A&A practice
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Case Reports
Co2 Rebreathing Observed While Using a Bag-Mask Resuscitator With Integrated Manometer: A Case Report.
Bag-mask resuscitators with integrated manometry help reduce the risk of pulmonary injury during manual ventilation. All such devices must function as intended while preventing carbon dioxide rebreathing, as unintended hypercapnia can be harmful in critically ill patients. We describe a case of carbon dioxide rebreathing in a patient suspected of having a brain injury after blunt trauma who was manually ventilated with a widely available bag-mask resuscitator with integrated manometry after emergent intubation. This case highlights the importance of vigilant monitoring of end-tidal carbon dioxide and appropriate troubleshooting and investigation of unexplained findings to mitigate and prevent adverse patient outcomes.
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We present a 54-year-old man who developed an unexpected thenar space compartment syndrome after robotic laparoscopic surgery, which was caused when the radial arterial pressure tubing was pulled too tightly around the base of the thumb while changing the surgical position. A conventional method of securing the tubing by looping it around the thumb appeared to be the primary cause. This complication went unnoticed during the surgery because the arm was tucked out of sight; there were no remarkable findings on monitoring. This case highlights the risks of looping tubing around the thumb, especially if continual inspection is not possible.
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Case Reports
Anomalous Connection of Superior Vena Cava to Left Atrium-A Rare Congenital Cardiac Anomaly and Its Implications.
Exclusive drainage of superior vena cava (SVC) into the left atrium (LA) is one of the rare causes of right-to-left connection. Usually, this anomaly occurs in association with other cardiac defects, and is diagnosed in early childhood. ⋯ We describe a case of anomalous connection of SVC to LA with drainage of right upper pulmonary vein into SVC and its implications for the perioperative physician. The patient presented with dyspnea on exertion, cyanosis, and a past history of cerebral abscess.
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Case Reports
Hematoma After Continuous Erector Spinae Plane Block With Catheter Placement: A Case Report.
The erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is described as a safe and effective alternative when epidural or paravertebral blocks are contraindicated by anticoagulation therapy. We present a case of subcutaneous hematoma after ESPB catheter placement. The patient received bilateral ESPB catheters for perioperative pain control. ⋯ Physical examination revealed a well circumscribed, fluctuant mass that produced bloody material during incision and drainage. This case report describes hematoma as a potential complication of the ESPB. After the procedure, patients should be closely monitored for complications, including hematoma.
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Medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency is one of the most common fatty acid oxidation disorders. The choice of anesthetics and blood glucose management are crucial to prevent metabolic decompensation. A 5-year-old Japanese boy with MCAD deficiency was scheduled to undergo surgery for an inguinal hernia. ⋯ Anesthesia was induced and maintained with remimazolam, remifentanil, and intermittent rocuronium. No metabolic decompensation was observed. This case indicates the importance of a continuous intravenous glucose infusion, and that remimazolam can be the first-line anesthetic for a patient with MCAD deficiency.