Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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Observational Study
The effect of patient positioning on ultrasound landmarking for cricothyrotomy.
Our primary objective was to assess the difference in position of the ultrasound-guided landmark of the cricothyroid membrane (CTM) when performed with the supine patient positioned at different head of bed (HOB) elevations. ⋯ The location of the ultrasound-identified surface landmark of the CTM moves in a cephalad direction by changing the position of the HOB from supine 0° to elevation at 30° and 90°. This may be clinically important when attempting cricothyrotomy using a percutaneous (blind) technique, particularly when CTM identification and cricothyrotomy are performed at different head elevations.
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Spinal epidural hematoma and abscess are rare complications of neuraxial anesthesia but can cause severe neurologic deficits. The incidence of these complications vary widely in existing studies and the risk factors remain uncertain. We estimated the incidence of these complications and explored associations using a national inpatient database in Japan. ⋯ This analysis identified the incidences of spinal epidural hematoma and/or abscess after neuraxial anesthesia. Additional large-scale studies are warranted to examine the incidences and factors associated with these complications.