A&A practice
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Hyperbaric bupivacaine, the local anesthetic routinely selected for single-injection spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery (CD), was in short supply in 2018. Hospital stocks were significantly less than before and after the shortage period. ⋯ Retrospective chart review revealed that elective and emergency CDs were performed without delays or increase in rate of general anesthesia during this period. However, trainees had fewer opportunities to perform spinal anesthesia for CD.
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Case Reports
Two Case Reports of Upper Extremity Venous Thrombosis From Midline Catheter Placement in Pregnancy.
Midline catheters are often inserted in pregnant women for whom a prolonged hospital stay is anticipated to facilitate the administration of medications and for blood sampling. Midline catheters compared with peripheral intravenous catheters are associated with fewer venipunctures and scheduled line changes. We present 2 cases of pregnant women with no personal or family history of thrombosis who underwent midline catheter insertion and developed venous thromboembolism of the upper extremity requiring anticoagulation therapy. Studies are needed to evaluate the safety profile of midline catheters in pregnancy.
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Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) can be a debilitating, persistent, and treatment-resistant pain condition. This report presents a case of severe CRPS affecting multiple limbs, resistant to standard treatment modalities. Treatment with spinal cord stimulation (SCS) had an initial good effect. ⋯ A lead fracture resulted in a rapidly developing recurrence of CRPS in the patient's arm, necessitating amputation. SCS may be an effective modality for treatment of severe CRPS. However, mechanical problems should always be considered when an SCS-implanted patient experiences rapid symptom progression or abrupt cessation of stimulation.
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Airway exchange catheter is a valuable tool where an airway is anticipated to be difficult to reintubate. We report a case of subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum, pneumoperitoneum, and pneumothorax after extubation using an exchange catheter. ⋯ The patient was ventilated for 2 days and then extubated without complications. Airway exchange catheter should be used cautiously with a low initial gas flow during extubation.