Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Performance of the PAxpress vs the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway during general anesthesia.
The PAxpress (PAx) is a relatively new pharyngeal airway device that is easily inserted and effective in routine airway management. A prospective, randomized study was undertaken to compare the PAx with the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) during anesthesia with positive pressure ventilation. ⋯ In comparison with the PLMA, PAx insertion time is longer and the ventilatory characteristics of this new device may be marginally inferior. The PAx is also more traumatic and is associated with more postoperative discomfort compared to the PLMA.
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To review established techniques and to provide an update on new methods for clinical monitoring of neuromuscular function relevant to anesthesia. ⋯ Objective methods should be used to monitor neuromuscular function in clinical anesthesia. Acceleromyography offers the best compromise with respect to ease of use, practicality, versatility, precision and applicability at various muscles. The CS is the optimal muscle to determine the earliest time for intubation, e.g., for rapid sequence induction.
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Postoperative hypothermia after cardiac surgery is still a common problem often treated with forced-air warming. This study was conducted to determine the heat transfer efficacy of 11 forced-air warming systems with full body blankets on a validated copper manikin. ⋯ There are clinically relevant differences between the tested forced-air warming systems with full body blankets. Several systems were unable to transfer heat to the manikin at a surface temperature of 38 degrees C.
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Two cases are presented wherein the GlideScope videolaryngoscope (GVL) facilitated laryngeal exposure and successful endotracheal intubation, but resulted in pharyngeal injury. ⋯ There have been no previously published reports of injuries related to GlideScope laryngoscopy, but perforation of the palatopharyngeal arch occurring in two patients demonstrates a rare but potentially important complication of the GVL. Strategies to minimize this complication are considered.