Marc A Beckerman studies the methods used to create access points for dialysis in patients who need this life-sustaining treatment. He specifically investigates how using ultrasound imaging to assess veins before surgery can be improved. His research highlights the benefits of re-evaluating vein size after administering a nerve block, which allows veins to relax and become more visible, ultimately guiding surgeons to select better sites for creating arteriovenous fistulas—these are the connections made between an artery and a vein that are essential for dialysis. This approach can lead to more effective treatment outcomes for patients requiring dialysis.
Key findings
After performing a nerve block, surgeons found more optimal access sites in nearly 66% of patients, compared to the original mapping.
The newly chosen access sites resulted in the same long-term effectiveness as initially planned sites.
Vein mapping after nerve block leads to improved patient outcomes without additional complications.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Beckerman study dialysis access?
Yes, Dr. Beckerman's work specifically focuses on improving the surgical techniques used to create access sites for dialysis.
What does Dr. Beckerman's research involve?
His research involves using ultrasound and nerve blocks to enhance the visibility of veins during surgery to improve outcomes in kidney disease patients.
Are his findings relevant for patients undergoing dialysis?
Absolutely, his findings aim to improve the standard of care for patients who require dialysis by identifying better access sites for treatment.
Publications in plain English
Surgical Management of a Torn ACL and Bucket-Handle Meniscal Tear in the Pregnant Patient: A Case Report.
2024
JBJS case connector
Filtes P, Beckerman MA, Austin K, Buckley PS, Swan KG
Plain English This study looked at a 36-year-old pregnant woman who was experiencing severe knee problems due to a torn ACL and a specific type of meniscus tear. Doctors successfully performed surgery to repair her knee while ensuring her safety and that of her unborn child through careful planning and teamwork. This is important because it shows that knee surgeries can be done safely even in pregnant patients when necessary.
Who this helps: This helps pregnant patients needing orthopedic surgery.
The Role of Physician-Directed Duplex after Brachial Plexus Block in Arteriovenous Fistula Creation.
2023
Annals of vascular surgery
Grieff AN, Lee K, Beckerman MA, Akinsanya J, Rosen SF +3 more
Plain English Doctors create dialysis access points (tubes connecting arteries and veins) by first mapping veins with ultrasound to find the best location. However, this study found that veins appear smaller on ultrasound than they actually are because patients are dehydrated and cold. When doctors gave patients a nerve block anesthetic before surgery, it relaxed their blood vessels and made veins larger—so the researchers repeated the vein mapping after the nerve block to see if they could find better access locations. In 63% of cases, the second ultrasound revealed better vein options than the first one, and these better-located access points worked just as well as the originally planned locations.
Corticotropin-releasing factor in the mouse central nucleus of the amygdala: ultrastructural distribution in NMDA-NR1 receptor subunit expressing neurons as well as projection neurons to the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis.
2013
Experimental neurology
Beckerman MA, Van Kempen TA, Justice NJ, Milner TA, Glass MJ
Plain English The study looked at how two important chemicals in the brain, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and a glutamate receptor (NMDA-NR1), interact in a specific part of the brain called the central amygdala. Researchers discovered that CRF and NMDA receptors are found together in some brain cells and that CRF-sending cells connect with other neurons, which could influence stress responses and emotional behavior. Specifically, they found that many of these connections could affect how the brain responds to stress, which is important for understanding conditions like anxiety and addiction.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients dealing with stress-related disorders, including anxiety and addiction.
Acute morphine associated alterations in the subcellular location of the AMPA-GluR1 receptor subunit in dendrites of neurons in the mouse central nucleus of the amygdala: comparisons and contrasts with other glutamate receptor subunits.
2013
Synapse (New York, N.Y.)
Beckerman MA, Ogorodnik E, Glass MJ
Plain English This study looked at how morphine, an opioid drug, affects a specific protein called GluR1 in the central nucleus of the amygdala in mice, which is involved in brain signaling and behaviors related to drug use. The researchers found that after morphine treatment, the location of GluR1 in neuron structures changed significantly compared to mice that did not receive morphine; specifically, there were notable differences in how GluR1 was distributed in dendrites, the parts of neurons that receive signals. This matters because understanding these changes can help researchers figure out how opioids alter brain signaling, which could inform treatment strategies for opioid addiction or other related issues.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and healthcare providers working on addiction and opioid use disorders.
The NMDA-NR1 receptor subunit and the mu-opioid receptor are expressed in somatodendritic compartments of central nucleus of the amygdala neurons projecting to the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis.
2012
Experimental neurology
Beckerman MA, Glass MJ
Plain English This study looked at specific receptors in brain neurons that connect the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) to the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), which play a role in stress and addiction. Researchers found that many of these neurons express both the NMDA receptor and the mu-opioid receptor, with a reduction in brain activity related to morphine when the NMDA receptor gene was removed. This is important because it highlights how these receptors interact in the brain, potentially impacting how stress and opioid addiction are processed.
Who this helps: This helps patients struggling with opioid addiction and healthcare providers working in addiction treatment.
Ultrastructural relationship between the AMPA-GluR2 receptor subunit and the mu-opioid receptor in the mouse central nucleus of the amygdala.
2011
Experimental neurology
Beckerman MA, Glass MJ
Plain English This study examined how a specific receptor in the brain, called GluR2, interacts with another receptor linked to opioids (mu-opioid receptors) in a region responsible for emotions and memories. Researchers found that over 85% of the GluR2 receptors were located in the parts of neurons called dendrites or cell bodies, and about 80% of them were also found alongside mu-opioid receptors. This is important because it suggests that these receptors work together to influence signaling related to addiction and emotional responses.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients struggling with opioid addiction and healthcare providers working on effective treatments.
Michael J Glass Peter Filtes Kimberlee Austin Patrick S Buckley Kenneth G Swan Anthony N Grieff Kristen Lee Joshua Akinsanya Scott F Rosen Steven I Curtiss
Physician data sourced from the
NPPES NPI Registry
.
Publication data from
PubMed
.
Plain-English summaries generated by AI.
Not medical advice.