Anesthesia and analgesia
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Jan 2009
Randomized Controlled TrialTramadol as an adjuvant to lidocaine for axillary brachial plexus block.
In this prospective randomized study, we evaluated the effect of tramadol as an adjuvant to axillary block. ⋯ The benefit of block prolongation associated with the addition of 200 mg tramadol to lidocaine during axillary block is limited by the slow onset of the block.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Jan 2009
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyAirway scope and StyletScope for tracheal intubation in a simulated difficult airway.
Direct laryngoscopy is difficult when the cervical spine is immobilized. The Airway Scope and StyletScope are new laryngoscopes designed to facilitate intubation under these circumstances. Thus, in patients wearing a rigid cervical collar to simulate a difficult airway, we tested the hypothesis that the intubation success rates of the Airway Scope and StyletScope are similar, but that intubation with Airway Scope is faster. ⋯ Both the Airway Scope and StyletScope offer high success rates in a simulated difficult airway achieved by a rigid collar. However, the Airway Scope is faster and less likely to cause esophageal intubation.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Jan 2009
Review Case ReportsLeft ventricular assist device outflow cannula obstruction by the rare environmental fungus Myceliophthora thermophila.
Left ventricular assist devices are used to provide mechanical circulatory support during end-stage heart failure either as a destination therapy or as a bridge to heart transplantation. Perioperative transesophageal echocardiography is becoming an invaluable tool to investigate device function during implantation and in case of mechanical malfunction. ⋯ Here, we present a case of severe outflow conduit obstruction by a rare environmental fungus, Myceliophthora thermophila. After replacement of the infected device and intensive antifungal treatment, heart transplantation was performed 2 yr later.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Jan 2009
Case ReportsRoutine preoperative coagulation screening detects a rare bleeding disorder.
Factor X deficiency is a rare hereditary coagulation disorder. We report a case of congenital factor X deficiency diagnosed preoperatively in an 8-yr-old female child scheduled to undergo corrective surgery for congenital thoracolumbar kyphoscoliosis. Her preoperative coagulation profile revealed prolonged prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time values. ⋯ IV tranexamic acid was also administered to reduce intraoperative blood loss. There were no postoperative bleeding complications. This case emphasizes the need for routine preoperative coagulation screening, at least for major surgical procedures.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Jan 2009
The effects of neonatal isoflurane exposure in mice on brain cell viability, adult behavior, learning, and memory.
Volatile anesthetics, such as isoflurane, are widely used in infants and neonates. Neurodegeneration and neurocognitive impairment after exposure to isoflurane, midazolam, and nitrous oxide in neonatal rats have raised concerns regarding the safety of pediatric anesthesia. In neonatal mice, prolonged isoflurane exposure triggers hypoglycemia, which could be responsible for the neurocognitive impairment. We examined the effects of neonatal isoflurane exposure and blood glucose on brain cell viability, spontaneous locomotor activity, as well as spatial learning and memory in mice. ⋯ Prolonged isoflurane exposure in neonatal mice led to increased immediate brain cell degeneration, however, no significant reductions in adult neuronal density or deficits in spontaneous locomotion, spatial learning, or memory function were observed.