A multicenter study presented at the Heart Rhythm Society annual meeting revealed that lead wires implanted for conduction system pacing have been largely feasible to remove. According to Dr. Pugazhendhi Vijayaraman, manual traction alone was successful in removing leads in 91% of the 341 patients involved in the study. Interestingly, leads attached to the His
Health
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a prion disease that primarily affects cervids, but there have been concerns about its potential to infect humans. New data from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) suggests that there is a substantial species barrier preventing the transmission of CWD to humans. Healthy human cerebral organoids were
The recent China-based INTERACT 4 trial aimed to investigate the effects of bringing blood pressure under control in the ambulance on stroke outcomes in an unselected population. The trial, led by Gang Li, MD, PhD, of Shanghai East Hospital, compared early systolic blood pressure reduction to 130-140 mm Hg with usual care en route to
The recent news highlighting a decrease in U.S. overdose deaths in 2023 is a positive step towards combating the opioid epidemic. This 3% decrease from the previous year is encouraging, signifying potential progress in addressing this pressing public health issue. It is crucial to continue implementing comprehensive strategies to further reduce overdose deaths and support
Recently, Washington state physician Wei-Hsung Lin, MD, faced a fine of $5,000 by the state’s medical board for prescribing ivermectin during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lin, who is affiliated with Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, Washington, which is part of the Providence health system, was found to have provided substandard care to five patients in
Patients of color, particularly in the Black and Hispanic communities, face unique challenges when it comes to the diagnosis and management of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Cultural tendencies in these communities often prevent individuals from discussing their health issues openly, even with family members. This hesitancy can lead to delayed diagnoses and missed
Recent research conducted by Shellsea Portillo Canales, MD, at St. Louis University Hospital revealed alarming statistics regarding patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) hospitalized for ketoacidosis. The study indicated that these patients had a significantly higher mortality rate compared to those with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and ketoacidosis. In fact, the mortality rate for individuals
The cyberattack on the Ascension health system wreaked havoc on its operations across 19 states in the U.S. Patients were left stranded, medical tests were postponed, and online access to patient records was blocked. This incident sheds light on the vulnerabilities within the healthcare sector when it comes to cybersecurity. The attack forced some of
The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of neurology has been a topic of discussion at the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting. Christian Camargo, MD, emphasizes that physicians should not fear the integration of AI technologies, but rather embrace it as a tool to enhance clinician efficiency while prioritizing patient experience and
In recent research, it was reported that three patients developed difficult-to-treat Mycobacterium abscessus infections after receiving embryonic stem cell injections in Mexico in 2022. This alarming situation has brought to light the potential risks associated with unapproved stem cell treatments and the dangers of medical tourism. Two men, one from Colorado and one from Arizona,