on June 27, 2012 |
Permalink
Topics: Cardiovascular, Service Lines, Cardiac Surgery, Clinical Research
Eric Bushlow, Cardiovascular Roundtable
A new study finds patients with implanted left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) may not require high-priority status for organ donation given the relatively low risk of complications or adverse events with these devices. Currently, patients with LVADs who are eligible for heart transplant are given 30 days of elective 1A status (the highest-priority category) from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network classification system, along with other patients who are potentially less stable.
Study authors argue that improvements in LVAD technology over the past decade have reduced complication rates for these patients to the extent that the need for a high-priority organ status is diminished.
Continue reading:
Should LVAD patients be high-priority heart transplant recipients?
on June 27, 2012 |
Permalink
Topics: Cardiovascular, Service Lines, Performance Management, Workforce
Jake Hartman, Cardiovascular Roundtable
The growing prevalence of quality reporting sites such as Leapfrog and HealthGrades have made physician and facility performance data more available than ever before, yet the extent to which physicians leverage this information remains unclear. In a recent issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, two sets of authors debate the degree to which physicians are ethically required to consider and share outcomes data when referring patients to a cardiac surgeon.
Continue reading:
Debating the role of report cards in cardiologist referrals
on June 22, 2012 |
Permalink
Topics: Electrophysiology, Cardiovascular, Service Lines
Nicole MacMillan, Cardiovascular Roundtable
For years, the debate over rhythm control versus rate control has been hotly contested by those treating arrhythmias. A new study published this month in the Archives of Internal Medicine may exacerbate the ongoing battle by claiming that rhythm control is superior to rate control in long-term follow up.
Continue reading:
Is rhythm control superior to rate control for AF?
