Saint Francis University

About: Saint Francis University is a education organization based out in Loretto, Pennsylvania, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Osteoblast. The organization has 1694 authors who have published 2038 publications receiving 87149 citations.

Differences in hospital outcomes following traumatic injury for patients experiencing immediate transfer to a level I trauma facility versus resuscitation at a critical access hospital (CAH).

Abstract: Background Critical access hospitals (CAH) serve a key role in providing medical care to rural patients. The purpose of this study was to assess effectiveness of CAHs in initial care of trauma patients. Methods A 5-year retrospective review was conducted of all adult trauma patients who were transported directly to a level I trauma facility or were transported to a CAH then transferred to a level I trauma facility after initial resuscitation. Results Of 1478 patients studied, 1084 were transferred from a CAH with 394 transported directly to the level I facility. Patients transported directly to the level I hospital were younger and more severely injured. After controlling for injury severity score, age, GCS, and shock, the odds of mortality did not differ between CAH transfer patients and patients transported directly to a level I facility (OR 0.70, P = 0.20). Transfer from CAH was associated with decreased ICU and hospital days, but not associated with increased ventilator days. Conclusion This study demonstrates that use of a CAH for initial trauma care in rural areas is effective.

Extreme externalisation of a Riata defibrillator lead conductor cable with prolapse into the left pulmonary artery.

Abstract: The Riata family of defibrillator leads (St. Jude Medical, Sylmar, CA) has been recalled because of externalisation of conductor cables and increased electrical failure. We describe the case of a man with an incidental finding of extreme externalisation of a conductor from the right ventricular defibrillator lead (Riata family) with prolapse into the left pulmonary artery.

Making Scientific Instruments in the Industrial Revolution

Abstract: A. D. Morrison-Low, Making Scientific Instruments in the Industrial Revolution. Aldershot: Ashgate Publishing, 2007. xiii + 408 pp. $99.95/£55.00. ISBN-13 978-0-754-65758-3. Few topics in the histo...

Intravenous therapy in the older adult: special needs and considerations.

Abstract: Aging is associated with many natural changes. By taking into account specific age-related changes that occur in the older adult and by identifying older individuals who have a high-risk profile for intravenous problems, nurses can plan, implement, and evaluate the care provided to this age group more effectively. The use of the acronym "AIM" provides guidelines to equip the nurse with basic, practical concepts. Increased knowledge, patience, and vigilance prepares the clinician to achieve positive outcomes.

A Patient Presenting with Cardiac Tamponade and the Challenges of Finding Its Cause: A Cardiac Angiosarcoma

Abstract: Primary malignancies of the heart are so rare that most of the available data come from case reports or large single-center-based studies, with the overall incidence of 0.02% in the United States. Diagnosis in case of an isolated pericardial effusion as presentation is challenging, and determining that an angiosarcoma is even more challenging. Here, we presented a rare case of pericardial angiosarcoma which presented to us with tamponade. The patient eventually was diagnosed through pericardiectomy. A multimodality approach was attempted to treat the cancer. The clinical details of such a unique disease entity inspired us to present it as a case report.