CHEST Watch: A High School Outreach Program.

As the US population ages, health care workforce shortages are projected in surgery, medicine, and nursing. We describe an outreach program aimed at exposing high school students to health care as a career choice while emphasizing science courses and prevention of tobacco use. High school students were invited to participate in CHEST Watch, a structured educational program based on thoracic pathology. Before students attended the program, parental consent was collected. Students engaged in a discussion with multiple professionals (physicians, nurses, smoking cessation counselors, social workers, basic science researchers) who presented their personal motivation and information about the corresponding career. Participants then observed a lung cancer surgery. A strong anti-tobacco message was emphasized throughout. Before and after the event, the participants completed anonymous opinion surveys which queried their interest in science, health care careers, and tobacco use. The Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test was used for trend analysis. A total of 4400 students from 84 schools attended CHEST Watch over 15 years. A significant increase in the students' interest in health care careers and science courses (P-value 0.0001) and a significant decrease in tobacco use interest (P-value 0.0001) were observed. Overall, feedback was strongly positive and very popular within the school systems. The CHEST Watch program is an innovative approach intended to recruit youth into health care careers to address projected future shortages in the workforce. Furthermore, the participants' experience resulted in an increasingly positive attitude towards personal health and a decreased interest in use of tobacco products.

Results of Lung Cancer Screening in the Community.

PURPOSE: To address doubts regarding National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) generalizability, we analyzed over 6,000 lung cancer screenings (LCSs) within a community health system. METHODS: Our LCS program included 10 sites, 7 hospitals (2 non-university tertiary care, 5 community) and 3 free-standing imaging centers. Primary care clinicians referred patients. Standard criteria determined eligibility. Dedicated radiologists interpreted all LCSs, assigning Lung Imaging Reporting and Data System (Lung-RADS) categories. All category 4 Lung-RADS scans underwent multidisciplinary review and management recommendations. Data was prospectively collected from November 2013 through December 2018 and retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Of 4,666 referrals, 1,264 individuals were excluded or declined, and 3,402 individuals underwent initial LCS. Second through eighth LCSs were performed on 2,758 patients, for a total of 6,161 LCSs. Intervention rate after LCS was 14.6% (500 individuals) and was most often additional imaging. Invasive interventions (n = 226) were performed, including 141 diagnostic procedures and 85 surgeries in 176 individuals (procedure rate 6.6%). Ninety-five lung cancers were diagnosed: 84 non-small cell (stage 1: 60; stage 2: 7; stage 3: 9; stage 4: 8), and 11 small cell lung cancers. The procedural adverse event rate was 23/226 (10.1%) in 21 patients (0.6% of all screened individuals). Pneumothorax (n = 10) was the most frequent, 6 requiring pleural drainage. There were 2 deaths among 85 surgeries or 2.3% surgical mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Our LCS experience in a community setting demonstrated lung cancer diagnosis, stage shift, intervention frequency, and adverse event rate similar to the NLST. This study confirms that LCS can be performed successfully, safely, and with equivalence to the NLST in a community health care setting.

Electronic Medical Record Inaccuracies: Multicenter Analysis of Challenges with Modified Lung Cancer Screening Criteria.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network expanded their lung cancer screening (LCS) criteria to comprise one additional clinical risk factor, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The electronic medical record (EMR) is a source of clinical information that could identify high-risk populations for LCS, including a diagnosis of COPD; however, an unsubstantiated COPD diagnosis in the EMR may lead to inappropriate LCS referrals. We aimed to detect the prevalence of unsubstantiated COPD diagnosis in the EMR for LCS referrals, to determine the efficacy of utilizing the EMR as an accurate population-based eligibility screening "trigger" using modified clinical criteria. We performed a multicenter review of all individuals referred to three LCS programs from 2012 to 2015. Each individual's EMR was searched for COPD diagnostic terms and the presence of a diagnostic pulmonary functionality test (PFT). An unsubstantiated COPD diagnosis was defined by an individual's EMR containing a COPD term with no PFTs present, or the presence of PFTs without evidence of obstruction. A total of 2834 referred individuals were identified, of which 30% (840/2834) had a COPD term present in their EMR. Of these, 68% (571/840) were considered unsubstantiated diagnoses: 86% (489/571) due to absent PFTs and 14% (82/571) due to PFTs demonstrating no evidence of postbronchodilation obstruction. A large proportion of individuals referred for LCS may have an unsubstantiated COPD diagnosis within their EMR. Thus, utilizing the EMR as a population-based eligibility screening tool, employing expanded criteria, may lead to individuals being referred, potentially, inappropriately for LCS.

Regional Thoracic Surgery Quality Collaboration Formation: Providence Thoracic Surgery Initiative.

BACKGROUND: Surgery quality initiatives improve clinical outcomes in cardiac and general surgery. No mature thoracic surgery (TS) regional effort has been described. METHODS: An intramural grant funded the Thoracic Surgery Initiative (TSI). Professional organization, site-specific administrative and clinical databases were used to identify surgeons performing TS across a large Western health system. Participants were recruited through stakeholder surveys, personal contact, and meetings. Differences in practices and outcomes were identified. Fourteen centers performing TS in 5 states formed the TSI with a mission to define, implement, and monitor TS quality. RESULTS: A TS data system based on The Society of Thoracic Surgeons General Thoracic Surgery Database was implemented. Clinical data from 2015 and 2016 revealed significant differences in outcomes. Clinical data allow quality implementation, including identification and propagation of internal best practices and monitoring. TS practice standardization was agreed to using predefined TS best practice components that were incorporated into standardized TS care documents. Standardized care document completion by providers was intended to provoke desired TS care. The standardized care documents reside on the system-wide electronic health record. Literature and substantial surgeon experience were used to develop standardized TS care pathways for important or common clinical scenarios (pneumonectomy, primary spontaneous pneumothorax, etc). The TSI internet site serves as a harbor for standardization products. CONCLUSIONS: The TSI is evolving. Surgeon engagement remains high. The TSI enabled surgeons to lead, set the agenda, and remain in control of our destiny. Indeed, health care cannot appropriately evolve without such physician vision, engagement, and leadership.

CHADS2 Score Predicts Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Elective Pulmonary Lobectomy.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (PAF) affects 12% to 17% of patients undergoing lobectomy and is associated with increased morbidity. CHADS2 (congestive heart failure history, hypertension history, age ≥75 years, diabetes mellitus history, and stroke or transient ischemic attack symptoms previously) is used to predict stroke risk in patients with existing AF. It also has been shown also to predict new-onset PAF. Our objective was to determine whether CHADS2 can predict PAF in patients undergoing lobectomy. METHODS: A prospective thoracic surgery clinical database was reviewed to identify adult patients, without prior AF, who underwent elective lobectomy between January 1, 2005, and June 30, 2014. Nonelective and combined operations were excluded. Two groups (PAF and no PAF) were analyzed. RESULTS: PAF developed in 113 of 933 patients with overall incidence of 12% for the entire group. Age (≥75 years) and coronary artery disease were the only significant preoperative characteristics between the two groups. Intensive care unit readmission, new neurologic events, length of stay, 30-day survival, and hospital mortality were significantly higher in the PAF group as were mean CHADS2 scores (1.4 and 1.1 respectively, p = 0.0014). Incidence of PAF ranged from 7.9% in low-risk groups to 11% in moderate-risk and 17.7% in high-risk groups, which was also significant, p < 0.0002. Similar findings were noted for CHA2DS2-VASc (age in years, sex, history of congestive heart failure, history of hypertension, history of stroke/transient ischemic symptoms/thromboembolic events, history of vascular disease, history of diabetes mellitus). CONCLUSIONS: Although multiple risk factors for PAF have been described, no easily applicable clinical model exists. Observed rate of PAF was significantly lower then the previously described 12% when CHADS2 was 0. CHADS2 can predict PAF in patients undergoing elective lobectomy and can identify patients to selectively institute prophylactic measures in patients at the greatest risk, such as patients with score of 2 or greater. Further validation of this model is warranted in a larger group.

Minimally invasive lung surgery and postoperative quality of life.

Quality of life (QOL) after medical interventions is paramount to the patient considering treatment recommendations. To understand QOL in thoracic surgery patients, one must examine the outcomes patients prioritize (preferences) from successful surgical therapy, overall functional status of thoracic surgery patients, the literature addressing QOL after thoracic surgery (TS) and the possible benefit of minimally invasive TS, and, finally, future directions of TS postoperative QOL research. The primary focus of this article is lung cancer surgery with mention of other thoracic disease such as empyema, pneumothorax, or emphysema, as well.

Attributes contributing to superior outcomes in the surgical management of early-stage lung cancer and examples of implementing improvement.

Attributes contributing to superior clinical outcomes include high clinical volumes, specialized care, and multidisciplinary care. Using a quality template as the framework for review, the literature surrounding these relative to lung cancer surgery and operative mortality and morbidity is examined. Costs of lung cancer surgery operative mortality or complications are discussed. Finally, examples of quantifying and implementing high-quality medical care, especially regarding lung cancer, are reviewed.

What is the inpatient cost of hospital complications or death after lobectomy or pneumonectomy?

BACKGROUND: No information exists evaluating the costs of complications or death after lobectomy or pneumonectomy. METHODS: We analyzed hospital costs for 294 patients who underwent lobectomy (n=268) or pneumonectomy (n=26) from January 2005 through September 2007. The patients were categorized into two groups on the basis of clinical outcomes: uncomplicated versus complications or death. A cost prediction model was constructed with linear regression using uncomplicated patients only. The model was applied to the complications or death group to predict the expected cost as if they had no complication. The risk-adjusted cost of complications or death was quantified by the difference between the observed cost and the expected cost. RESULTS: There were 241 patients in the uncomplicated group (19 pneumonectomy), and 53 patients had complications or death (7 pneumonectomy). Length of stay was shorter for uncomplicated versus complications or death for both lobectomy and pneumonectomy. Pneumonectomy was costlier than lobectomy. Experiencing complications or death was costlier than costs associated with uncomplicated cases. The actual cost for uncomplicated cases was $18,380. The expected cost for complications or death was similar to that for uncomplicated cases regardless of the number of complications or death. The mean risk-adjusted cost of complications (95% confidence interval) increased by the number of complications: $11,693 ($4,430 to $18,957), $26,673 ($12,320 to $41,025) and $128,450 ($93,971 to $162,930) for 1, 2, and 3 complications, respectively. It was $49,823 ($23,187 to $76,459) for death. CONCLUSIONS: Patients experiencing complications or death have a similar perioperative risk profile as patients without complications. Hospital death or postoperative complications after lobectomy or pneumonectomy are economically costly. Decreasing inpatient death or complications would result in substantial cost-of-care savings.

Does video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy for lung cancer provide improved functional outcomes compared with open lobectomy?

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and open (OPEN) lobectomy for lung cancer and impact upon 6-month postoperative (postop) functional health status and quality of life. METHODS: In this retrospective analysis of prospective, observational data, anatomic lobectomy with staging thoracic lymphadenectomy was performed with curative intent for lung cancer. OPEN consisted of either thoracotomy (TH) or median sternotomy (MS). Technique was selected on the basis of anatomic imperative (OPEN: larger or central; VATS smaller or peripheral tumours) and/or surgical skills (VATS lobectomy initiated in 2001). All patients completed the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF36) and Ferrans and Powers quality-of-life index (QLI) preoperatively (preop) and 6 months postop. RESULTS: A total of 241 patients underwent lobectomy (OPEN, 192; VATS, 49). OPEN included MS 128 and TH 64. Comparison of MS and TH patient demographics, co-morbidities, pulmonary variables, intra-operative variables, stage and cell type, postop complications and 6-month clinical outcomes found no differences, allowing grouping together into OPEN. The VATS group had better pulmonary function testing (PFT), more adenocarcinoma and lower stage. The VATS and OPEN groups did not differ regarding operating time, postop complications and operative or 6-month mortality. The VATS group had less blood loss, transfusion, intra-operative fluid administration and shorter length of stay. Comparing within each group's preop to 6-month postop data, VATS patients were either the same or better in all SF36 categories (physical functioning, role functioning - physical, role functioning - emotional, social functioning, bodily pain, mental health, energy and general health). The OPEN group, however, was significantly worse in SF36 categories physical functioning, role functioning - physical and social functioning. The preop and 6 months postop VATS versus OPEN QLI scores were not different. At 6 months postop, hospital re-admission and use of pain medication was less in the VATS group. In addition, the VATS group had better preservation of preop performance status. CONCLUSIONS: VATS lobectomy for curative lung cancer resection appears to provide a superior functional health recovery compared with OPEN techniques.

Thymoma arising within cardiac myxoma.

Hematopoietic, glandular, and mesenchymal elements can be found within cardiac myxomas; ectopic endocrine tissues and "thymic rests" have also rarely been described. Atrial tumors (one right and one left) from 2 patients (a 69-year-old man and a 77-year-old woman) were encountered among the atrial myxoma cases in one of the author's consultation files. Both tumors were comprised of classic cardiac myxoma (with characteristic rings and syncytial chains of myxoma cells in a loose myxoid matrix) and cellular thymoma-like elements (characterized by a lobulated sheet-like growth of epithelioid spindle cells admixed with small lymphocytes punctuated by vessels with prominent perivascular spaces). Neither patient had evidence of thymoma elsewhere. Immunophenotypically, the thymoma-like component reacted strongly with antibodies to keratins (AE1/AE3, Cam 5.2, wide spectrum, CK19, CK7) and CD57 and weakly with antibodies to CD31, CD34, and calretinin. This intermediate phenotypic expression of both epithelial and vascular antigens likely reflects the multipotential nature of the cells comprising this lesion. The most likely explanation for this extremely unusual finding is neoplastic transformation of thymic rests within a myxoma.

Is obesity a risk factor for mortality in coronary artery bypass surgery?

BACKGROUND: The published articles examining obesity and CABG surgery contain conflicting results about the role of body mass index (BMI) as a risk factor for in-hospital mortality. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 16 218 patients who underwent isolated CABG in the Providence Health System Cardiovascular Study Group database from 1997 to 2003. The effect of BMI on in-hospital mortality was assessed by logistic regression, with BMI group (underweight, normal, overweight, and 3 subgroups of obesity) as a categorical variable or transformations, including fractional polynomials, of BMI as a continuous variable. BMI was not a statistically significant risk factor for mortality in any of these assessments. However, using cumulative sum techniques, we found that the lowest risk-adjusted CABG in-hospital mortality was in the high-normal and that overweight BMI subgroup patients with lower or higher BMI had slightly increased mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Body size is not a significant risk factor for CABG mortality, but the lowest mortality is found in the high-normal and overweight subgroups compared with obese and underweight.

Application of robotic-assisted techniques to the surgical evaluation and treatment of the anterior mediastinum.

BACKGROUND: We report our initial experience with the application of robotic-assisted technologies to the treatment of diseases of the anterior mediastinum. METHODS: Between October 2001 and December 2003, 18 consecutive patients with anterior mediastinal masses were referred for diagnosis and treatment. Fifteen patients underwent robotic-assisted surgery with the da Vinci robotic system. A single surgical team performed all operations. Resection was accomplished by either median sternotomy or robotic-assisted techniques. RESULTS: Fourteen patients underwent successful robotic-assisted thymectomy. One patient underwent robotic-assisted biopsy of a mass that was later determined to be a poorly differentiated carcinoma, 3 patients underwent complete thymectomy by median sternotomy for biopsy-proven extracapsular thymoma, 7 patients had thymoma, and 3 had myasthenia gravis. There were 2 patients each with benign thymic cysts and thymic hyperplasia. Primary thymic carcinoid, thymolipoma, papillary thyroid cancer, and poorly differentiated carcinoma were present in 1 patient each. No conversions, intraoperative complications, or deaths occurred in the 15 patients who underwent robotic-assisted resection. The mean operative time was 96 minutes (range 62 to 132 minutes). The mean robotic time was 48 minutes (range 22 to 76). The median hospital stay was 2 days. All patients are doing well, with a median follow-up of 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic-assisted surgery of the anterior mediastinum, and particularly thymectomy, can be performed safely and efficiently. The increased visualization and instrument dexterity afforded by this technology provides an optimal minimally invasive approach to the anterior mediastinum. From this experience we have formulated a comprehensive treatment algorithm for the surgical evaluation and treatment of patients with anterior mediastinal diseases.