A&A practice
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We present 4 cases of dorsal root ganglion stimulation lead fracture. In these cases, the surgical technique involved (1) traversing fascial layers for placement of leads via a Tuohy needle in the upper low back, (2) subcutaneous tunneling from the implantable pulse generator site to the lead puncture site without dissecting below the superficial fascial plane at the puncture site, and (3) connection of the lead/extension with the generator. All fractures occurred adjacent to the original lead puncture site. These cases suggest lead entrapment within the membranous fascial plane, with tension on a thin lead, is a mechanism underlying lead fracture.
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This survey study evaluates the user experience of an electronic maternal early warning system that generates automated pages. Survey domains included the system's effect on patient care, alarm fatigue, and continued use of the system. ⋯ A majority, 83%, felt that the system should remain in use, and 64.5% felt it improved patient safety. Of those who believed that they had received a page, 51.4% felt that they received pages "too frequently." Although alarm fatigue was not fully evaluated, providers on our unit support the continued use of this automated maternal electronic surveillance system.