Lawsuit for Botched Laser Vocal Cord Surgery

In February 2012, an ENT surgeon removed vocal cord polyps using a laser while the patient was asleep with a Medtronic Laser-Shield II endotracheal tube. Unfortunately, the laser perforated the endotracheal tube, ignited the 100% oxygen being used at the time resulting in catastrophic burns to the patient. [ link ] Subsequent lawsuit resulted in favor of the patient who received an award totaling $30 million on 12/5/13. What Happened? Even though an endotracheal tube meant for use with…

12/11/2013 0

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Tracheostomy Fire During Surgery Burning Patient

Image from Wikipedia In early 2012, a surgeon was performing a trach (breathing hole in the neck) when the oxygen used during the procedure caught fire severely burning the patient. Apparently, the surgeon used an electrocautery device which most likely emitted a spark igniting the oxygen being given to the patient leading to the fire. [ link ] What happened? Tracheostomy procedures are performed typically in very sick patients who have been intubated for a prolonged period of time. …

12/09/2013 0

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Video of How Nasal Cauterization for Nosebleeds Is Performed (Silver Nitrate and Electric)

I made a nosebleed  video a few years ago that was roundly criticized for being poorly made. The biggest complaint was the loud background music. As such, I have made a new video that I feel addresses many of the shortcomings levied on the original video. I also added additional footage of what different types of nosebleeds look like as well as adding bipolar cauterization as another method of cautery other than silver nitrate . Check the new (upgraded) video ! There is another video …

7/03/2013 1

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Medical Translator Commercial...

I'm sure many patients would like a medical translator like this one shown in this humorous commercial. In case you haven't seen it yet...

6/01/2013 0

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Why Does Burping after Drinking Soda Burn the Nose?

I do not believe this question has actually been scientifically studied... but I can hazard a guess. Sodas are those flavored fizzy drinks like Coca-Cola and Pepsi. The "fizziness" is due to carbonation or carbon dioxide dissolved within the drink. When sodas are made, carbon dioxide is forced into the liquid under pressure so that there's more gas dissolved in the liquid than at regular air pressure. The bubbles you see and feel is caused by the carbon dioxide gas being…

10/07/2012 7

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Working in a Salon Can Be Unhealthy for Your Nose and Throat!

We already know that small hair clippings from cutting hair can cause septal perforation and chronic sinusitis due to long-term inhalation. Worse case scenario, it can even lead to an external nasal deformity! (Read blog about this here .) However, it seems that it's not just hair that can damage the nose, but also hair products especially to straighten/smoothen hair popularly known as "Brazilian" treatments. In a report published by Washington Post on Oct 17, 2011, such B…

10/18/2011 0

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