: This study examined the senior author's use of the turnover flap in 103 cases between 1987 and 2004.

Radio-frequency ablation of large, nonresectable hepatic tumors.

Patients with nonresectable hepatic metastases who are not treated survive an average of 6 months. We report our experience with radio-frequency ablation (RFA) of nonresectable hepatic tumors 4 cm or greater in size. A retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing RFA of hepatic tumors 4 cm or greater from October 1, 1999, through August 31, 2002, was performed.

Bedside insertion of vena cava filters in the intensive care unit using intravascular ultrasound to locate renal veins.

Background: Historically, contrast venography has been used to determine renal vein location and assist with vena cava filter placement. This technique, however, exposes the patient to nephrotoxic contrast and radiation. For trauma patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), inferior vena cava filters should ideally be placed without contrast at the bedside to avoid nephrotoxic agents, radiation, and transport of a critically injured patient to the operating room or x-ray department.