Blockchain Papers

Michael J. Diaz, Sai Batchu, Jasmine Tran, Arthur Samia · 5 authors

No abstract is available for this record.

Sarah M. Thornton, Pradeep K. Attaluri, Ellen C. Shaffrey, Peter J. Wirth · 6 authors

Cryptocurrency offers a decentralized alternative to traditional financial systems, facilitating peer-to-peer transactions with minimal fees and heightened security. It also transformed into a financial asset similar to gold. Despite its volatile valuation, recent developments, such as the approval of Bitcoin exchange-traded funds by the Securities and Exchange Commission, underscore its evolving role as an investment opportunity. Plastic surgery has increasingly embraced cryptocurrency as a form of payment, leveraging its speed, security, and privacy benefits. However, alongside its potential advantages, risks such as volatility, irreversibility of transactions, and regulatory uncertainties warrant careful consideration. Moving forward, the integration of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency is poised to revolutionize various aspects of plastic surgery, from patient privacy to postoperative monitoring devices, necessitating a proactive approach from surgeons to navigate this evolving landscape. This article explores the intersection of cryptocurrency and plastic surgery, delving into its current applications, risks, investment potential, and future prospects.

Michael J. Diaz, Jasmine Tran

Citation: Diaz MJ, Tran JT. Potential Benefits of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and Blockchain Technology in Dermatology. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2024;14(1):e2024061. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5826/dpc.1401a61

Veerasathpurush Allareddy, Sankeerth Rampa, Shankar Rengasamy Venugopalan, Mohammed H. Elnagar · 7 authors

There is a paucity of largescale collaborative initiatives in orthodontics and craniofacial health. Such nationally representative projects would yield findings that are generalizable. The lack of large-scale collaborative initiatives in the field of orthodontics creates a deficiency in study outcomes that can be applied to the population at large. The objective of this study is to provide a narrative review of potential applications of blockchain technology and federated machine learning to improve collaborative care. We conducted a narrative review of articles published from 2018 to 2023 to provide a high level overview of blockchain technology, federated machine learning, remote monitoring, and genomics and how they can be leveraged together to establish a patient centered model of care. To strengthen the empirical framework for clinical decision making in healthcare, we suggest use of blockchain technology and integrating it with federated machine learning. There are several challenges to adoption of these technologies in the current healthcare ecosystem. Nevertheless, this may be an ideal time to explore how best we can integrate these technologies to deliver high quality personalized care. This article provides an overview of blockchain technology and federated machine learning and how they can be leveraged to initiate collaborative projects that will have the patient at the center of care.

Sai Batchu, Michael J. Diaz, Lauren Ladehoff, Kevin T. Root · 5 authors

Aim: Conventional techniques to share and archive spinal imaging data raise issues with trust and security, with novel approaches being more greatly considered. Ethereum smart contracts present one such novel approach. Ethereum is an open-source platform that allows for the use of smart contracts. Smart contracts are packages of code that are self-executing and reside in the Ethereum state, defining conditions for programmed transactions. Though powerful, limited attempts have been made to showcase the clinical utility of such technologies, especially in the pre- and post-operative imaging arenas. Herein, we therefore aim to propose a proof-of-concept smart contract that stores intraoperative three-dimensional (3D) augmented reality surgical navigation (ARSN) data and was tested on a private, proof-of-authority network. To the author's best knowledge, the present study represents a first-use case of the Interplanetary File Storage protocol for storing and retrieving spine imaging smart contracts. Methods: The content identifier hashes were stored inside the smart contracts while the interplanetary file system (IPFS) was used to efficiently store the image files. Insertion was achieved with four storage mappings, one for each of the following: fictitious patient data, specific diagnosis, patient identity document (ID), and Gertzbein grade. Inserted patient observations were then queried with wildcards. Insertion and retrieval times for different record volumes were collected. Results: It took 276 milliseconds to insert 50 records and 713 milliseconds to insert 350 records. Inserting 50 records required 934 Megabyte (MB) of memory per insertion with patient data and imaging, while inserting 350 records required almost the same amount of memory per insertion. In a database of 350 records, the retrieval function needs about 1,026 MB to query a record with all three fields left blank, but only 970 MB to obtain the same observation from a database of 50 records. Conclusions: The concept presented in this study exemplifies the clinical utility of smart contracts and off-chain data storage for efficient retrieval/insertion of ARSN data.

Matthew L. Duenes, Djani Robertson, Jordan Lebovic, Carter J. Boyd · 5 authors

Orthopedic surgery has always been at the leading edge of innovation in medicine, from clinical applications to business practices. Cryptocurrencies have emerged as an exciting new technology where transactions and verification are secured by cryptography rather than a centralized authority, thus creating transparency, security, and immutability to payments. Large industries, including healthcare, have started accepting cryptocurrencies as alternative forms of payment. Insurance companies and private practices in specialties such as plastic surgery and dermatology already accept cryptocurrencies in exchange for services. As such, providers in orthopedic surgery should prepare themselves for inquiries from patients regarding cryptocurrencies. This paper introduces the topic and potential benefits to future orthopedic practices.

Carter J. Boyd, Jonathan M. Bekisz, Ara A. Salibian, Mihye Choi · 5 authors

Plastic and reconstructive surgery has maintained itself as a leader in innovation, particularly with respect to the adaptation of new technologies and integration of unique business practice models among the medical community. One of the rapidly emerging frontiers at the intersection of technology and practice management is the introduction of alternative forms of payment for plastic surgery services and procedures. Cryptocurrency refers to digital money that is heavily encrypted and provides transactional value between two parties.1,2 Such alternatives to long-established standards such as the U.S. dollar are gaining traction and acceptance as a recognizable and accepted form of tender for transactions in the United States and internationally. The evolution of cryptocurrencies has been exponential and indicators suggest this industry will continue to expand rapidly. Based on the current trajectory of cryptocurrencies, twenty-first-century consumers will expect to make payments using them. In fact, several companies across a wide range of different industries currently accept cryptocurrencies as valid forms of payment.3 Given that consumers are purchasing both commodity and luxury items with cryptocurrency, it is only a matter of time before patients presenting to plastic surgery offices inquire about paying with cryptocurrency. Recent reports suggest this is already occurring and several plastic surgery practices are accepting payments in cryptocurrency.1,2,4 Plastic and reconstructive surgeons should prepare themselves for patient inquiries regarding payments through these alterative mechanisms by means of education regarding cryptocurrency and analysis of the nuances of utilizing this digital money as a form of payment. Initial adapters of cryptocurrency payments have been in private aesthetic practices accustomed to cash payments for consultations and procedures.1,2,4 Early adaptation of alternative currency acceptance serves as a strategic marketing strategy for a plastic surgery practice as announcements attract substantial conversation across news and media outlets. For patients, cryptocurrency grants the ability to pay for plastic surgery services and procedures using a decentralized, secure, and easy method of payment.1,2,4 As with any new technology, there is natural skepticism regarding the value and implementation of alternative currencies. The value of the U.S. dollar is well known and tangible to the practice manager and patient when setting price points for surgical and nonsurgical interventions. Cryptocurrencies have direct exchange rates between each virtual currency and any centralized government’s currency.2 To protect practices from volatility in cryptocurrency value, third-party applications can be used to convert cryptocurrency to more familiar legal tender at the time of payment so that reimbursement received equals what was agreed upon.2 While cryptocurrency will be first utilized in the private practice setting in plastic surgery, cryptocurrency as an accepted form of payment to insurance companies is not unimaginable. Examples already exist of insurance companies accepting cryptocurrency for payment of premiums.5 Close evaluation of these practices is merited to determine the success of cryptocurrency integration in plastic surgery, but these pioneers signal that use of this technology is imminent for plastic surgeons. We look forward to local and national discussion among the plastic surgery community on the ideal way to integrate cryptocurrencies into our practices. DISCLOSURE The authors have no financial interest to declare in relation to the content of this article.

Daniel Uzbelger Feldman, Connolly Terry, Mustafa A. Badi, C. Yesilsoy · 5 authors

No abstract is available for this record.