Anesthesia and analgesia
-
Anesthesia and analgesia · Aug 2009
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyDesflurane versus sevoflurane for maintenance of outpatient anesthesia: the effect on early versus late recovery and perioperative coughing.
There is controversy regarding the relative perioperative benefits of desflurane versus sevoflurane when used for maintenance of anesthesia in the ambulatory setting. Although studies have consistently demonstrated a faster emergence with desflurane (versus sevoflurane), the impact of this difference on the later recovery end points has not been definitively established. Furthermore, the effect of desflurane (versus sevoflurane) on the incidence of coughing is also controversial. ⋯ Use of desflurane for maintenance of anesthesia was associated with a faster emergence and a higher incidence of coughing. Despite the faster initial recovery with desflurane, no significant differences were found between the two volatile anesthetics in the later recovery period. Both volatile anesthetics should be available for ambulatory anesthesia.
-
Anesthesia and analgesia · Aug 2009
ReviewContinuous electroencephalogram monitoring in the intensive care unit.
Because of recent technical advances, it is now possible to record and monitor the continuous digital electroencephalogram (EEG) of many critically ill patients simultaneously. Continuous EEG monitoring (cEEG) provides dynamic information about brain function that permits early detection of changes in neurologic status, which is especially useful when the clinical examination is limited. Nonconvulsive seizures are common in comatose critically ill patients and can have multiple negative effects on the injured brain. ⋯ Intracranial EEG recording is being performed in a few centers to better detect seizures, ischemia, and peri-injury depolarizations, all of which may contribute to secondary injury. When cEEG is combined with individualized, physiologically driven decision making via multimodality brain monitoring, intensivists can identify when the brain is at risk for injury or when neuronal injury is already occurring and intervene before there is permanent damage. The exact role and cost-effectiveness of cEEG at the current time remains unclear, but we believe it has significant potential to improve neurologic outcomes in a variety of settings.
-
Anesthesia and analgesia · Aug 2009
ReviewPerioperative hemodynamic monitoring with transesophageal Doppler technology.
Invasive cardiac output (CO) monitoring, traditionally performed with transpulmonary thermodilution techniques, is usually reserved for high-risk patients because of the inherent risks of these methods. In contrast, transesophageal Doppler (TED) technology offers a safe, quick, and less invasive method for routine measurements of CO. After esophageal insertion and focusing of the probe, the Doppler beam interrogates the descending aortic blood flow. ⋯ TED can be used to guide perioperative intravascular volume substitution and therapy, with vasoactive or inotropic drugs. Various studies have demonstrated a reduced postoperative morbidity and shorter length of hospital stay in patients managed with TED compared with conventional clinical management, suggesting that it may be a valuable supplement to standard perioperative monitoring. We review not only the technical basis of this method and its clinical application but also its limitations, risks, and contraindications.
-
Anesthesia and analgesia · Aug 2009
The association of hemodilution and transfusion of red blood cells with biochemical markers of splanchnic and renal injury during cardiopulmonary bypass.
Hemodilution is the main cause of a low hematocrit concentration during cardiopulmonary bypass. This low hematocrit may be insufficient for optimal tissue oxygen delivery and often results in packed cell transfusion. Our objective in this study was to find a relationship between intraoperative hematocrit and allogeneic blood transfusion on release of postoperative injury markers from the kidneys and the splanchnic area. ⋯ The results support the concept that hemodilution below an intraoperative hematocrit of 24% and consequently transfusion of red blood cells is related to release of injury markers of the kidneys and splanchnic area.