GLG News by Physicians who Treat Arrhythmia (US)

John HsuDirector of AnesthesiologyPRESBYTERIAN INTERCOMMUNITY HOSPITAL, INC.

Computer Technology Really Does Improve Patient Care

February 6, 2009

Analysis of:Health Info Technology Saves Lists, Costs: Study | news.yahoo.com

Information technology in healthcare saves lives if it is frequently used by doctors for medical practice.  Scientific papers in the past have suggested that information technology saves lives by preventing medication errors but this paper suggests that the way doctors practice medicine may be modified to saves lives as well. 

John HsuDirector of AnesthesiologyPRESBYTERIAN INTERCOMMUNITY HOSPITAL, INC.

Why hasn't EHR been adopted faster

November 26, 2008

Analysis of:Survey: Hospital EHR Adoption Rate is Below 12% | www.govhealthit.com

The lack of a comprehensive EHR implementation suggests that we are failing at our goal of improving the healthcare system.  While the article highlights many problems, very few solutions are offered to remedy this part of our healthcare crises. The key implications are: 1. The adoption rate of electronic health records in nonfederal U.S. hospitals is low 2. The percentage of these electronic record systems may be classified as "fully functional is low 3. The companies that can fill the enormous gaps in adoption have laid the foundation for future adoption.

Forrest RubensteinCardiac, Thoracic and Vascular SurgeonST. MARY'S HOSPITAL, STREATOR, OF THE HOSPITAL SISTERS OF THE THIRD ORDER OF ST. FRANCIS

Preventing Bariatric Surgery Deaths

January 25, 2008

Analysis of:Pinning Down Mortality Rates After Bariatric Surgery | www.medscape.com

 Bariatric surgery is a major operative procedure that caries significant morbidity and mortality risks due to the comorbid diseases seen in this patient population.  This procedure is increasing in frequency as more patients are willing to have it and more surgeons are becoming proficient. The mortality rate is ~ 1 % at 1 year and 6% at 5 years which is greater than the population at large.

Ramin EbrahimiDirector of Cardiac Catheterization LabWadsworth VA Medical Center

Risk Versus Benefit

November 23, 2007

Analysis of:Study Shows Weight-Loss Drug Rimonabant is Associated with Severe Adverse Psychiatric Events | pharmalive.com

The pooled analysis of Rimonabant trials point to a significant increase in psychiatric disorders. These studies also point to significant improvements in markers of cardiovascular risk. Risks versus benefits must be considered before the final decision is made on this class of medications.

John HsuDirector of AnesthesiologyPRESBYTERIAN INTERCOMMUNITY HOSPITAL, INC.

Theword of mouth

November 16, 2007

Analysis of:Cigna reaches deal on doctors' rankings | news.yahoo.com

Missing in the article is the fact patients will still go to the physicians that they like regardless of the rating system.  This rating system of doctors is really economic credentialling.  Insurance companies will lower reimbursement unit values of physicians that are not rated well. 

Daniel WeissPresidentWeiss Consulting Groups, Inc.

Medtronic - the new Guidant?

October 18, 2007

Analysis of:Medtronic Pulls Heart Device Wires | www.thestreet.com

The current recall is yet another in the world of cardiac rhythm devices. The ICD market is already shakey and may be adversely affected. Will Medtronic's reputation suffer?

John HsuDirector of AnesthesiologyPRESBYTERIAN INTERCOMMUNITY HOSPITAL, INC.

Pain has not killed anyone

October 1, 2007

Analysis of:FDA Warns About Misuse Of Fentora Cancer Pain Drug | www.medicalnewstoday.com

Because the FDA warns about the misuse Of Fentora as a Cancer Pain Drug,  I hope that physicians will be very carefull about prescribing this very potent opiate medication.  Fortunately, the company Cephalon is correcting the problem without taking away the important role of this drug in controlling breakthrough pain.  Patience, education, and vigilence could make this drug safer.  Pain has not killed anyone but opiates have killed many.  

Daniel WeissPresidentWeiss Consulting Groups, Inc.

TB-402 - the type of anticoagulant patients and physicians are looking for as a warfarin replacement

September 17, 2007

Analysis of:ThromboGenics and BioInvent Announce Successful Completion of Phase I Clinical Trial of the Anticoagulant TB-402 | www.pipelinereview.com

TB-402 is a new anticoagulant candidate that seeks to fill a desperate unmet need in a variety of different medical conditions. It would be easily administered with a low risk of patient noncompliance, have reversible effects, and potentially safer than currently available alternatives.

John HsuDirector of AnesthesiologyPRESBYTERIAN INTERCOMMUNITY HOSPITAL, INC.

New medicare regulations to force hospitals to do more with less

September 6, 2007

Analysis of:New Medicare Regulations Adopted To Reduce Certain Hospital Infections And Medical Errors | www.medicalnewstoday.com

Under new Medicare regulations, hospitals will no longer receive higher payments for the additional costs associated with treating patients for certain hospital- acquired infections and medical errors. The new rules will give hospitals a powerful new incentive to improve patient care, according to Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports.

Ramin EbrahimiDirector of Cardiac Catheterization LabWadsworth VA Medical Center

Good device but not much improvement.

August 31, 2007

Analysis of:St. Jude Medical Announces Japanese Approval Of The Angio-Seal STS Plus Vascular Closure Device | www.medicalnewstoday.com

The repositioning of the hole, also present with the VIP version is a mild improvement to decrease sheath manipulation. Otherwise the device has not changed much in the past few years. While a very good device in general, its primary limitaions listed below still remain. 1. not allowing re-access at the previous access site within 90 days of the index procedure  2. inability to promote means for primary healing of the arteriotomy site (primary healing results in much less scar formation and secondary healing that angioseal provides) and 3. relying on an intravascular component for deployment that stays within the vessel for weeks prior to its resolution  Newer devices such as the STARCLOSE that also are easy to deploy, rely on no intravascular components and potentially provide much better healing process may be the way of future.   

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