Chapter 11: The Newman Technique

Words : 2242 Updated : Mar 13th, 2025

"Alright, you can take a break now. Leave the chest closure to the second assistant." Rhys' gentle voice appeared in the operating room. The second assistant shot a surprised glance at his mentor, wondering why he was so lenient with Walter when he was usually very critical of himself during every surgery. Walter let out a relieved sigh. Repairing a ruptured heart was intricate and time-consuming. Although he was fast, it still took him about an hour and a half. Also, the procedure demanded intense focus, which was mentally exhausting. The second assistant stood at the operating table, finally getting a chance to handle the scalpel, but he couldn't muster any joy. In cardiothoracic surgery, closing the chest was the most basic and simplest part. The difference in task difficulty indirectly indicated that Walter and he were on different levels in Rhys' mind. He felt like a benchwarmer thrown in during the last minutes of a blowout game. The patient's vital signs gradually stabilized, with heart rate and blood pressure rising to normal ranges, and then the patient was transferred to the ICU for further monitoring and treatment. ***** Pablo had just sat down in his office when Rhys came in. "Come on, let me treat you to a nice meal." Having known Rhys for many years, Pablo was well aware of his character. Normally stingy, a sudden invitation could only mean he had ulterior motives. "Sorry, I'm very busy today. There's no time," Pablo declined outright. Rhys scratched his head with a smile. "Hey, Pablo, it's been a while since we got together. Come on. Don't be a stranger." Pablo pushed away Rhys's arm, "Let me make it clear: don't even think about making a move on Walter. Otherwise, Andy won't let you off." As soon as Pablo finished speaking, Andy, having just finished surgery, walked into the office and poured himself a cup of water before taking a few gulps. "Did you mention me just now?" Rhys was wary of Andy and quickly changed the subject, "Walter is indeed a talent! His techniques seem harsh and scary, but on closer examination, many of his moves are quite eye-opening." "Oh?" Andy was unaware that Walter had participated in the heart rupture repair surgery. "Walter used the Newman Technique when making the incision!" Walter made the incision under the armpit. This method was quite significant and related to a well-known domestic expert with the surname Newman in the field of cardiothoracic surgery. Rhys initially intended to stop him but soon understood Walter's reasoning and gave him enough space to perform. The Newman Technique, also known as the pectoral muscle preservation fenestration technique, involved entering the thoracic cavity through the muscle gaps, avoiding cutting any muscles. The incision could be reduced by 2 to 4 inches compared to traditional surgical windows without damaging the muscles. Although this fenestration technique was developed by Kayden Newman over a decade ago, its complexity and low popularity meant few surgeons used it in practice. In the world where Walter came from, there was no such thing as the Newman Technique. He was accustomed to using this fenestration technique, mainly on the battlefield, as pectoral preservation could better protect comrades' combat effectiveness. Pablo noticed this detail and joked, "I thought you taught him!" "How was I supposed to know he'd that technique? I barely know him." Rhys laughed at himself. Pablo thought to himself, "I've known him for a while, but I still can't figure him out. He's a mystery!" ***** The news of Walter successfully completing a thoracic surgery spread throughout the emergency center. Everyone knew the value of being the first assistant in a level-three surgery. Before starting work the next day, Walter specifically went to a nearby coffee shop to pack some coffee. Raina saw the coffee and nodded at Walter expressionlessly. He didn't mind Raina's coldness as it was her usual demeanor. Andy was very pleased to see Walter arrive half an hour early and promptly took him on rounds. Walter conducted a detailed examination of the girl who had undergone gallbladder surgery the previous day. "Dr. Zorn, how many days until my daughter can be discharged? She has a very important exam next Friday, and I wonder if she can make it?" The girl's mother was very anxious. "The wound is healing well. She can be discharged in five days," Walter replied with assured confidence. The supervising nurse noted down the discharge time, thinking that the girl's discharge time was shortened by three to five days compared to the usual seven to ten days. Acute cholecystitis surgery was something any attending doctor in the emergency department could perform. However, the timing of the patient's discharge could indirectly reflect the surgeon's skill level. ***** Gina tapped Walter on the shoulder from behind when he arrived in the office. "Not bad. You've already performed a level-three surgery." Gina primarily handled basic trauma sutures, and encountering a level-two surgery like an appendectomy would call for a celebration. "Just lucky." "Don't be modest. I should learn from you more in the future." "Gina, please don't tease me." "I heard the cardiothoracic department wants to poach you." "Really? Don't worry, I'm absolutely loyal to Mr. Shayle and Mr. Tibbert." "What's so good about emergency surgery? It's exhausting, with constant overtime, and when you're busy, there's no time even to go to the bathroom," Gina complained. "Plenty of work!" Walter found a practical reason. "I need the money." "Didn't expect you to be a money-grubber." Interns wouldn't get paid for doing surgeries, no matter how many they perform. Despite her words, Gina firmly believed Walter wasn't the type to care about money. Walter, feeling hungry, prepared to head to the cafeteria when Gina, seemingly predicting his move, produced a five-tiered lunchbox and laid out the dishes. The top layer was garlic-flavored ribs, and the lunchbox's seal was excellent, filling the room with aroma once opened. "You missed lunch due to surgery earlier." Gina handed Walter a pair of stainless steel cutlery. "I made it myself. Give it a try." Walter couldn't refuse and accepted the cutlery. The garlic aroma and tender ribs tantalized his taste buds, bringing warmth and a sense of worthiness to life. "Gina, I didn't expect your cooking to be so good," Walter praised sincerely. "Yes, some friends suggested I quit being a doctor and open a restaurant," Gina said, resting her chin on her hand and gazing at Walter. Walter tasted the vinegar-flavored shredded potatoes on the second layer, finding them tangy, crisp, and appetizing. He swallowed the rice in his mouth. "That's not an option! Chefs are everywhere, but doctors are rare, especially female emergency surgeons." Walter wasn't just flattering. The male-to-female ratio among emergency surgeons was about five to one, with female doctors often choosing gynecology or pediatrics. "I have other patients. No need to wash the lunchbox. I'm afraid you won't clean it properly, and I'll have to wash it again later." Gina gave Walter a brief smile before leaving the office for the treatment room. Alone, Walter wolfed down the meal, his eating habits hardly graceful. Emergency doctors had no time to spare, even for a drink, so efficiency was key when eating. After finishing, he naturally washed the dishes thoroughly, repeating the process three times before placing them back at Gina's spot. A nurse rushed into the office. "Oh no, Dr. Lapwood is in trouble." "Which Dr. Lapwood? Huh? Is it Gina?" Walter quickly tossed the mouse aside and stood up. ***** Thomas was scheduling shifts for the resident doctors in his office when Elliot entered mysteriously and closed the door. Thomas glanced up at him and asked casually, "What's up?" "Mr. Shayle's favorite student, Gina, was assaulted by a patient's family." Thomas furrowed his brow, "Wasn't anyone able to stop it?" "No chance. She was too fierce!" Thomas frowned. "Is the injury serious?" Elliot hesitated slightly and cleared his throat, "Not particularly serious. It's just a minor scratch. Oh, are you upset?" Thomas glared at him. "Anyone would be concerned about a colleague's well-being when faced with medical disputes. Unlike you, always gloating." Then, he decisively stood up and headed toward the treatment room. Elliot chuckled awkwardly and followed closely behind. Thomas had a good impression of Gina. The young girl, fresh out of college, still retained an innocent student-like quality. She was gentle in appearance, diligent, and had solid professional skills, with an excellent temperament. Tenos Hospital might have more beautiful female doctors, but those like Gina, who could bring peace of mind as a wife, were rare. Thomas and Elliot walked side by side through the corridor. From a distance, they saw Walter and a nurse entering the treatment room ahead of them. Elliot sneered. "What's that kid doing here?" Thomas looked displeased. "Seems like they don't need our help after all." "Walter is just an intern. What experience does he have in handling doctor-patient conflicts? You'll still have to clean up the mess!" Elliot's flattery hit the mark with Thomas. "I'll head back to the office. If there's any commotion, let me know immediately." Thomas turned and left without hesitation. Elliot touched his large nose. "Seems like everyone wants to play the hero today!"

Chapter 11: The Newman Technique

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