In December 2016, a retrospective study from the Mayo Clinic indicated that a surgeon can safely be responsible for two overlapping procedures when critical parts of the procedures are not coincident. The study of overlapping operations showed no difference in patient outcomes, but increased effectiveness and time management.
Paul Kurlansky, MD, Associate Director of Columbia’s Center for Innovation and Outcomes Research at NYP/Columbia, stresses that there is a big difference between overlapping and concurrent operations. With overlapping procedures, "surgeons cannot be booked to perform critical parts of two operations at the same time," he said.
Craig Smith, MD, surgeon-in-chief, NYP/Columbia told Medscape Medical News has been performing overlapping operations routinely for more than 30 years, and he believes his judgment should be trusted with regard to when and how to do them.

A recent study published in Circulation shows that patients who take their medication faithfully have dramatically better long-term outcomes, regardless of whether they have CABG or PCI. However, among the non-adherent group, CABG patients fared better with fewer major adverse cardiac events in the years after surgery.
“This study shows how important it is to get to know your patients and find out how well they comply with medication,” says Paul Kurlansky, MD, who led the study and is currently director of research for Columbia HeartSource.

NYP/Columbia was among the first to offer patients access to Heartmate 3, the newest LVAD technology, in a clinical trial testing it against current standard of treatment, the Heart Mate II.
In a randomized study reported in New England Journal of Medicine and presented at American Heart Association in November 2016, lead investigator Yoshifumi Naka, MD, PhD, reported fewer complications with the Heartmate 3, noting a marked improvement over Heartmate II.

Not sure how to use cancer fighting spices in your everyday cooking? Try this Overnight Oats with turmeric and ginger in honor of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month!

What you choose to eat and drink is crucial for improving symptoms from short bowel syndrome, enhancing absorption of nutrients and preventing dehydration. A few simple guidelines can make a big difference in your health.