Week 2

My second week of summer immersion consisted of working with Dr. Skubas, Dr. Girardi, and Dr. Salemi. Dr. Skubas works within the department of anesthesiology and specializes in echocardiographs. This is extremely important in cardiothoracic surgery because echo is a minimally invasive technique which can monitor the performance and state of the heart. Specifically, they use a process called (TEE) transesophageal echocardiogram in which the device fits down the throat of the patient and can easily monitor the heart because of the close working distance. I plan on working with Dr. Skubas by quantitatively assessing the echocardiograms before surgery under the given state of valvular disease. For example, valvular disease usually consists of stenosis (when there is blockage or resistance of blood through the valve) or regurgitation (leakage of blood through the valve). Using echocardiograms of these diseases states performance of the heart, stress on the heart, and strain on the heart, velocity profiles, and many other interesting features can be assessed. We hope to use these features to better understand the endpoint before surgery and, to observe the role in which hemodynamics plays within the heart as a further promoter perhaps of valvular disease.

Dr. Girardi and Dr. Salemi work within the department of cardiothoracic surgery and specialize in a number of special surgeries such as coronary bypass and aortic valve replacement. These two surgeries I had the privilege to observe in the OR. Understanding the mindset of doctors is important when designing devices because, as shown through surgery, the efficiency and effectiveness between every person and tool is phenomenal. If the device is not consistent and effective within a timely manner, there will be major problems. After speaking with Dr. Salemi, he has many ideas on particular devices in which could be useful for surgery such as minimally invasive devices for valve replacement or specific microfilters which was very interesting. During this week I also completed a few rounds with patients in the ICU after their surgeries. Hopefully next week, I will be able to visit consultations before their surgery as well.

Lastly, my ID card problem continues. After a week of observing the OR, I was told specific paperwork needs to be filled out even after I had received my new ID card. Confidentiality forms, consent forms, and a drug test on top of that. I am waiting to hear back from the department concerning this. This is extremely frustrating because it makes me look irresponsible to the doctors whom trusted me in the first place. It is already the third week and I hopefully by this Wednesday; everything should be back to normal.