A&A practice
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Whole-lung lavage (WLL) remains the gold standard in the treatment of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. However, anesthetic management during WLL can be challenging because of the risk of intraoperative hypoxemia and various cardiorespiratory complications of 1-lung ventilation. Here, we describe a novel strategy involving the application of high-frequency percussive ventilation using a volumetric diffusive respirator (VDR-4) during WLL in a 47-year-old woman with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. Our observations suggest that high-frequency percussive ventilation is a potentially effective ventilation strategy during WLL that may reduce the risk of hypoxemia and facilitate lavage.
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Case Reports
Securing the Airway in Pretracheal Dermal Metastases From Oropharyngeal Carcinoma: A Case Report.
Dermal metastases reflect the ominous and aggressive spread of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas. The rampant proliferation of these metastatic tumors to the neck results in respiratory distress and impending airway obstruction. ⋯ Awake tracheostomy is generally regarded as the gold standard to manage the compromised airway. However, in this unusual case, after discussion between surgeon and anesthesiologist, because of the anticipated formidable difficulties in performing awake tracheostomy, it was decided that awake fiberoptic intubation would provide the best chance of success.
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The PECS II nerve block is a relatively new regional anesthetic technique that targets the medial and lateral pectoral nerves, as well as the lateral cutaneous branches of the intercostal nerves. It has been described for surgical cases involving the breast, as an adjunct or alternative to neuraxial or paravertebral techniques. This case report describes the first successful use of the PECS II nerve block placed using ultrasound guidance as the primary anesthetic and postoperative analgesic in a non-breast-related chest wall surgery.
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Intranasal dexmedetomidine administered as premedication before anesthesia and cardioversion appears to have the potential to facilitate the return of sinus rhythm. Two children, 3.5 and 1.5 years old, with recurrent supraventricular tachycardia in need of cardioversion have now on several occasions spontaneously returned to sinus rhythm within 20-40 minutes after intranasal administration of dexmedetomidine (4 μg/kg) with a mucosal atomization device. Both children were observed on all occasions at the pediatric outpatient clinic and could return home within 2 hours of cardioversion. For children with supraventricular tachycardia, a selective α2-agonist might be a valuable alternative to cardioversion with adenosine.