A&A practice
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Case Reports
Evaluating the Use of Ketamine for Pain Control With Sickle Cell Crisis in Pregnancy: A Report of 2 Cases.
Sickle cell crises occur frequently during pregnancy and are difficult to treat, even with high-dose opioids. Analgesia with ketamine has been suggested as an alternative, but its use during pregnancy is underreported. Two pregnant patients with uncontrolled sickle cell pain were treated with ketamine. ⋯ Patient B's pain resolved during ketamine administration. No serious maternal or neonatal adverse effects occurred. Ketamine may be considered as an adjunct analgesic in pregnant patients with sickle cell pain, although prospective clinical data are needed to fully assess its efficacy.
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Case Reports
Left Ventricular Apex Venting in High-Risk Redo Sternotomy With Severe Aortic Insufficiency: A Case Report.
Redo cardiac surgery in patients with severe aortic insufficiency can present unique challenges to the anesthesiologist. We report a case highlighting the challenge and importance of interdisciplinary planning between cardiothoracic surgeons and anesthesiologists prior to high-risk surgery. Failure to place an endoaortic balloon and percutaneous coronary sinus catheter due to anatomical abnormalities prompted the adoption of an alternate technique involving apical ventricular venting to assist sternal reentry. Apical left ventricular venting was successfully used to prevent ventricular dilation and dysfunction during institution of cardiopulmonary bypass with significant aortic regurgitation and hypothermia-induced ventricular fibrillation.