PathologyWatch Launches ‘Show Me Some Skin’ Campaign for Skin Cancer Awareness Month


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The most important thing in the fight against skin cancer is for people to take the initiative to get tested.

PathologyWatch, a full-service digital dermatopathology solution, is recognizing May as Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month with a public awareness campaign of its own.

Many Americans are likely unaware of just how prevalent skin cancer is in the US. In conjunction with Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, the Skin Cancer Foundation has released some sobering statistics about the disease:


  • With over 5 million cases detected each year in the US, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer.
  • More than two people die from skin cancer every hour in the US.
  • More people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the US than all other cancers combined.
  • An estimated 7,990 people will die from melanoma in 2023 (5,420 men and 2,570 women).
  • An estimated 186,680 cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in the US in 2023.
  • One in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70.

“One other key statistic is that the five-year survival rate for melanoma, when it is detected early, is 99 percent,” said Dan Lambert, CEO of PathologyWatch. “That’s why, during the month of May and beyond, we are encouraging everyone to visit their physician or dermatologist and receive an examination. Our mission at PathologyWatch is to preserve and extend life for patients while reducing the cost of healthcare. Early detection is one way we’re working to achieve that goal.”

PathologyWatch uses cutting-edge technology to connect dermatologists with academic-level dermatopathologists in a workflow utilizing samples shared via digital slides. The full-system digital workflow not only optimizes efficiency but also saves physician time, reduces the burden on office staff, and can help clinics create previously untapped revenue streams.

The Utah-based company will be providing “Show Me Some Skin” T-shirts to dermatologists and dermatopathologists who participate in the upbeat awareness campaign. Dermatologists and dermpaths can receive their free T-shirt by simply registering to join the campaign.

“We feel this is a fun way for dermatologists to help get the word out this month about a serious health issue,” Lambert said. “The most important thing in the fight against skin cancer is for people to take the initiative to get tested. May offers the perfect opportunity to commit to that first step.”

About PathologyWatch

PathologyWatch is the groundbreaking leader of digital dermatopathology services. Through these services, dermatology clinics, hospitals and laboratories can improve operational efficiency by speeding up workflow and enhancing patient outcomes by utilizing the PathologyWatch expert professional team and laboratory services. This can facilitate best-in-class reads and, in some cases, enable additional revenue to the practice by in-housing pathology. With an intuitive and easy-to-implement digital pathology solution that includes access to top-tier dermatopathologists and a streamlined clinical workflow that interfaces directly into the EMR, PathologyWatch brilliantly combines state-of-the-art technology and clinical decision-making to deliver unprecedented patient care.

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CarrTech Corp. Looking for Study Participants to Test New Medical Device


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CarrTech Corp. is looking for 20 study participants in their human factor study for the company’s FROG®, “Filter Removal of Glass” all-in-one package filter and hypodermic needle. Participants are required to have experience with glass ampoule-based medications (i.e., physicians, pharmacists, nurses).

The study will examine the procedure and administration of the FROG®. Participation requires roughly 30 minutes of time and will take place at Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc. on May 17 through 21 and May 24 through 28. Time slots are available from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants will be gifted a $100 Amazon or Visa gift card for their time.

If interested to sign up and reserve a time, please contact the CarrTech Corp. team at maria@carrtechcorp.com and sue@carrtechcorp.com.

About CarrTech Corp

CarrTech Corp has developed a revolutionary device, FROG®, “Filter Removal of Glass,” the first and only all-in-one package filter and hypodermic needle combined. This device allows medical professionals to have a streamlined and safer device reducing the risk of injury, patient death, healthcare costs, and waste, while simultaneously improving efficiency, productivity, and patient care. CarrTech Corp. was named as 2021’s “Emerging Medical Device Company of the Year” by Maryland Tech Council and was awarded the Medical Device Innovation Award 2022 from the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce. For more information, please visit http://carrtechcorp.com.

About Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc.

Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc., was founded in 2004 to be a solid foundation upon which entrepreneurs can build their enterprise, especially those in the uniquely demanding life science and technology sectors. FITCI acts as a resource partner and a bridge to the regional business ecosystem, connecting clients to programming, supportive services, and capital opportunities that bolster success for emerging businesses. Learn more at http://www.fitci.org

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New York’s Top Hernia and Core Surgeon Mark Zoland M.D. FACS Receives Castle Connolly’s 2023 Top Doctor® Award


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“It is always such an honor to be recognized by my peers for this award,” says Dr. Mark Zoland.

Dr. Mark Zoland has been selected as a 2023 Top Doctor® by Castle Connolly. He is a perennial winner, earning this impressive award for his expertise. Dr. Zoland’s medical education, training, hospital appointments and disciplinary history were rigorously screened by the Castle Connolly physician-led research team. Castle Connolly publishes its list of Top Doctors at http://www.castleconnolly.com and in a wide variety of partner publications, magazines and affiliate websites. Around 5% of the nation’s licensed physicians have been selected as Castle Connolly Top Doctors in their regions for their specialties. Individuals do not and cannot pay to be selected as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor.

Widely known as one of the top leaders in his field, Dr. Mark Zoland specializes in surgery for many conditions, including complex hernias and groin injuries. He leads an elite medical team at Core Surgical in New York City. Dr. Zoland offers unparalleled knowledge and experience, providing the highest level of care in areas such as hernia repair, groin pain, pelvic pain, sports-related groin/pelvic injuries and non-surgical treatment recommendations. Dr. Mark Zoland graduated from Columbia University and earned his medical degree from Cornell University Medical College. He has been board certified and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons since 2001.

“It is always such an honor to be recognized by my peers for this award,” says Dr. Mark Zoland.

More about Dr. Mark Zoland and Core Surgical:

Dr. Mark Zoland and Dr. Joseph Iraci lead the team of pelvic and groin medical professionals at their advanced surgical center in New York City. At Core Surgical, the mission is to provide the highest level of personalized care to patients. As a group of board-certified surgeons, the team can diagnose and care for many issues, using minimally invasive and laparoscopic surgery, conventional hernia surgery, sports hernia surgery and abdominal surgery. They utilize innovative techniques and medical technology to achieve the best results, treating high-level professional athletes in the NBA, NFL, MLS, MLB and NHL. Core Surgical is located at 133 E 58th Street, Suite 703 in NY, NY. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Mark Zoland or for more information about Core Surgical, please visit http://www.coresurgicalmd.com or call (212) 628-8771

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ARO Effect Marketing Launches New AI Intake Chat Tool for Psychiatry and Mental Healthcare Providers


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At ARO Effect Marketing, we are constantly looking for new ways to be successful for our clients. With the ongoing advances in tech and AI, we make it a point to stay attuned to the latest and greatest offerings that will help push the industry forward.

ARO Effect Marketing, a global digital marketing agency that focuses on lead generation, announced the launch of a new AI intake chat tool designed to streamline the intake process for mental health and psychiatry practices.

The new AI intake chat tool was initially developed by ARO Effect Marketing Founder and CEO Erik Ovesny, who recognized the need for a more efficient way to manage patient intake in mental health practices. The tool uses advanced artificial intelligence algorithms to automate the intake process and communication flow, allowing patients to easily provide their information and schedule appointments with mental health providers.

“We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our new AI intake chat tool,” said Erik Ovesny, CEO of ARO Effect Marketing. “We understand that the intake process can be overwhelming for patients and mental health providers alike, and we wanted to create a solution that simplifies the process and makes it easier for everyone involved.”

The new tool is customizable to fit the specific needs of mental health and psychiatry practices. It can be integrated with existing practice management software, allowing for seamless communication between the intake tool and other systems. The tool is also designed to comply with HIPAA regulations, ensuring that patient data is kept secure and confidential. It also features key integrations with other platforms such as Facebook and a variety of healthcare CRM systems.

“We believe that this new tool will be a game-changer for mental health practices,” added Ovesny. “By automating the intake process, providers can focus on providing high-quality care to their patients, rather than spending time on administrative tasks.”

The tool has been in beta testing but is now available for mental health and psychiatry practices to implement into its web and social media platforms. For more information, please visit http://www.aroeffect.com.

About ARO Effect Marketing:

ARO Effect Marketing is a digital marketing agency that works within the mental health and wellness industry. Founded by Erik Ovesny in 2010, the agency provides a range of services, including social media advertising, digital lead generation, and web design.

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Teddi Mellencamp Gets Naked for Melanoma Awareness Month


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The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is pleased to announce the launch of its annual award-winning #GetNaked campaign in recognition of Melanoma Awareness Month this May. TV personality, wellness coach, host of the top-rated podcast “Two Ts in a Pod,” melanoma survivor and advocate Teddi Mellencamp will serve as this year’s #GetNaked campaign spokesperson. In this role, Teddi will join the MRF’s #GetNaked campaign focused on generating awareness around early-detection and educating the public about melanoma prevention.

“Teddi Mellencamp is an incredible melanoma advocate dedicated to raising awareness and encouraging early detection of this preventable disease,” says MRF CEO Kyleigh LiPira. “We are pleased to join forces with Teddi as the 2023 #GetNaked spokesperson to extend the MRF’s critical mission.”

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer claiming nearly 8,000 lives in the United States each year. In addition to cutaneous (or skin) melanoma, the MRF also supports the rare melanoma subtypes including acral lentiginous, pediatric/adolescent and young adult, mucosal and ocular melanoma.

The #GetNaked campaign encourages everyone to embrace sun safe practices and schedule an annual dermatological skin check by showcasing dynamic and bold images and sharing powerful testimonials from real melanoma patients. Throughout May, the MRF will host educational opportunities helping to inform the public on sun safety, prevention and early detection including two hybrid patient symposia and virtual educational webinars. Additional social media educational opportunities include a weekly dermatologist influencer or “derm-fluencer” Instagram Live series and newly created TikTok and Instagram filters available for download today! Finally, the MRF is excited to kick off its annual nationwide Miles for Melanoma 5k run/walk event series in Washington, DC on Saturday, May 6, raising critical funds for melanoma research and awareness.

You can learn more about all #GetNaked Melanoma Awareness Month activities by visiting http://www.melanoma.org/MAM. The MRF would like to thank its Melanoma Awareness Month corporate sponsors, Bristol Myers Squibb, Neutrogena, Cabana Life and Eisai for their generous support.

To support critical melanoma research in finding effective treatments and a cure for melanoma, donate here.

About the Melanoma Research Foundation

The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest independent organization devoted to melanoma. Committed to the support of medical research to develop effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, the MRF also educates patients and physicians about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous melanoma and the melanoma rare subtypes. The MRF is a dedicated advocate for the melanoma community, helping to raise awareness of this disease and the need for a cure. The MRF’s website is the premier source for melanoma information seekers. More information is available at http://www.melanoma.org. Find the MRF on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.

Media Contact

James Merrick, MPA

Chief Communications and Marketing Officer

JMerrick@melanoma.org

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Wellness Coaches Rebrands as Ramp Health to Align with its Evolution and New Services


While our name has changed, our commitment to delivering the highest quality healthcare services, best possible outcomes, and stellar customer experience remains unchanged. The launch of our new name, Ramp Health, is just the next step of our larger mission…

Wellness Coaches, a leading national provider of clinical, wellbeing, and safety solutions, is excited to announce it is now operating as Ramp Health. The new name reflects the company’s evolution from a local provider of wellness coaching and injury prevention services to a leading national provider of comprehensive clinical, wellbeing, and digital health solutions. Ramp Health has now become the healthcare provider of choice for customers looking to take their health and safety outcomes, customer service, employee engagement and overall user experience to new heights.

Rob Putnam, CEO of Ramp Health, had this to say about the announcement, “I am so proud of how far we have come since our founding in 2002. It is a testament to what can be accomplished when an entire organization is dedicated to a singular mission. Over the past several years, we have made significant investments to broaden our portfolio of services and combined this with several strategic acquisitions along the way to further round out our capabilities and accelerate growth. We have had a great deal of success, and in a short period of time, we simply outgrew our brand. Our new name more accurately reflects our expanded mission, services, and why customers choose us.”

Kristopher Wood, President of Ramp Health, added, “While our name has changed, our relentless commitment to delivering the highest quality healthcare services, best possible outcomes, and stellar customer experience remains unchanged. The launch of our new name, Ramp Health, is just the next step of our larger mission, which is to help more employers, health plans, and government clients take their healthcare, wellbeing, clinical, and safety outcomes to the next level.”

Ramp Health has a national presence and is a sole source provider of a comprehensive suite of products and services spanning the entire continuum of care. These services include health coaching, pre-chronic and chronic condition management, safety and injury prevention, primary care, a full range of immunizations, biometric and other diagnostic testing, healthcare staffing, and clinical mental health services. Ramp Health also has a proprietary digital health platform that delivers personalized health and wellbeing solutions by offering users personalized content and a customized experience, incentive management, wearable device integration, challenges, health assessments, virtual access to their healthcare providers and so much more, all in one place.

With a growing network of over 25,000 nurses, health coaches, injury prevention specialists, dietitians, and other allied healthcare professionals, Ramp Health is capable of rapidly deploying its services anywhere in the United States. They offer onsite, near-site, mobile, pop-up, and virtual healthcare solutions to accommodate even the most unique and diverse service requirements of their clients. To learn more about Ramp Health and what they can do for your organization, visit their new website at http://www.ramphealth.com.

About Ramp Health

Ramp Health (http://www.ramphealth.com) is a leading provider of clinical, wellbeing, and safety solutions. Our offerings deliver high-quality healthcare, increased engagement, measurable reductions in health and safety risks, and reduced costs for our customers. We offer customizable solutions across the full continuum of care, from prevention and wellbeing to robust clinical services. Our offerings include health coaching, pre-chronic and chronic disease management, safety and injury prevention, primary care, a full range of immunizations, biometric and other diagnostic testing, healthcare staffing, clinical mental health services as well as a proprietary digital health platform. With a national network of more than 25,000 healthcare staff, Ramp Health is capable of rapidly deploying its services anywhere in the United States at scale for our employer, health plan and government clients.

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Safety of Antiresorptive Drugs for Dental Implant Procedures


Volume 49, Issue 1

This study’s results indicate it might be helpful for patients taking antiresorptive drugs to have prophylactic antibiotics and more frequent follow-up periods to allow safe implant placement.

Journal of Oral Implantology – A possible complication known as Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) concerns dentists and dental surgeons when patients take antiresorptive drugs (ARDs). ARDs induced side effects that can be critical for patients undergoing bone regeneration therapy before dental implant procedures. MRONJ can occur due to the disruption of blood flow to part of the jawbone. Ensuring patient well-being is highly important, so experts have widely debated the efficacy and safety of bone grafting and implant procedures for patients taking ARDs.

Researchers from Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich, Germany, King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and Alexandria University in Alexandria, Egypt, recently published a study in the Journal of Oral Implantology to assess the effects of ARDs on dental implant treatment plans. Lead author Sven Otto, MDS, DDS, and colleagues state, “The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical outcome of dental implant surgery in patients treated with antiresorptive therapy and determine whether it is possible to place the dental implants safely in those patients.”

Otto et al. thoroughly reviewed the records of 16 patients treated with 39 dental implants, with a history of ARD use, between 2010 and 2019 to determine MRONJ occurrence, implant success, and survival rate. Researchers examined radiographic images taken on the day of implantation or at suture removal and follow-up. In addition, they assessed patient complaints and wound healing to determine if ARDs negatively impacted patient recovery and increased complication risk. During the study, six patients with 12 implants were lost during follow-up for other medical issues or no complaints related to the implants, leaving ten patients and 27 implants.

Findings from the study showed no incidence of MRONJ, no failed implants, and an overall success rate of 92.6% (25/27 implants); the remaining two implants were in satisfactory condition, with no failed implants. Researchers also note no subjective complaints relating to pain or postoperative complications. Peri-implantitis, or inflammation surrounding the dental implants, was recorded in 30% of patients and 29.6% of implant sites. Peri-implant mucositis, an inflammatory lesion, was reported in 50% of patients and 37% of implant sites.

Results of this study showed no significant complications from ARDs use, suggesting that by following a specific surgical treatment protocol, implant placement should be safe in patients taking ARDs. However, given the rates of peri-implantitis and peri-implant mucositis, Otto and colleagues conclude, “This study’s results indicate it might be helpful for patients taking antiresorptive drugs to have prophylactic antibiotics and more frequent follow-up periods to allow safe implant placement.”

Full text of the article, “Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Dental Implants in Patients Treated with Antiresorptive Drugs: A Consecutive Case Series,” Journal of Oral Implantology, Vol. 49, No. 1, 2023, is available at https://doi.org/10.1563/aaid-joi-D-21-00035

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About Journal of Oral Implantology

The Journal of Oral Implantology is the official publication of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. It provides valuable information to general dentists, oral surgeons, prosthodontists, periodontists, scientists, clinicians, laboratory owners and technicians, manufacturers, and educators. The JOI distinguishes itself as the first and oldest journal in the world devoted exclusively to implant dentistry. For more information about the journal or AAID, please visit: http://www.joionline.org/orimonline/?request=index-html

Media Contact:

Samantha Weinkauf

KnowledgeWorks Global Ltd.

785/289-2649

Samantha.Weinkauf@kwglobal.com

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Elite Physical Therapy Announces Opening of New Clinic in Pineville


“As a Grant Parish resident myself, I know accessibility to health care can sometimes be a challenge. I look forward to helping the Central Louisiana community improve access to care and achieve their optimal level of function.” – Juliana Meeker, DPT, OCS, will serve as the Pineville Clinic Director

Elite Physical Therapy (Elite PT) is pleased to announce their newest clinic has opened today in Pineville, LA. Located at 2913 Monroe Highway, Suite B, the clinic is Elite PT’s 2nd location.

Juliana Meeker, DPT, OCS, will serve as the Pineville Clinic Director and primary treating physical therapist. Juliana is Board Certified in Orthopedic Physical Therapy and has an extensive background in the management of neurological conditions.

“I am excited to be opening this new location in Pineville and to be a part of the expansion of Elite to the other side of the Red River,” says Meeker. This clinic is a great opportunity for Elite Physical Therapy to meet the needs of our patients and offer excellent customer service and care to Pineville and surrounding communities. “As a Grant Parish resident myself, I know that accessibility to health care can sometimes be a challenge, and I look forward to helping the Central Louisiana community improve access to care and provide a resource to achieve their optimal level of function.”

Elite PT specializes in providing exceptional and individualized physical therapy through a combination of evidence-based practice, care excellence, and clinical excellence. Services offered from the Pineville clinic will include orthopedic, sports and neurological physical therapy, generalized balance and deconditioning, and a partnership with Injury Management Services. To facilitate these services Elite PT will utilize the Alter G anti-gravity Treadmill, offer Functional Dry Needling, and incorporate key strengthening and balance equipment.

For more information about the new Pineville clinic and a full list of Elite PT’s services and offerings, please visit eliteptla.com. To book an appointment with Juliana, please call 318-545-6264.

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About Elite Physical Therapy

Elite Physical Therapy (EPT) is a Louisanna-based, private physical therapy practice group. As a proud member of the Confluent Health family, EPT positively impacts patients’ lives by delivering the best care and results through proven research, innovative treatments and technologies, and an approach that treats patients like family. For more information, visit eliteptla.com, or find them on Facebook at @elitephysicaltherapyalexandria.

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Experience Columbus Receives National Recognition for Championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion


Columbus is one of the country’s most inclusive and accessible destinations.

“As an organization we are committed to celebrating the vibrant, diverse people and neighborhoods in our city and showcasing what an inclusive and welcoming destination Columbus is.” —Brian Ross, President and CEO of Experience Columbus

Experience Columbus, the destination marketing organization for Ohio’s capital city, is quickly garnering a reputation as a champion of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) in the hospitality and tourism industry. Since the fall of 2022, the organization has been recognized with three national awards for its DEIA efforts and its Accessibility Guide in particular.

Most recently, PRNEWS, a leading source of information, education, recognition and data for PR and marketing professionals nationwide, awarded Experience Columbus two coveted Social Impact Awards for its Accessibility Guide. The national awards program honors communicators who use their platforms to better their community and the global community at large. The Accessibility Guide received the top honor in the In-House Diversity & Inclusion Campaign category and an honorable mention in the Diversity & Inclusion Program category in February.

Experience Columbus also received recognition from the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) in November 2022 when it was awarded a bronze Adrian Award in the Public Relations/Communications category for the Accessibility Guide’s launch.

“We are honored to receive these three prestigious national awards in recognition of the vital work we are doing in the diversity, equity and inclusion space,” said Brian Ross, President and CEO of Experience Columbus. “As an organization we are committed to celebrating the vibrant, diverse people and neighborhoods in our city and showcasing what an inclusive and welcoming destination Columbus is.”

Experience Columbus’ Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility, Shannon Jones, was also recognized earlier this month for her influential work in the DEIA space. Jones was named a Columbus Business First Diversity in Business Awards honoree for her work, in part, in leading the Diversity Apprenticeship Program. Experience Columbus and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission launched the Diversity Apprenticeship Program in August 2021 to help overcome underrepresentation in the tourism industry. The program is focused on closing the significant racial equity gap in the Central Ohio hospitality community by providing hands-on experience and job opportunities to local students, recent graduates and professionals who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) and have a passion for tourism. The program will graduate its third and largest cohort on April 26.

“It has been an honor to develop the Diversity Apprenticeship Program and to see it expand, both in terms of the number of apprentices participating to the variety of host sites across Columbus,” said Jones. “As an organization, Experience Columbus is dedicated to working toward equity in the workplace and representation in the tourism industry. I am proud of the initiatives we have launched in recent years, from our Diversity Apprenticeship Program to our Accessibility Guide to CBUS Soul®.”

Relevant photos can be downloaded here.

To learn more about Experience Columbus’ diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility initiatives, visit http://www.experiencecolumbus.com/deia

About Columbus, Ohio

Columbus is a city unlike any other. Vibrant and alive, Ohio’s capital is known for its open attitude, smart style and entrepreneurial spirit. Columbus’ blend of neighborhoods, dynamic nightlife, noteworthy music scene, arts and culinary experiences, events, attractions and accommodations are all made unforgettable by the diversity of its outgoing locals who eagerly await and warmly welcome visitors. Columbus is proud to be selected as the host city for the 2023 U.S. Conference of Mayors Annual Meeting coming in June and to have hosted PCMA Convening Leaders 2023, which brought together the world’s business events professionals in January. Free travel guides, maps, online booking and detailed information are available at http://www.ExperienceColumbus.com. Visitor information is also available on Facebook: Facebook.com/ExperienceColumbus, Twitter: @ExpCols and Instagram: @ExperienceColumbus.

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Mitigating the Risk of Spontaneous Surgical Fires During GA Dental Procedures


Volume 70, Issue 1

Keeping the oxygen pooling low is critical to avoid the risk of spontaneous surgical fires.

Anesthesia Progress – Preparing for dental procedures involving general anesthesia (GA) can be daunting, especially considering that 50 to 600 fires per year occur in operating rooms (ORs), and 20% result in serious injury or even death. Spontaneous surgical fires are especially concerning when oxygen concentrations around the procedure site increase to more than 21%—the normal atmospheric level—known as oxygen pooling. In dental procedures, oxygen pooling can happen during sedation or GA- when supplemental oxygen is introduced through a nasal cannula or during administration of nitrous oxide.

To examine the risk of oxygen pooling during dental procedures, researchers from private practice and the Indiana University School of Dentistry in Indianapolis, Indiana, recently published a study in the current issue of Anesthesia Progress. Lead author Rebecca R. Rafla, DMD, MSD, and colleagues lay out two primary objectives: “The first aim of our study was to determine if oxygen concentrations in the oral cavity rise during general anesthesia. A second aim of the study was to determine if the introduction of high-speed intraoral suction during dental procedures affected oxygen pooling in the oropharynx.”

A total of 31 participants (16 male, 15 female), aged between 2 and 6 years, who underwent GA for dental rehabilitation were assessed for oxygen concentration levels around the procedure site, end-tidal CO2, and changes in respiratory rates after the introduction of an uncuffed endotracheal tube (ETT) or nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) and then after high-speed suctioning of the oral cavity. Measurements were taken at the following three time periods:

1. Baseline: The initial 15 seconds after the first high-speed oral cavity suctioning.

2. Dormant period: A 60-second timeframe when no high-speed suction or dental tool was used; taken immediately after baseline.

3. Active period: A 60-second period when high-speed suction and a dental tool were used; taken immediately after the dormant period.

Rafla et al. found that oxygen concentrations were higher across all three time periods when a NPA was used: 46% at baseline, 72.1% by the end of the dormant period and 31.2% at the end of the active period. This suggests that oxygen pooling occurred immediately, and the level continued to increase until the high-speed suction was introduced. The ETT group had significantly better oxygen concentration throughout all three measurement points. At baseline, concentrations were 24.1%, then 26.6% for the dormant period and 21.1% at the conclusion of the active period.

The results show that using an ETT for GA procedures is more effective at minimizing oxygen pooling as concentrations remained below the maximum safety limit of 30% at all time points; the NPA technique surpassed this safety level at all time points. They also indicate that employing high-speed intraoral suction was extremely effective in reducing oxygen pooling, and in turn, mitigating spontaneous fire risk in both procedures.

Study researcher Juan F. Yepes, DDS, MD, MPH, MS, DrPH, believes this research is critical because “The risk of spontaneous surgical fire increases as oxygen concentrations in the surgical site rises above the normal atmospheric level (21%). Previously published in vitro findings imply this phenomenon (termed “oxygen pooling”) occurs during dental procedures under sedation and anesthesia; however, it has not been documented in clinical settings. A high oxygen pooling concentration is a serious risk factor for spontaneous surgical fires. We demonstrated that significant oxygen pooling with nasopharyngeal airways occurred before and after high-speed suctioning. Uncuffed endotracheal intubation showed mild pooling, which was reversed to room air ambient oxygen concentrations after one minute of suctioning. Keeping the oxygen pooling low is critical to avoid the risk of spontaneous surgical fires.”

Full text of the article, “Comparison of Oropharyngeal Oxygen Pooling and Suctioning During Intubated and Nonintubated Dental Office-Based Anesthesia,” Anesthesia Progress, Vol. 70, No. 1, 2023, is now available at https://doi.org/10.2344/anpr-70-01-02.

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About Anesthesia Progress

Anesthesia Progress is the official publication of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology (ADSA). The quarterly journal is dedicated to providing a better understanding of the advances being made in the science of pain and anxiety control in dentistry. The journal invites submissions of review articles, reports on clinical techniques, case reports, and conference summaries. To learn more about the ADSA, visit: http://www.adsahome.org/.

Media Contact:

Samantha Weinkauf

KnowledgeWorks Global Ltd.

785/289-2649

Samantha.Weinkauf@kwglobal.com

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