Visually Guided Uterine Biopsies in Physician ’s Office: Interview with Allison London Brown, CEO of LUMINELLE
LUMINELLE, a medtech company based in North Carolina, has developed a suite of endoscopic tools that allow clinicians to perform visually guided gynecological procedures right from their office. At present, the majority of uterine biopsies taken to investigate the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding are taken blind, with no visual guidance at all. This leads to suboptimal outcomes, and the frequent need to repeat the biopsy procedure because the first attempt did not yield an adequate sample. To address this, LUMINELLE has developed the LUMINELLE SUSTAINE system and the LUMINELLE Bx (Biopsy) device. These technologies ar...
Source: Medgadget - August 4, 2023 Category: Medical Devices Authors: Conn Hastings Tags: Exclusive Ob/Gyn Source Type: blogs

A physician ’ s rewarding medical missions [PODCAST]
Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Catch up on old episodes! Join David Alfery, a cardiac anesthesiologist and author of Saving Grace: What Patients Teach Their Doctors about Life, Death, and the Balance in Between. David recounts a transformative moment from his medical mission trip to Nicaragua, where he cradled an infant named Jose with Read more… A physician’s rewarding medical missions [PODCAST] originally appeared in KevinMD.com. (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog)
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - August 3, 2023 Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Podcast Anesthesiology Source Type: blogs

Preserving Patient Dignity (Formerly Patient Modesty) Volume 127
Discussion Blog)
Source: Bioethics Discussion Blog - July 28, 2023 Category: Medical Ethics Source Type: blogs

Central Agonists For High Blood Pressure: Types, Side Effects, Drug Interactions
Conclusion In summary, central agonists, a notable class of hypertension medications, offer an alternative modality when other first-line antihypertensive treatments fail to show desired results or cause intolerable side effects. They operate via a unique neurocentric mechanism that primarily functions centrally in the brain, impacting blood pressure regulation by decreasing systemic arterial pressure and heart rate. Despite their potential side effects and potential for interactions with other drugs, their therapeutic utility in the context of hypertension management remains undiminished. Moreover, certain cen...
Source: The EMT Spot - July 27, 2023 Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Michael Rotman, MD, FRCPC, PhD Tags: Blood Pressure Source Type: blogs

A man in his 70s with weakness and syncope
DiscussionBrugada Type 1 ECG changes are associated with sudden cardiac death (SCD) and the occurrence of ventricular dysrhythmias. Patients that develop a Type 1 pattern without any precipitating or provoking factors have a risk of SCD of 0.5-0.8% per year. In patients that only have this pattern induced by a sodium channel blocking agent have a lower rate of SCD (0 - 0.35% per year)[1]. Drugs that have been associated with Brugada ECG patterns include tricyclic antidepressants, anesthetics, cocaine, methadone, antihistamines, electrolyte derangements, and even tramadol. [2]. Our patient had a Brugada Type ...
Source: Dr. Smith's ECG Blog - July 22, 2023 Category: Cardiology Authors: Pendell Source Type: blogs

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Unraveling Its Impact On Heart And Lungs
Conclusion Navigating the complexities of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) might seem daunting. However, with the right knowledge and proactive approach, it’s possible to manage the condition and maintain a good quality of life. PAH, a unique type of high blood pressure affecting the arteries in the lungs, can put extra strain on the heart. Over time, this can lead to heart failure. The condition’s root cause may vary, from genetic factors to other health issues like heart defects, liver disease, or autoimmune diseases. Remember, sometimes the cause remains unknown, resulting in idiopathic pulmonary ...
Source: The EMT Spot - July 19, 2023 Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Michael Rotman, MD, FRCPC, PhD Tags: Blood Pressure Source Type: blogs

Give Us Your Input on NIGMS ’ Reorganization
NIGMS supports basic research that increases our understanding of biological processes and lays the foundation for advances in disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. NIGMS also supports research in specific clinical areas that affect multiple organ systems: anesthesiology and peri-operative pain; clinical pharmacology common to multiple drugs and treatments; and injury, critical illness, sepsis, and wound healing. We have five scientific divisions that support research, research training, and capacity building in a range of scientific fields. To better serve the research community and to assist in managing ou...
Source: NIGMS Feedback Loop Blog - National Institute of General Medical Sciences - July 13, 2023 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Chrissa Chverchko Tags: Director’s Messages News Research Administration Uncategorized Source Type: blogs

Should physicians defend their “ Dr. ” title amidst changing entitlements?
In these uncertain times regarding entitlement, physicians find themselves unsure whether they should continue defending their use of the title “Dr.” There are instances where teachers can hold the title of Dr., as can individuals with PhDs. Additionally, nurses can also obtain PhDs and subsequently be addressed as Dr. Given the evolving climate of reducing Read more… Should physicians defend their “Dr.” title amidst changing entitlements? originally appeared in KevinMD.com. (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog)
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - July 9, 2023 Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Physician Anesthesiology Source Type: blogs

What goes on in the brain matters
I am the first to say (quite loudly at times) that pain is a whole person experience. I say this because my experience of pain is mine and utterly unable to be shared in all its complexity. The only way other people know about my pain is through my actions – both involuntary and voluntary. And even then: the way I express myself differs depending on my social context, my mood, my goals, and what I think my pain represents. Yet when I’m asleep, I don’t have pain, when I have anaesthetic for my colonoscopy, I don’t have pain – so what goes on in my brain is kinda important. Now there have bee...
Source: HealthSkills Weblog - June 25, 2023 Category: Anesthesiology Authors: BronnieLennoxThompson Tags: Chronic pain Pain conditions Research Therapeutic approaches Source Type: blogs

High-Frequency Low-Tidal-Volume Ventilation During Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Improves Long Term Outcome
Catheter ablation for pulmonary vein isolation is an important modality of treatment for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. It is also useful for persistent atrial fibrillation, though a little less. Importance of maintaining a stable contact force of the catheter during radiofrequency ablation cannot overstressed as it contributes to lesion size and achieving transmural lesion. Both these are important in reducing re-connection of pulmonary veins, an important cause for recurrent atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation. General anaesthesia during procedure reduces the rate of pulmonary vein reconnection and hence recurr...
Source: Cardiophile MD - June 24, 2023 Category: Cardiology Authors: Johnson Francis Tags: General Cardiology Source Type: blogs

Unveiling the remarkable journey of a doctor turned singing sensation
When I was six years old, I made a public declaration that I would become a singing doctor. I knew I wanted to be a doctor, influenced by my pediatrician, and I also loved singing. So, at that time, it made perfect sense to me that I should be able to do both when I Read more… Unveiling the remarkable journey of a doctor turned singing sensation originally appeared in KevinMD.com. (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog)
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - June 23, 2023 Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Physician Anesthesiology Source Type: blogs

Greatness Originates in Small Acts of Kindness
People perceive greatness as something that comes from grand gestures or remarkable achievements. However, the field of medicine has shown us time and time again that the origin of true greatness lies in small acts of kindness. Seemingly minor acts of generosity and compassion have the power to not only improve the lives of our patients, but to inspire future generations to follow in our footsteps. Even as a premed, I strive to embody these values so that when I become a physician, I can inspire future generations of providers to do the same. This realization dawned upon me during my senior year of college when I shadow...
Source: Academic Medicine Blog - June 23, 2023 Category: Universities & Medical Training Authors: Laura Siegel Source Type: blogs

Pump Up the Potassium
The element potassium plays a pivotal role in our bodies. It’s found in all our cells, where it regulates their volume and pressure. To do this, our bodies carefully control potassium levels so that the concentration is about 30 times higher inside cells than outside. Potassium works closely with sodium, which regulates the extracellular fluid volume and has a higher concentration outside cells than inside. These concentration differences create an electrochemical gradient, or a membrane potential. Potassium is the primary regulator of the pressure and volume inside cells, and it’s important for nerve transmiss...
Source: Biomedical Beat Blog - National Institute of General Medical Sciences - June 21, 2023 Category: Research Authors: Chrissa Chverchko Tags: Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmacology Molecular Structures Cellular Processes Element Proteins Source Type: blogs

Advice for the hospitalist caring for a patient after delirium in the post-anesthesia care unit
You are called by the bedside nurse that your patient arrived on the floor from the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). The nurse tells you that the patient was delirious and agitated after anesthesia, pulled out their IVs, and was sedated by the PACU team. They are somnolent now, but awaken to voice. Their family is Read more… Advice for the hospitalist caring for a patient after delirium in the post-anesthesia care unit originally appeared in KevinMD.com. (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog)
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - June 19, 2023 Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Physician Psychiatry Surgery Source Type: blogs

Can You Have Surgery With Hypertension?
Conclusion In conclusion, yes, patients with hypertension can undergo surgery. However, there are added risks, making it essential for these individuals to have well-controlled blood pressure both before and after surgery. As always, open discussion with healthcare providers is crucial when planning for a surgical procedure. The prospect of surgery can be daunting, especially with conditions like hypertension. Yet, with careful preparation and diligent care, it’s certainly possible to navigate the surgical journey successfully. Remember, a well-informed patient is an empowered patient. Read a...
Source: The EMT Spot - June 13, 2023 Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Michael Rotman, MD, FRCPC, PhD Tags: Blood Pressure Source Type: blogs