Journal of vascular surgery
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Comparative Study
Quality of life before surgery is a predictive factor for satisfaction among patients undergoing sympathectomy to treat hyperhidrosis.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the postoperative quality of life (QOL) experienced among a group of 1167 patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy (VATS) to treat primary hyperhidrosis, as compared with the presurgical QOL. ⋯ The worse the preoperative QOL among patients undergoing sympathectomy to treat primary hyperhidrosis is, the better the postoperative improvement in QOL will be.
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Comparative Study
Sustained cognitive benefit 5 years after carotid endarterectomy.
This study investigated the long-term effect of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) on cognitive brain function by means of P300 evoked potentials. ⋯ CEA improves previously impaired cognitive brain function as shown by P300 measurements similar to normal cognitive brain function of age- and sex-matched healthy individuals. This beneficial effect is sustained up to 5 years after treatment.
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Although contrast venography is the standard imaging method for inferior vena cava (IVC) filter insertion, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging is a safe and effective option that allows for bedside filter placement and is especially advantageous for immobilized critically ill patients by limiting resource use, risk of transportation, and cost. This study reviewed the effectiveness of a prospectively implemented algorithm for IVUS-guided IVC filter placement in this high-risk population. ⋯ Successful placement of IVC filters using IVUS-guided imaging at the bedside in critically ill patients can be established through an evidence-based prospectively implemented algorithm, thereby limiting the need for transport in this high-risk population.
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Electronic medical records are gathering significant attention with the recent State and Federal initiatives, Medicare Physician Quality Reporting Initiatives (PQRI), and stimulus funds. The conversion to an electronic environment from the comfortable but inefficient paper record can be confusing, difficult, and costly if the practice does not complete the proper analysis and planning for the transformation. Significant monetary assistance is available for practices during this process, with resultant increased practice efficiency and patient safety. To be successful, the practice must fully understand the expected benefits and must evaluate each of the options to be sure the entire practice workflow is considered.