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Episode 4: Jack Kartush, MD

https://youtu.be/zz9f6fmVwrQ?si=IwlZVsupfdrLU57I

Audio Only

https://open.spotify.com/episode/69O7qo1sbmIUJEOHaotxGk?si=TM5witZnQwyGvL4lJ9vQMQ

August 28, 2024

James interviews Dr. Jack Kartush, world renowned neurootologist, inventor, professor, author, and pioneer in the field of intraoperative neuromonitoring.

In this episode, Jack sounds the alarm about persistent quality and safety issues in neuromonitoring, and the way that it is employed in procedures placing the facial nerve and other cranial nerves at risk for injury.

We discuss his diverse interests, life philosophy, and his foray into medicine and neuromonitoring.

We spend time discussing best practices in facial nerve monitoirng and ongoing challenges. He emphasizes the critical importance of proper training for the surgical neurophysiologist, the reading neurologist, and the surgeon.

He discusses the lack of acceptance of neuromonitoring in the early days and the importance of continuous improvement. Dr. Kartush also discusses future challenges and opportunities in the field as he sounds the alarm on persistent safety and quality issues with some neuromonitoring systems and products on the market today.

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Show Notes and Links to Explore

<aside> <img src="/icons/preview_red.svg" alt="/icons/preview_red.svg" width="40px" /> Chapters

00:00:00 - The Journey in Neuromonitoring: From Inventions to Accidental Entrepreneurship 00:14:24 - The Pitfalls of Monitoring: Why Poor Monitoring is Worse than No Monitoring 00:15:40 - Improving Monitoring Practices: Training, Best Practices, and Device Technology 00:32:04 - The Role of Regulatory Agencies in Ensuring Monitoring Safety and Effectiveness 00:34:28 - Specialized Training and Expertise 00:39:43 - The Birth of the American Society of Neurophysiologic Monitoring 00:41:41 - The Importance of Facial Nerve Monitoring 00:43:48 - The Need for Remote Monitoring and Technology 00:45:43 - A Call to Action for Patient Safety 00:46:11 - Improving Surgeon and MD Skills 00:47:52 - The Role of Experience in Nerve Monitoring 00:58:02 - Preparing for Surgery and Anticipating Outcomes 01:02:42 - The Integration of AI in Nerve Monitoring

https://youtube.com/@3jacked?si=DN6n5xlDlYQbJcsW

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About Jack

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Dr. Kartush earned his medical degree at the University of Michigan where he als received his fellowship training in Otology, Neurotology and Skull Base Surgery. He also studied under Professor Ugo Fisch at the University of Zurich.

He is a prolific author and inventor with his most notable inventions being the NIM Response and the Kartush Stimulating Dissector. His inventions will soon be on display at the Smithsonian in Washington DC.

He was the president of Michigan Ear Institute until his retirement in 2012, Chief Medical Officer at Biotronic NeuroNetwork, and Medical Director at Providence Hospital.