Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Randomized prospective trial comparing two supraglottic airway devices: i-gel™ and LMA-Supreme™ in paralyzed patients.
Many features can influence the choice of a supraglottic airway device (SAD), including ease of insertion, adequate ventilation pressures and lack of adverse effects. The goal of this randomized prospective trial was to compare the performance of the i-gel™ with that of the LMA-Supreme™. ⋯ Both the LMA-Supreme and the i-gel offer similar performance for positive pressure ventilation in paralyzed patients during general anesthesia. The i-gel was associated with a slightly faster insertion time and better fibrescopic visualization of the glottis. This trial was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01001078.
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To address an aging anesthesia workforce, we review the relevant changes and implications associated with age in order to stimulate discussion at the individual, local, and national levels regarding appropriate changes in practice aimed at protecting patient safety. ⋯ Provincial regulatory bodies have peer assessment programs to evaluate physicians at random, following a complaint, and at certain ages, but all have limitations. Simulation has been used widely for training and assessment in the aviation industry as well as in automobile driving exams. Simulation can assess crisis recognition and management, which is crucial in anesthesiology and not well assessed by other methods, and could assist elderly anesthesiologists during the pre-retirement phase of their careers. A standardized schedule for winding down would have advantages for physicians, their department, and their patients. A suggested schedule might include no further on-call duties for those aged 60 yr and older, no further high-acuity cases for those aged 65 yr and older, and retirement from operating room (OR) clinical practice (with possible continuation of non-OR clinical or other non-clinical activities, if desired) at age 70 yr. These timelines could be extended with satisfactory performance in annual simulation sessions involving assessment and practice in crisis management.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Preoperative beta blocker use associated with cerebral ischemia during carotid endarterectomy.
Cerebral ischemia is a known complication of carotid cross-clamping during carotid endarterectomy. Selective intraluminal shunting for cerebral protection is not always effective and carries risks. The purpose of this study was to identify potentially modifiable risk factors for intraoperative cerebral ischemia and shunting during carotid endarterectomy. ⋯ The current study found an association between regular preoperative use of beta blockers and intraoperative cerebral ischemia in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. This effect did not relate to intraoperative hemodynamics.
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Buprenorphine is a semisynthetic opioid with both agonist and antagonist activity at the opioid receptor. Currently, buprenorphine is commonly available in sublingual preparations combined with naloxone (e.g., Suboxone®, Subutex®). There has been increased use of buprenorphine derivatives in the areas of substance addiction and chronic pain. Nevertheless, there is limited and conflicting information in the literature pertaining to the optimal management of buprenorphine-stabilized patients presenting for surgery. We present our experience with a chronic pain patient on buprenorphine presenting for thoracic surgery. ⋯ In a chronic pain patient continued on Suboxone perioperatively, significant improvement in control of postoperative pain was observed following tapered doses, and eventually her use of Suboxone was discontinued. This case highlights the potential for opioid receptor blockade by Suboxone, which can interfere with acute pain management.