Effective clinical practice : ECP
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Angioplasty and stent placement for peripheral arterial occlusive disease has traditionally been performed by radiologists and surgeons. However, cardiologists have recently begun to perform these procedures. It is unknown whether this has affected how often the procedure is done. ⋯ Cardiologists are performing a substantial proportion of peripheral angioplasties. Rates of these procedures are highest in regions where cardiologists do most of the angioplasties.
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We previously found that length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) after abdominal aortic surgery increased when fewer ICU nurses were available per patient. We hypothesized that having fewer nurses increases the risk for medical complications. ⋯ Having fewer ICU nurses per patient is associated with increased risk for respiratory-related complications after abdominal aortic surgery.