Dr. Dahn studies the safest and most effective techniques for treating severe narrowing of the carotid artery, which can lead to strokes. He evaluates procedures like carotid angioplasty with stenting, comparing them to traditional surgery options. His research also extends to how nutrition and hormone regulation affect critically ill patients, especially those dealing with challenges such as sepsis, which is a severe infection. By investigating ways to improve medical treatments and patient care, he aims to enhance safety and recovery outcomes across these medical fields.
Key findings
In his 2012 study, 22% of patients experienced cerebral intolerance during carotid angioplasty, but none suffered strokes, highlighting the importance of managing patient comfort during the procedure.
A 2009 study showed that using a thinner guide wire improved the success of carotid angioplasty for patients with 99% blockage, facilitating safer procedures.
In a 2006 comparison of treatments for carotid artery narrowing, both carotid artery stenting and traditional surgery had low complication rates, ultimately benefitting 94 patients by providing effective treatment options.
His research in 2006 found that carotid artery stenting resulted in shorter hospital stays, averaging 1.2 days, but was more expensive, costing approximately $17,402 compared to $12,112 for endarterectomy procedures.
In his research on patients receiving nutritional support, 91% had positive outcomes from a new support system, indicating effectiveness in managing critically ill patients.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Dahn study carotid artery conditions?
Yes, Dr. Dahn specializes in treating severe narrowing of the carotid artery and has conducted multiple studies on the safest techniques and outcomes.
What treatments has Dr. Dahn researched?
He has researched carotid angioplasty with stenting and traditional carotid endarterectomy, as well as nutritional support for critically ill patients.
Is Dr. Dahn's work relevant to patients with sepsis?
Yes, his studies on sepsis focus on hormone regulation and glucose management, providing important insights for treating patients with severe infections.
How does Dr. Dahn's research help surgical patients?
His work on nutritional support systems and treatment comparisons helps improve recovery outcomes and reduce complications for surgical patients.
What are the risks associated with carotid angioplasty?
While Dr. Dahn's research indicates low risk of stroke during carotid angioplasty, some patients may experience temporary discomfort known as cerebral intolerance.
Publications in plain English
Cerebral intolerance during flow arrested carotid angioplasty.
2012
Vascular and endovascular surgery
St Louis M, Park BD, Dahn M, Bozeman P
Plain English This study examined how safely blocking blood flow to the brain during carotid angioplasty (a procedure to open narrowed arteries in the neck) affects patients. Out of 9 patients, 2 (or 22%) experienced difficulties during the procedure, known as cerebral intolerance, but none suffered a stroke. This is important because it shows that while blocking blood flow can safely facilitate the angioplasty process, doctors should be prepared to handle the potential discomfort some patients may experience.
Who this helps: This benefits both patients undergoing carotid angioplasty and doctors performing the procedure.
Crossing an ultracritical carotid stenosis for carotid angioplasty.
2009
Vascular and endovascular surgery
Dahn M, Cheema M, Bozeman P, Divinagracia T
Plain English This study focused on a method for safely performing carotid angioplasty in patients who have severe narrowing (about 99% blockage) of the carotid artery. The researchers found that using a thinner, special type of guide wire (0.012 inches) allowed doctors to navigate this blockage more easily compared to the standard wire (0.014 inches). This matters because it improves the chances of successfully treating patients with very critical artery blockages and helps reduce the risk of brain complications during the procedure.
Who this helps: This helps patients with severe carotid artery narrowing who need angioplasty.
Follow-up results of carotid angioplasty with stenting as assessed by duplex ultrasound surveillance.
2006
American journal of surgery
Park B, Aiello F, Dahn M, Menzoian JO, Mavanur A
Plain English This study looked at two treatments for narrowing of the carotid artery: carotid artery stenting (CAS) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Researchers followed 46 patients who had CAS and 48 who had CEA for an average of 13 months and found that both treatments had similar outcomes in terms of serious complications, like strokes and the need for further procedures. This means that CAS could be just as effective as CEA in treating this condition.
Who this helps: This helps patients with carotid artery disease by providing them with effective treatment options.
Clinical outcomes and cost comparison of carotid artery angioplasty with stenting versus carotid endarterectomy.
2006
Journal of vascular surgery
Park B, Mavanur A, Dahn M, Menzoian J
Plain English This study compared two treatments for narrowing of the carotid arteries: carotid artery angioplasty with stenting (CAS) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA). The researchers found that, while both treatments had similar safety outcomes, CAS involved a shorter hospital stay (1.2 days vs. 2.1 days) but cost significantly more—about $17,402 for CAS versus $12,112 for CEA. This research is important because it highlights that although CAS can be more effective in some ways, it comes with higher expenses due to the use of advanced technology.
Who this helps: This benefits patients choosing between these treatment options and doctors making recommendations.
Carotid artery angioplasty with stenting and postprocedure hypotension.
2005
American journal of surgery
Park B, Shapiro D, Dahn M, Arici M
Plain English This study looked at a medical procedure called carotid angioplasty with stenting (CAS) for patients with serious narrowing of the carotid artery. Out of 36 patients, the procedure was successful in 97% of cases, but 23% experienced low blood pressure afterward, which lasted an average of 21 hours. Understanding and managing these complications is crucial because it shows that CAS can be a safe alternative to the more traditional surgery while needing careful attention to post-procedure issues.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with carotid artery issues and their doctors.
Formulation and technology aspects of conrolled drug delivery in animals.
2000
Pharmaceutical science & technology today
Rothen-Weinhold A, Gurny R, Dahn M
Plain English This research paper looks at new ways to give medications to animals, especially food-producing ones like cows and pigs, to make sure the drugs are released in a controlled manner. It highlights the need for better drug delivery methods, noting that there are many animals needing treatment and a big market for these advancements. Improving how drugs are administered can lead to more effective treatments and better animal health.
Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and farmers who care for food-producing animals.
Overexpression and purification of cytochrome c oxidase from Rhodobacter sphaeroides.
1998
Protein expression and purification
Zhen Y, Qian J, Follmann K, Hayward T, Nilsson T +5 more
Plain English This study looked at a specific enzyme called cytochrome c oxidase from a type of bacteria known as Rhodobacter sphaeroides. Researchers found a way to produce this enzyme seven times more than normal by changing the bacteria's genetic makeup and optimizing how it was grown. They also developed a better purification method that resulted in higher quantities and purity of the enzyme.
Who this helps: This benefits scientists and researchers working on energy production processes and potential medical applications involving enzymes.
Is DVT prophylaxis overemphasized? A randomized prospective study.
1996
The Journal of surgical research
Kosir MA, Kozol RA, Perales A, McGee K, Beleski K +2 more
Plain English This study looked at whether different methods of preventing blood clots (DVT) in surgery patients were effective. Researchers tested three groups: one received a device to compress their legs during and after surgery, another group received a blood thinner called heparin, and the third group received no preventive treatment. Over 30 days, no patients in any group developed DVT, despite a risk prediction tool estimating a 20% chance of it occurring.
Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing surgery who might be worried about blood clots.
[The radiologic image of the normal equine tarsus].
1989
Schweizer Archiv fur Tierheilkunde
Dahn M, Ueltschi G
Plain English This study looked at X-rays of the hocks (ankles) of 270 young, healthy horses to understand what normal images should look like. On average, each X-ray showed 2 to 4.5 small abnormalities, and the study found that male horses generally had larger bones than female horses. These findings are important for veterinarians and horse buyers because they help identify what is typical versus what could be a sign of a problem in younger horses.
Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and horse buyers.
Selective versus standard hyperalimentation. A randomized prospective study.
1981
American journal of surgery
Kirkpatrick JR, Dahn M, Lewis L
Plain English This study looked at two different methods of providing nutrition to surgical patients: one that uses a balanced mixture of nutrients and another that relies mostly on carbohydrates and proteins. The results showed that patients receiving the balanced mixture had fewer complications compared to those on the standard method, even though both groups were getting enough energy and nutrients. This finding is important because it points to the balanced method as a safer option for supporting patients after surgery.
Who this helps: This helps surgical patients by reducing their risk of complications during recovery.
Anabolic steroid administration during nutritional support: a therapeutic controversy.
1981
JPEN. Journal of parenteral and enteral nutrition
Lewis L, Dahn M, Kirkpatrick JR
Plain English This study looked at how anabolic steroids affect patients receiving nutritional support through intravenous feeding. It involved 48 patients and found that those who took anabolic steroids had better nitrogen balance and protein conservation compared to those who received a placebo. Specifically, the use of anabolic steroids improved their nutritional status significantly while they were being fed intravenously for 14-21 days.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with severe illnesses who need nutritional support.
The therapeutic advantages of a balanced nutritional support system.
1981
Surgery
Kirkpatrick JR, Dahn M, Hynes MJ, Williams D
Plain English In a study of 22 critically ill surgical patients lasting 21 days, researchers tested a new nutritional support system designed to meet their dietary needs. They found that most patients (91%) responded well to this system, with 21 patients achieving a healthy balance of nitrogen in their bodies and 13 experiencing significant weight gain. Importantly, they saw no major issues with glucose levels, and only two patients needed insulin, suggesting this approach is safe and effective for those in critical care.
Who this helps: This benefits critically ill patients and their doctors by providing a reliable nutritional support option.
Glucose-dependent changes in growth hormone regulation associated with sepsis.
1981
The Journal of trauma
Kirkpatrick JR, Dahn M
Plain English This study looked at how sepsis, a severe infection, affects the body's regulation of growth hormone in relation to glucose levels. Researchers found that patients with sepsis had significant changes in growth hormone regulation, particularly those who exhibited severe difficulty in managing blood sugar, which was linked to reduced insulin production. This matters because these changes can hinder the movement of essential nutrients in the body, indicating that high blood sugar in septic patients can be harmful.
Who this helps: This information helps doctors treating septic patients to better manage their blood sugar levels.
Sepsis, glucose intolerance, and protein malnutrition: a metabolic paradox.
1980
Archives of surgery (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
Dahn M, Kirkpatrick JR, Bouwman D
Plain English This study looked at how patients with sepsis—an extreme body response to infection—handle glucose after surgery. Researchers tested 18 patients and found four distinct groups based on their glucose tolerance and protein levels. Specifically, one group had normal glucose levels, while another showed mild glucose intolerance, and a third had severe glucose intolerance linked to protein malnutrition, indicating their bodies reacted very differently to glucose.
Who this helps: This research helps doctors understand how to better manage glucose levels in patients with sepsis and malnutrition.
The sepsis-glucose intolerance riddle: a hormonal explanation.
1979
Surgery
Dahn M, Bouwman D, Kirkpatrick J
Plain English This study examined how sepsis affects the body's ability to process glucose in 19 patients, focusing on hormones related to glucose intolerance. Researchers found that about 40% of the patients with ongoing sepsis had glucose intolerance, which was linked to a high death rate of 60%, compared to only 10% for those who were able to process glucose normally. The study highlighted how certain hormone levels, particularly glucagon, were tied to this intolerance and the increased risk of death, indicating a serious metabolic imbalance during severe infections.
Who this helps: This research provides important insights for doctors treating patients with sepsis, helping them better understand the risks and manage blood sugar levels effectively.