Dr. Curtiss studies techniques for creating arteriovenous fistulas, which are crucial for patients undergoing dialysis. They specifically investigate how ultrasound can be used more effectively to visualize veins before surgery. One of their key contributions is showing that repeating ultrasound after a brachial plexus block—an injection that relaxes the veins—allows surgeons to select better sites for access, ultimately benefiting patients who require dialysis treatment.
Key findings
Repeating vein mapping after a brachial plexus block led to surgeons selecting a preferred access site in nearly two-thirds (around 66%) of patients.
The better access sites chosen post-nerve block yielded long-term results that were just as effective as the initially planned sites.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Curtiss study dialysis access procedures?
Yes, Dr. Curtiss focuses on improving methods for creating dialysis access through arteriovenous fistulas.
What techniques does Dr. Curtiss research?
They research the use of ultrasound and nerve blocks to improve the surgical mapping of veins prior to dialysis access surgery.
Is Dr. Curtiss's work relevant for patients needing dialysis?
Yes, their research directly impacts patients requiring dialysis by enhancing the quality of surgical access sites.
Publications in plain English
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.
Ambulatory endovascular surgery: cost advantage and factors influencing its safe performance.
1999
Journal of endovascular surgery : the official journal of the International Society for Endovascular Surgery
Shindelman LE, Ninnul GB, Curtiss SI, Konigsberg SF
Plain English This study looked at whether endovascular surgery for patients with blocked arteries in their legs can be done safely and cost-effectively in an outpatient setting, rather than requiring a hospital stay. Out of 42 patients treated, 63% were able to go home the same day, saving an average of $32,156 in hospital costs compared to those who stayed longer than a day. The findings are important because they show that many patients can avoid the high expenses and complications of hospitalization while still receiving effective treatment.
Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic limb ischemia seeking affordable and less invasive treatment options.
Plain English This study looked at a patient who experienced low blood pressure during a complex surgery called esophagogastrectomy, which involves removing part of the esophagus and stomach. The doctors discovered that the patient's condition was caused by cardiac tamponade, a serious issue where fluid builds up around the heart, and they successfully treated it by releasing the trapped blood. Recognizing this complication is crucial because it can occur during surgery and quickly lead to serious problems.
Who this helps: This information benefits surgeons and medical staff involved in complex surgeries.
A rational approach to the use of hepatic transplantation in the treatment of metastatic neuroendocrine tumors.
1995
Journal of the American College of Surgeons
Curtiss SI, Mor E, Schwartz ME, Sung MW, Hytiroglou P +4 more
Plain English This study looked at the use of liver transplants for patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumors, which typically spread to the liver. Researchers found that out of eight patients evaluated, three had successful liver transplants and have remained cancer-free for 12 to 30 months. This approach is important because it offers hope for patients with advanced tumors who do not respond well to other treatments.
Who this helps: This helps patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors and their doctors in making treatment decisions.
Anthony N Grieff Kristen Lee Marc A Beckerman Joshua Akinsanya Scott F Rosen Steven I Curtiss Saum A Rahimi William E Beckerman L E Shindelman G B Ninnul
Physician data sourced from the
NPPES NPI Registry
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Publication data from
PubMed
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Plain-English summaries generated by AI.
Not medical advice.