Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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To provide an evidence-based overview and update on the use of the Fastrach Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway (FT-LMA) when used within operative and non-operative settings. ⋯ The FT-LMA has proven to be a useful difficult airway device both within and outside of the operating room. Effective ventilation is established in nearly all cases, and blind ETI is possible in the vast majority of cases if the optimal techniques described are used. Serious complications are uncommon.
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In diabetics, elevated preoperative hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels are associated with increased complication rates after cardiac surgery. While many non-diabetics also have elevated HbA1c, the relationship with outcome in these patients is not well understood. Therefore, in a cohort of non-diabetic patients, we tested the hypothesis that preoperative HbA1c is associated with early mortality risk after cardiac surgery. ⋯ In non-diabetics, an elevated preoperative HbA1c level (>6.0%) is independently associated with significantly greater early mortality risk after elective cardiac surgery. Our findings suggest that HbA1c may have value as a screening tool to identify high-risk non-diabetic cardiac surgery patients.
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The Canadian STOP-PAIN Project was designed to document the human and economic burden of chronic pain in individuals on waitlists of Multidisciplinary Pain Treatment Facilities (MPTF). This paper describes the societal costs of their pain. ⋯ The economic burden of chronic pain is substantial in patients on waitlists of MPTFs. Consequently, it is essential to consider this burden when making decisions regarding resource allocation and waitlist assignment for a MPTF. Resource allocation decision-making should include the economic implications of having patients wait for an assessment and for care.
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Various bibliometric citation indices have been used to evaluate research productivity and scientific impact, but recently, Hirsch's h-index has gained widespread recognition. Although described initially for physical sciences, h-indices are being used to assess research productivity and impact in other disciplines. ⋯ We describe the bibliographic characteristics of the research output of pediatric anesthesiologists in Canada. This study highlights the growing influence of scientometrics on the evaluation of scientific performance in medical specialties.
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Strabismus surgery is one of the most common pediatric ophthalmic procedures. The purpose of this continuing professional development module is to update physicians on the anesthetic considerations of pediatric patients undergoing strabismus surgery. ⋯ To provide optimal care for the pediatric patient undergoing strabismus surgery, it is important to understand the unique anesthetic considerations for strabismus surgery and to appreciate how each decision regarding the anesthetic technique can alter these considerations.