European journal of anaesthesiology
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Simulation is often used for training personnel in activities where the consequences of inappropriate actions are serious. We report a realistic training simulator, which can reproduce practically all potential malfunctions in the anaesthetic machine. Using actual standard equipment (Dameca 10750), the interior of the anaesthetic machine has been profoundly modified, whereas the external appearance remains virtually unchanged. ⋯ While assisted by an instructor, the trainee performs hands-on interactive experimentation with the simulator, while being exposed to 'unexpected' machine faults, which prompt for interpretation of error symptoms. Alternatively, the trainee can personally activate the simulated symptoms of different component failures, to enhance learning of the functional principles of the apparatus. The latter approach also allows a systematic presentation of defects to be identified by each step in a formal safety checklist for anaesthetic machines.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Intubation with propofol: evaluation of pre-treatment with alfentanil or lignocaine.
The effect of lignocaine or alfentanil pre-treatment on conditions at orotracheal intubation following induction with propofol, but without the use of muscle relaxants, were compared in a prospective, controlled, double-blind study. Forty five healthy patients undergoing elective surgery were randomly allocated to receive either 0.9% saline (control), alfentanil 20 micrograms/kg-1, or lignocaine 1.5 mg kg-1 prior to induction with propofol 2.5 mg kg-1. ⋯ Intubation scores of 1 or 2 were obtained in 14 out of 15 patients (93%) in the alfentanil group and this was significantly better than the lignocaine group (33%) or control group (20%). No difference was detected between the scores of the latter two groups.
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In 1988, a confidential postal questionnaire was prepared in order to assess the techniques used routinely in France for prophylaxis of aspiration of gastric contents in obstetrics. Of the 297 anaesthetists who responded, 81% (237) worked almost always and 19% worked occasionally in obstetric anaesthesia. Although obstetric anaesthesia is considered to carry a particular risk of aspiration of gastric contents (88.5% of responders), only 23% used in every case a complete set of prophylactic measures. ⋯ Among the users of cricoid pressure, 52% were able to describe precisely the technique. Tracheal intubation is considered mandatory when general anaesthesia is performed for Caesarean section but not for uterine revision or instrumental manoeuvre. 74% of obstetric anaesthetists believe that regional anaesthesia is the best anaesthetic technique for Caesarean section. This survey has shown both positive results indicating that continuing medical education of French anaesthetists follows at least in part the 'state of the art' and insufficiencies indicating that training continues to be necessary to reduce the mortality related to aspiration of gastric contents.