ABSTRACT
The clinical learning environment is limited for undergraduate medical education in otolaryngology as the result of coronavirus disease 2019. In an effort to foster and rebuild the attending-medical student relationship, we have developed the R4 teaching model. This model encourages the student to read background information, respond to questions, and review online with faculty with the goal of realization of clinical decision making with gained knowledge. Within the R4 model, there are learning environment subtypes, including real patient cases, journal club, interactive quizzes, flipped classroom, and attending-lead discussions. In the absence of a multitude of "live" patients, our curricula reinstate the core of clinical teaching for medical students.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Education, Medical, Undergraduate/methods , Models, Educational , Otolaryngology/education , Virtual RealityABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Surgical management of the airway in children with Pierre Robin Sequence (PRS) includes tongue lip adhesion and mandibular distraction. Herein, the authors report the first case of an alternative surgical approach, the tongue base suspension (TBS).A full-term 5-week-old male with PRS with difficulty managing his airway through noninvasive mechanisms. A polysomnogram revealed severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) despite support. Parents desired the least invasive surgical approach, and therefore TBS was offered. Child underwent TBS without complications and weaned from 15L high flow to room air over 48âhours. Post-procedure polysomnogram revealed complete resolution of OSA. The child was discharged home without any supplemental support.The standard of surgical care for children with PRS has been either tongue lip adhesion or mandibular distraction. While their success is well-established, no alternatives have been considered. The authors demonstrate TBS can provide a less invasive, equally viable, and improved alternative in children with PRS.
Subject(s)
Airway Obstruction , Osteogenesis, Distraction , Pierre Robin Syndrome , Airway Management , Child , Humans , Infant , Lip/surgery , Male , Pierre Robin Syndrome/surgery , Retrospective Studies , Tongue/surgery , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To provide evolving information on active protocols regarding inpatient, outpatient, procedural, and surgical case management taking place in otolaryngology practices in response to COVID-19. STUDY TYPE: Cross-sectional multi-institutional survey. METHODS: An online survey of 55 otolaryngology departments across North America. RESULTS: As of March 25, 2020, almost all (n = 53 of 55, 96.3%) otolaryngology departments had canceled elective cases and were performing only urgent consults. Most residents continued to participate in operative cases (n = 45 of 49, 91.8%) and take call (n = 48 of 50, 96.0%). Of the respondents, 27 of 29 (93.1%) stated that they were deferring nonemergent tracheostomy procedures for the time being. The use of personal protective equipment followed a general trend of an increasing level of protection with an increased risk of the procedure; most (n = 49 of 54, 90.7%) incorporated N95 mask usage for bedside/clinic examinations with flexible laryngoscopy. Powered air-purifying respirators and N95 masks were used mainly for procedures involving the mucosal surfaces. DISCUSSION: Due to the high viral density in the nasal cavity and nasopharynx of patients with COVID-19, basic examinations and common otolaryngology procedures place practitioners at high risk of exposure. Although there is variability in practice among otolaryngologists across North America in managing the COVID-19 outbreak, most are primarily seeing urgent ambulatory and inpatient consultations. Most are also incorporating personal protective equipment appropriate to the level of transmission across mucous membranes. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: In these rapidly evolving times, it is helpful to find solidarity and assurance among health care providers. Current data aimed to provide (1) perceived methods regarding the safe care of otolaryngology patients and (2) updated practice patterns at a national level.
Subject(s)
Betacoronavirus , Coronavirus Infections/diagnosis , Otolaryngology/organization & administration , Pneumonia, Viral/diagnosis , Practice Patterns, Physicians' , COVID-19 , COVID-19 Testing , Clinical Laboratory Techniques/methods , Clinical Laboratory Techniques/statistics & numerical data , Coronavirus Infections/transmission , Cross-Sectional Studies , Disease Transmission, Infectious/prevention & control , Elective Surgical Procedures/statistics & numerical data , Health Care Surveys , Humans , Internship and Residency , North America , Otolaryngologists , Pandemics , Personal Protective Equipment/statistics & numerical data , Pneumonia, Viral/transmission , Practice Patterns, Physicians'/statistics & numerical data , SARS-CoV-2ABSTRACT
Over the past 50 years, incredible progress has been made with implantable devices. Management can become complex, as unique issues arise with interaction of these devices with other devices and technologies. The cochlear implant (CI) is the most commonly implanted device in the head and neck. Because of its internal magnet, CIs can interfere with MRI, causing imaging artifacts, pain, and device complications. Other implants demonstrate similar issues with imaging and co-implantation. This article provides an overview of special considerations regarding neurostimulation devices within the head and neck. We focus on interactions between implantable devices and other technologies or devices.
