A&A practice
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We present the case of a laryngospasm event in a 21-month-old child in which the changes in pulse oximetry and end-tidal carbon dioxide were recorded by both our Anesthesia Information Management System and middleware medical device integration platform. When this case was analyzed retrospectively, we noted that the 2 systems recorded the event very differently with respect to pulse oximetry. This case report illustrates the impact of data sampling rates on post hoc analysis of perioperative events and highlights the importance of understanding data collection processes when using electronically recorded data.
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Case Reports
Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Neurolysis for a Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor: A Case Report.
The perineural administration of alcohol or phenol results in protein denaturation and, consequently, neurolysis. This can produce long-lasting analgesia, with a duration of 3-6 months. ⋯ As such, little is known about the efficacy and adverse effect profile of this commonly described treatment. In this article, we report the outcomes of a patient who underwent a left brachial plexus neurolytic block for the management of upper limb pain arising from a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor.
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Case Reports
Airway Management of Near-Complete Tracheal Transection by Through-the-Wound Intubation: A Case Report.
We present an approach to airway management in a patient with machete injuries culminating in near-complete cricotracheal transection, in addition to a gunshot wound to the neck. Initial airway was established by direct intubation through the cricotracheal wound. ⋯ This case offers insight into a rarely performed approach to airway management. Furthermore, our case report demonstrates that, in select airway injuries, performing through-the-wound intubation engenders a multitude of benefits.
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Although the primary goal of operating room (OR) management is to minimize inefficiencies, it may be difficult for OR managers to track metrics when one extrapolates possible scenarios across every OR on a daily basis. With the ability to visualize the statistical relationships to help simplify the analysis of large datasets, a more elaborate efficiency framework can be established using Pareto optimality (or performance frontiers), a multicriteria framework that includes variables that serve as proxies for a variety of outcomes. Applied to OR management, performance frontiers allow for the evaluation of common and well-understood issues of under- and over-utilized time.
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Case Reports
Anesthetic Management of a Patient With Ongoing Thrombolytic Therapy During Decompressive Craniectomy: A Case Report.
Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a therapeutic alternative for reducing intracranial pressure after a middle cerebral artery stroke. If thrombolytic therapy is administered, craniectomy is usually postponed for at least 24 hours due to a risk of severe bleeding. ⋯ His neurological and hemodynamic status worsened during its administration, and DC was performed 6 hours after thrombolysis was performed. Fibrinolytic coagulopathy was successfully managed by monitoring fibrinogen levels and with the administration of cryoprecipitate and tranexamic acid.