In this special episode for Surgical Assistant week John and Kelly interview the ASA President Fred Fisher. Learn about the history of Surgical Assisting as well what the profession was like in the early days. Also, hear Fred's advice for new Surgical Assistants. Learn what "Surgeonese" is and why it is so important for new Surgical Assistants to learn it!

In this episode John and Kelly discuss some of the most common positions for the surgical patient. They also discuss some of the specific devices and techniques for safely positioning a patient. Once you understand the principle behind safe positioning it allows you to be as creative as you need.

Trenguard:

https://www.steris.com/healthcare/products/surgical-table-accessories/trendelenburg-position-accessories/trenguard-trendelenburg-patient-restraint

Pink Pad system:

https://xodusmedical.com/PinkPad

TrenMAX:

https://www.impmedical.com/positioning-products/trenmax-trendelenburg-positioning-gel-sheet/

Safe-T-Secure:

https://www.impmedical.com/positioning-products/trenmax-trendelenburg-positioning-gel-sheet/

Nu Blue foam Wingpad:

https://www.soulemedical.com/trendelenburg-positioners

Kelly and John Discuss some of the available professional educational resources for Surgical Assistants. Kelly and John also share what resources they have and use. They discuss textbooks, conferences, podcasts, as well as other educational resources.00:00 "Scrubbing Up on Educational Resources"00:13 Introduction and Welcome00:23 Overview of Professional Resources00:57 Conferences: A Must-Attend for Surgical Assistants03:33 Highlighting Specific Conferences06:44 The Value of Networking and CEUs14:12 Leveraging Reps for Educational Opportunities18:37 Textbooks: An Old-School Resource23:21 Exploring Netter's Anatomy and Surgical Resources24:57 Orthopedic Surgical Guides and Tax Deductions26:30 Podcasts for Surgical Assistants27:53 Behind the Knife and Other Educational Podcasts31:05 YouTube Channels and Online Resources36:46 Interactive Anatomical Apps from Emory University39:52 Conferences and Professional Development43:27 New Textbook for Surgical Assistants44:38 Final Thoughts and EncouragementNSAA/ASA Conference Linkhttps://asa-nsaa.org/index.php/about/Blumgart's Surgery of the liver, Biliary Tract, and Pancreashttps://evolve.elsevier.com/cs/product/9780323697842?role=studentSurgical Assisting textbookhttps://www.mhprofessional.com/the-practice-and-principles-of-surgical-assisting-9781264264377-usaSchwartz's Textbook of Surgeryhttps://www.mhprofessional.com/schwartz-s-principles-of-surgery-absite-and-board-review-11th-edition-9781260469752-usaSurgical Recallhttps://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/surgical-recall-lorne-blackbourne/1118618720Advanced Surgical Recallhttps://www.abebooks.com/9780683008340/Advanced-Surgical-Recall-Blackbourne-Fleischer-068300834X/plpCampbell's Operative Orthopedicshttps://www.us.elsevierhealth.com/campbells-operative-orthopaedics-4-volume-set-9780323672177.html?refSrc=68335&nosto=nosto-page-product3Netter's Anatomyhttps://www.us.elsevierhealth.com/netter-atlas-of-human-anatomy-classic-regional-approach-hardcover-9780323793735.html?srsltid=AfmBOooLF3giuB-lFnLiYt2B2YaewCUSRyRrjRcgfNvdUEiJD5Tyc_-oNetter's PRNhttps://www.us.elsevierhealth.com/netters-surgical-anatomy-review-prn-9780323447270.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqKJB0d9CLhBkI-k4xncAquFBZu-PFraaDBUiDyfZUFtKKFPxIcHoppenfeld's Surgical Approaches in Orthopedicshttps://shop.lww.com/Surgical-Exposures-in-Orthopaedics--The-Anatomic-Approach/p/9781975168797?srsltid=AfmBOoovQeVsMs0Cv8QI4VSjd2Nz_gpdtqtwIpbroWXtAIo7bMcNmTAaZollinger's Atlas of Surgical Operationshttps://www.abebooks.com/9780071797559/Zollingers-Atlas-Surgical-Operations-Tenth-0071797556/plpSurgery 101 Podcasthttps://surgery101.org/podcast/Curious Clinicians https://curiousclinicians.com/Husky Orthopedics Grand Roundshttps://www.youtube.com/user/HuskyOrthopaedicsRobotic Surgery Collaborationhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/1522777931338325/

In this episode Kelly and John discuss the importance of reviewing the Patient's H&P before surgery.

00:00 Episode 10 H&P

00:09 Introduction and Greetings

00:36 Upcoming Conference Announcement

02:05 Importance of Attending Conferences

03:58 Introduction to Patient History and Physical (H&P)

04:45 Key Elements of H&P for Surgical Assistants

06:00 Challenges and Best Practices in Reviewing H&P

08:55 Assessing the Patient Pre-Operatively

17:59 Understanding Surgical History and Its Implications

24:08 Medications and Their Impact on Surgery

33:26 Discussing Patient History and Communication with Surgeons

34:38 Physical Signs and Symptoms of Appendicitis

35:46 Importance of Knowing Patient's Age and Body Habitus

36:42 Making Informed Decisions During Surgery

40:54 Understanding and Reviewing Lab Values

46:07 Contraindications and Patient Medications

53:34 The Role of Allergies in Patient Care

58:03 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

In this Episode John and Kelly are joined by Jason Bonvito, CSA, to discuss the post mastectomy patient and the different options available for reconstruction. Jason shares his experience, insights as well as tips and tricks. This is the second in a three part series.

00:00 Introduction to the Surgical Assistant Podcast

00:37 Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy

01:22 Expert Insights with Jason Bon Vito

02:45 Understanding Mastectomy and Reconstruction Options

11:11 The Importance of Blood Perfusion in Reconstruction

18:01 Flap Techniques in Breast Reconstruction

31:55 Direct to Implant (DTI) Reconstruction

34:33 Sterile Techniques and Hemostasis

35:41 Choosing the Right Implant

37:13 Spy Technology in Mastectomy

41:36 ADM Preparation and Implantation

46:04 The Role of a First Assistant

54:09 Patient Positioning and Safety

57:41 Preoperative and Postoperative Care

01:06:16 Understanding Seroma and Healing Challenges

01:06:49 Recent Advances in Surgical Techniques

01:07:04 Patient Activity and Healing

01:07:26 Complications and Management

01:07:57 Dressing and Post-Op Care

01:12:01 Tissue Expanders and ADM

01:21:12 Patient Expectations and Psychological Impact

01:23:33 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

John and Kelly in part 1 of a 3 part podcast series on the breast discuss some of the diagnosis criteria and what it means for the Surgical Assistant. They also discuss positioning, equipment, as well as relevant anatomy.

Stay tuned for part 2 which will cover post mastectomy reconstruction with a special guest.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:17 Overview of Breast Surgery Series

02:20 Breast Anatomy and Blood Supply

02:56 Venous Drainage and Batson's Plexus

03:58 Innervation of the Breast

04:53 Characteristics of Breast Tissue

07:14 Anatomical Borders in the Axilla

16:20 Common Nerve Injuries During Surgery

22:06 Benign Breast Conditions

30:04 History and Evolution of Breast Surgery

35:26 Therapeutic Mastectomy and Lumpectomy

36:42 Lymph Node Dissection Techniques

37:38 Tumor Localization Methods

38:23 Savvy Scout and Other Localization Tools

46:18 Mastectomy Procedures and Incisions

49:06 Positioning and Equipment for Breast Surgery

56:48 Closure Techniques and Post-Op Care

01:05:19 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

In this episode Kelly and I talk about C-sections. Where it originated, Why we do them, and how you can help. We also share a story or two from our experience. We also give you some tips and tricks.

00:00 Introduction to the Surgical Assistant Podcast

00:25 Personal Experiences with C-Sections

02:06 The Emotional Impact of C-Sections

03:59 History of C-Sections

07:17 Global Statistics on C-Sections

09:06 Indications for C-Sections

23:29 Urgency and Types of C-Sections

28:21 Surgical Approach and Techniques

40:13 Preparing for the Uterine Incision

41:33 Delivering the Baby's Head

42:27 Using Tools for Difficult Deliveries

44:13 Communicating with the Patient

47:00 Assessing the Newborn

52:38 Delivering and Inspecting the Placenta

59:11 Closing the Uterus and Abdominal Layers

01:07:02 Final Steps and Post-Operative Care

01:14:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this Episode Kelly and I discuss some of the situations and dynamics that can occur in the Operating Room. We share some experiences and maybe a little wisdom.

00:00 Introduction to the Surgical Assistant Podcast

00:19 Meet Your Hosts: John and Kelly

00:32 Today's Topic: Dynamics in the Operating Room

00:57 Staff Roles in the Operating Room

17:01 The Role of the Surgical First Assistant

29:23 Challenges and Team Dynamics

34:35 Anesthesia's Role in Patient Positioning

35:48 Navigating Team Dynamics and Safety

36:30 Learning and Humility in the OR

37:23 Case Study: Radial Head Fracture Positioning

38:26 Handling Disagreements and Ego

43:54 Educating and Learning on the Job

53:20 Final Thoughts and Best Practices

01:01:31 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

01:02:26 Disclaimer