Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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Breaking of disposable blades during emergency endotracheal intubation has been reported. Breakage can cause serious injury and foreign body ingestion. We aimed to measure and analyze the strength characteristics of different disposable videolaryngoscope blades with the application of an upward-lifting force. ⋯ Clinicians should be aware of the varied strength characteristics of the four types of disposable videolaryngoscope blades when they are used in endotracheal intubation.
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There is a paucity of data on the effect of intraoperative end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) levels on postoperative mortality. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between intraoperative EtCO2 and 90-day mortality in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery under general anesthesia. ⋯ A mean intraoperative EtCO2 < 35 mm Hg was associated with increased postoperative 90-day mortality.
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Observational Study
The association of nitrous oxide on length of stay in the postanesthesia care unit: a retrospective observational study.
To assess whether intraoperative use of nitrous oxide (N2O) as an adjunct to general anesthesia is associated with a shorter length of stay in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). ⋯ Nitrous oxide was dose-dependently associated with a decreased PACU length of stay. The effect was clinically relevant (> 30 min difference) in patients who underwent complex surgical procedures and received intraoperative antiemetic therapy.
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Healthcare workers have experienced high levels of anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly when caring for patients with unknown infection status. We trialled rapid preoperative point-of-care COVID-19 testing using the Abbott ID NOW™ COVID-19 for clinical validation in an urgent surgical population at a single centre in British Columbia, Canada. Here, we sought to determine the opinions and beliefs of operating room (OR) staff on the usefulness and effectiveness of point-of-care tests on workflow and wellbeing in the OR. ⋯ During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to maintain the physical and mental wellbeing of hospital staff. Rapid point-of-care testing increased the sense of workplace safety, improved morale, and reduced worry associated with COVID-19 without excessive disruption of OR workflow.