Sustained Implementation of an Evidence-Based Extubation Checklist Reduced Extubation Failure in Trauma Patients.

Extubation failure remains a challenge in the perioperative setting. The aim of this intervention was to decrease the rate of perioperative extubation failure through the utilization of an extubation checklist. A five-item evidence-based extubation readiness checklist was implemented at a level I trauma center on all patients who were electively extubated in the operating room (OR).

Anesthesia-Related Malpractice Claims in Maryland 1994-2017.

This article presents data on anesthesia cases filed with the Maryland Health Claims Alternative Dispute Office between 1994 and 2017, a publicly available resource that includes all anesthesia-related claims filed in Maryland, regardless of whether they were reported to any national claims repository. Analysis of anesthesia malpractice claims offers critical information that can both decrease legal liability and improve patient outcomes for those receiving anesthesia. A total of 276 claims were filed.

Regional anesthesia and analgesia in sickle cell pain episodes: A scoping review.

Review Purpose: Sickle cell disease (SCD) vaso-occlusive crises are the most common reason patients with SCD present for medical care in the US. The goal of this scoping review is to outline existing literature on regional anesthesia for sickle cell vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) and identify areas for future research.

Methods: We searched the Cochrane Central Register, Ovid-Medline and EMBASE, PubMed, and additional review sources to identify studies evaluating the benefit of regional anesthetic blocks for medication refractory vaso-occlusive crises in pediatric and adult patients.

The COVID-19 vaccine and interventional procedures: Exploring the relationship between steroid administration and subsequent vaccine efficacy.

Objective: Collate available evidence and provide guidance on whether to delay steroid injections after receiving a vaccine, and whether to delay vaccination if a recent steroid injection has been administered, leaving formal recommendations to various national societies.

Methods: A literature search was performed to identify information pertinent to steroid administration and the subsequent downstream effects on vaccine efficacy. The search was initiated on December 20, 2020, and the terms used were (steroid OR cortisone OR dexamethasone) AND (vaccine).

Carotid Endarterectomy and Carotid Artery Stenting in a Predominantly Symptomatic Real-World Patient Population.

Background: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) are well-established treatments that have been shown to decrease stroke recurrence in patients with underlying carotid artery disease. We assessed clinical outcome, safety, and restenosis rates for patients who underwent standardized CEA or CAS at our tertiary care center using patient selection criteria based on available scientific evidence.

Methods: Retrospective chart review of patients who underwent CEA or CAS between 2009 and 2016.

Thoracic Epidural Abscesses: A Systematic Review.

Study Design: Systematic review.

Objectives: Past research has demonstrated increased speed and severity of progression for spinal epidural abscesses (SEAs) of the thoracic level, specifically, when compared with SEAs of other spinal cord levels. Untreated, this infection can result in permanent neurological sequelae with eventual progression to death if inadequately managed.

Diagnostic approach, treatment, and outcomes of cervical sympathetic chain schwannomas: a global narrative review.

Objective: This review examined the diagnostic approach, surgical treatment, and outcomes of cervical sympathetic chain schwannomas (CSCS) to guide clinical decision making.

Data Sources: Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases.

Review Methods: A literature review from 1998 to 2013 identified 156 articles of which 51 representing 89 CSCS cases were evaluated in detail.