Anaesthesia and intensive care
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Anaesth Intensive Care · Jul 2008
Historical ArticleHistory of analgesia and regional anaesthesia through philately.
Medical philately is the study of postage stamps commemorating events and pioneers in the field of medicine. In 1929, Dr Fielding H. ⋯ His prediction has hardly come to fruition in the years since then, with medical philatelic articles rarely seen in the medical press. The history of pain medicine is unique, diverse and extremely interesting, with many chemists, physicists, philosophers, contributing in their own way over centuries to pave the path to present day pain medicine.
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Anaesth Intensive Care · Jul 2008
Review Historical ArticleThe origins of the sniffing position and the Three Axes Alignment Theory for direct laryngoscopy.
The Three Axes Alignment Theory and the sniffing position for direct laryngoscopy are the anatomical basis for direct laryngoscopy. This position has been one of the hallmarks of airway management and yet its development is based on a small number of descriptive texts published between 1852 and 1944. This paper explores the origins of direct laryngoscopy and how the sniffing position came to be described. The seemingly incongruent techniques of the rigid bronchoscopist and direct laryngoscopist are discussed from an historical perspective.
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Chlorhexidine is a widely used skin antisepsis preparation and is an ingredient in toothpaste and mouthwash. It is an especially effective antiseptic when combined with alcohol. Its antimicrobial effects persist because it is binds strongly to proteins in the skin and mucosa, making it an effective antiseptic ingredient for handwashing, skin preparation for surgery and the placement of intravascular access. ⋯ The incidence of contact dermatitis to chlorhexidine in atopic patients is approximately 2.5 to 5.4%. Acute hypersensitivity reactions to chlorhexidine are often not recognised and therefore may be underreported. This review discusses the pharmacology, microbiology, clinical applications and adverse effects of chlorhexidine.
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Anaesth Intensive Care · Jul 2008
Historical ArticleFrom collection to museum: the development of the Geoffrey Kaye Museum of Anaesthetic History.
Located at the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) headquarters in Melbourne, Victoria, this internationally significant collection was founded in 1935 by renowned Australian anaesthetist Dr Geoffrey Kaye (1903 to 1986). Although it has always been referred to as a museum, it lacked the necessary management structure and infrastructure to meet museum standards. ⋯ This paper outlines the management issues and innovative strategies involved in developing this important collection into a professionally managed museum based on best practice standards. It illustrates the benefits of introducing a clear vision and an agreed longterm management plan based on Museums Australia (Victoria) Museum Accreditation Program guidelines.