Medical Technology

Will the iPad change the way medicine is done?

1
2 years ago
by Dr. Aldo in

Will the iPad change things?

Scottsdale – Apple, Inc., has a new tablet computer. It is called the iPad. Will this change the way medicine is done in America?

I am not sure, but I can honestly tell you, I have been waiting for an advanced tablet product for many years. It is possible that an efficient, light platform like the iPad could simplify my daily routine in clinic.

Here is where I think the Apple’s iPad can help me:

  • Facilitate entry of medical record data while in the examination room with the patient.
  • Schedule patient appointments in the examination room, without having patients return to the front desk.
  • Check patients out when they make any purchases in-office, such as Botox injections, dermal fillers, and skin care.
  • Access before and after photos for comparison and discussion with the patient about plastic surgery results.
  • Allow for an improved patient experience by reducing their steps and wait time in our office.

These 4 changes in my daily routine will make the office run more efficiently. I am thinking about purchasing several Apple iPad tablets so that my nurse and medical assistant can help schedule patients and look up any important information without having to go back to their desks . At least this will save some leg work, if not a tremendous amount of time!

At the AB Guerra Plastic Surgery Center, our practice stays in the forefront of technology and health care by considering the latest advancements for plastic surgery in Scottsdale.

FDA approves new drug for Dupuytren's.

0
2 years ago
by Dr. Aldo in ,

Scottsdale – On February 2, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Xiaflex (collagenase clostridium histolyticum) as the first drug to treat a progressive hand disease known as Dupuytren’s contracture.

Dupuytren’s contracture can affect a person’s ability to straighten and properly use their fingers. The disease process affects the connective tissue beneath the skin of the palm of the hand. When too much collagen builds up, it forms thick cords of tissue that prevent the fingers relaxing and straightening normally.

Xiaflex is a biologic drug made from the protein product of a living organism, a bacteria. The enzyme collagenase is derived from this organism. The medication works by breaking down the excessive buildup of collagen in the hand. Xiaflex is injected directly into the collagen cords and should be administered only by a health care professional experienced with injections of the hand.

Common adverse reactions included swelling, bleeding, and pain in the injected area. No serious allergic reactions have been observed, such a response would not be unexpected because this foreign protein could prompt an immune system reaction. (Source: FDA)

Reducing post-op infections with better antiseptics.

0
2 years ago
by Dr. Aldo in

Surgical skin preps can reduce infection.

Scottsdale – The Associated Press has highlighted newly published results on techniques to curb infection after surgery. The study published in the New England Journal of Medicine this past week, compares the use of povidone-iodine (the established method) against a new preoperative skin cleansing solution, chlorhexidine-alcohol. The theory behind this clinical trial is derived from information that points to the patient’s skin as a major source of bacteria. These bacteria are implicated as a cause of surgical-site infection. This research compares the two bacterial killing skin solutions to see if one is better than the other.

The study was carried out at hospitals associated with the Baylor College of Medicine, Boston University Medical School, and the Medical College of Wisconsin. For the study, the patients were randomized at six hospitals to preoperative skin preparation with either chlorhexidine–alcohol scrub or povidone–iodine scrub and paint. The primary outcome was any surgical-site infection within 30 days after surgery. A total of 849 subjects were enrolled.  There were 409 in the chlorhexidine–alcohol group and 440 in the povidone–iodine group.

The results demonstrated an overall rate of surgical-site infection significantly lower in the chlorhexidine–alcohol group than in the povidone–iodine group (9.5% vs. 16.1%). This difference is significant between the two groups. In other words, the chlorhexidine-alcohol group performed better and had less infections. Chlorhexidine–alcohol was also significantly more protective than povidone–iodine against both superficial incisional infections (4.2% vs. 8.6%) and deep incisional infections (1% vs. 3%). Against organ-space infections (4.4% vs. 4.5%) both skin preps performed well.

The researchers concluded that preoperative cleansing of the patient’s skin with chlorhexidine–alcohol is superior to cleansing with povidone–iodine for preventing surgical-site infection after clean-contaminated surgery. Tummy tuck, breast augmentation, and other plastic surgery procedures would be categorized under superficial and deep incisional surgery.

I switched to the new chlorhexidine–alcohol last year,  in my practice. It is very effective and continues to work 48 to 72 hours after surgery. This is just one of those advancements, that as a patient, you almost never hear about.

A learning experience.

0
2 years ago
by Dr. Aldo in ,

Santa Barbara, CA – Today was a good day for learning!

The best part of the medical conference, sponsored by Mentor Corporation, was learning about biofilms. It turns out that many of the accepted concepts on how bacteria live out their lives may not be totally accurate! We used to think as bacteria as loners who would in isolation cause infections.

The reality is that most bacteria form communities and communicate with others to form a successful living environment – called biofilm.

The conference focused on silicone breast implants. More information will be forthcoming on the blog as this truly cutting-edge research evolves!

Go to Top