StentsSensitivity and SpecificityLength of StayHospital MortalityPractice Guidelines as TopicHospitalizationIntensive Care UnitsSubstance-Related DisordersCardiologyAngioplasty, Balloon, CoronaryCoronary StenosisAPACHEHospital ChargesIndianaRadiography, Interventional
Practice Location
3900 ST FRANCIS WAY STE 205 LAFAYETTE, IN 47905-4939
Dr. Westerhausen studies the effects of substance abuse on medical services, particularly its role in increasing admissions to intensive care units (ICUs). He found that over a quarter of ICU admissions were related to substance misuse, posing a significant burden on health resources. Additionally, he explores advanced imaging techniques used in cardiology, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). These techniques are crucial for identifying heart problems and guiding treatment, thereby improving patient outcomes.
Key findings
25.7% of ICU admissions were linked to substance abuse, representing 23.1% of total hospital expenses, approximately $74.6 million.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) offers clearer images than traditional methods, which aids in assessing the length and severity of blockages in heart arteries.
Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) identified the source of peripheral vascular embolism in 50% of patients without prior heart disease, leading to important surgical decisions for three patients.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Westerhausen study substance abuse?
Yes, he studies how substance abuse impacts ICU admissions and overall healthcare costs.
What imaging techniques has Dr. Westerhausen researched?
He has researched optical coherence tomography (OCT) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for better heart diagnostics.
Is Dr. Westerhausen's work relevant to patients with heart issues?
Yes, his research on advanced imaging techniques directly benefits patients with cardiac conditions by improving diagnostic clarity.
Publications in plain English
Burden of Substance Abuse-Related Admissions to the Medical ICU.
2020
Chest
Westerhausen D, Perkins AJ, Conley J, Khan BA, Farber M
Plain English This study looked at the impact of substance abuse on admissions to the medical ICU at a hospital in Indianapolis. They found that 25.7% of ICU admissions were related to substance abuse, accounting for 23.1% of total hospital charges, which adds up to about $74.6 million. Most of these patients were middle-aged men, who had longer stays in the ICU and a higher risk of death, highlighting the significant burden that substance abuse places on healthcare resources.
Who this helps: This information benefits healthcare providers and policymakers working to address substance abuse issues.
Techniques and best practices for optical coherence tomography: a practical manual for interventional cardiologists.
2014
Catheterization and cardiovascular interventions : official journal of the Society for Cardiac Angiography & Interventions
Lopez JJ, Arain SA, Madder R, Parekh N, Shroff AR +1 more
Plain English This study looks at how to use optical coherence tomography (OCT), a new imaging technique that helps doctors see details inside the heart's blood vessels. It highlights that OCT gives clearer images than traditional methods, helping to assess issues like blockage length and severity, with practical guidance for doctors on how to use it effectively. This is important because better imaging can improve the success of heart procedures and patient outcomes.
Who this helps: This benefits interventional cardiologists and their patients by providing better diagnostic and treatment options.
Transesophageal echocardiography in the detection of cardiovascular sources of peripheral vascular embolism.
1995
Annals of vascular surgery
Dávila-Román VG, Westerhausen D, Hopkins WE, Sicard GA, Barzilai B
Plain English This study looked at how effective a specific heart imaging test called transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is in finding the cause of blood clots that travel to the limbs, known as peripheral vascular embolism. Out of 15 patients, TEE helped identify the source of embolism in 50% of those without obvious heart disease, leading to important treatment decisions, such as surgeries for three patients. The findings show TEE provides valuable information that can greatly influence treatment, especially for patients who do not already show signs of heart issues.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with peripheral vascular embolism and their doctors.