Anesthesia and analgesia
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Mar 2008
Comparative StudyA comparison of preoperative anxiety in female patients with mothers of children undergoing surgery.
We compared anxiety in mothers of children undergoing ambulatory surgery with female patients undergoing surgery themselves. We found that mothers were as anxious as patients undergoing major abdominal surgery and more anxious than patients undergoing minor surgery. Predictors of maternal anxiety were child age and maternal monitoring coping.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Mar 2008
Comparative StudyMolecular actions of propofol on human 5-HT3A receptors: enhancement as well as inhibition by closely related phenol derivatives.
5-Hydroxytryptamine type 3 (5-HT3) receptors are excitatory ligand-gated ion channels which are involved in postoperative nausea and vomiting. They are depressed by the anesthetic propofol, which, in contrast, enhances the activity of inhibitory ligand-gated ion channels such as gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors and glycine receptors. To investigate the molecular mechanisms responsible for these contrasting actions, we examined the kinetics of the action of propofol and its lesser hydrophobic derivatives 2-isopropylphenol and phenol on human 5-HT3A receptors. ⋯ At least two separate inhibitory actions on 5-HT3A receptors could be identified for propofol, whereas the enhancing action seen for the two related smaller phenol derivatives could no longer be detected. 5-HT-dependent and 5-HT-independent interactions could be distinguished for all three drugs. Propofol was less potent than expected from its hydrophobic properties. Underlying mechanisms appear to involve the phenolic hydroxyl group, hydrophobic interactions, and steric restrictions.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Mar 2008
Comparative StudyMeasurement of blood flow index during antegrade selective cerebral perfusion with near-infrared spectroscopy in newborn piglets.
Neonates with complex congenital heart defects have traditionally undergone surgery during deep hypothermic cardiac arrest (HCA). Selective cerebral perfusion (SCP) is thought to minimize ischemic brain injury by providing adequate cerebral blood flow. We investigated SCP with different flow rates compared with HCA with respect to cerebral perfusion and tissue oxygenation as assessed by near-infrared spectroscopy. ⋯ Both BFI and FV(mean) suggested increased cerebral perfusion in the SCP 50 group compared with the HCA and SCP 25 groups. TOI was significantly higher in both the SCP 25 and SCP 50 groups compared with HCA. SCP at 25 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1) may be most appropriate for cerebral protection.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Mar 2008
Case ReportsCar accidents after ambulatory surgery in patients without an escort.
Occasionally, ambulatory surgical patients present without an escort for their procedure. This creates a dilemma for caregivers, and allowing patients to drive may have an impact on their safety. The Canadian Medical Protective Association is a mutual defense organization for 95% of Canadian physicians. ⋯ Both had a car accident and sustained serious injuries. Based on this we do not recommend discharge without an escort after general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, monitored anesthesia or sedation. Driving after ambulatory surgery cannot be considered safe and caregivers need to verify a safe ride home.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Mar 2008
Case ReportsA novel approach for assessing catheter position after ultrasound-guided placement of continuous interscalene block.
The increasing use of ultrasound has allowed anesthesiologists to perform nerve blocks with a high success rate and without nerve stimulation or eliciting a paresthesia. The ability to visualize peripheral nerve catheters using ultrasound is limited. We present a novel method to confirm the position of an interscalene catheter tip using injection of agitated contrast. The described technique is simple and allows timely assessment of catheter tip position.