Journal of clinical anesthesia
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As of 1991, intensive care medicine in Germany is not an independent medical specialty but a part of other main medical specialities such as anesthesiology, internal medicine, surgery, and pediatrics. Accordingly, there is neither formal training nor a separate board examination in intensive care medicine. ⋯ Surgical (or operative) ICUs predominantly are operated by anesthesiology departments, as anesthesiologists' expertise in respiratory and hemodynamic support qualifies them for the management of the critically ill patient in the perioperative phase. This article gives a brief review of the development of intensive care medicine in Germany, thereby providing the historical background for its present national and regional organization, facilities, and education and training programs.
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The specialty of anesthesia was established in German medicine in 1953 with the founding of the Germany Society of Anaesthesia and the inclusion of a "specialist in anesthesia" as part of the German medical training requirements. Anesthesia training is offered to students and residents and as a part of continuing education. ⋯ Of those, about 320 are fully accredited. Continuing education in West German anesthesia is very similar to that offered in the United States.
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We describe a patient with the hypokalemic type of familial periodic paralysis (FPP) who received atracurium for muscle relaxation as required for diagnostic laparoscopy. Electrocardiographic (EKG) T-wave changes suggestive of hypokalemia were not supported by blood determinations. ⋯ At the conclusion of the surgical procedure, no reversal to the muscle relaxant was needed or given. The patient regained preoperative muscle strength, and her postoperative course was uneventful.
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In January 1986, West German legislators enacted the Medical Equipment Ordinance (MedGV) to define specific regulations for both manufacturers and operators of medical equipment and to offer a measure of safety to patients. We describe the history of MedGV, its regulations, and the mechanisms developed to enforce those regulations. ⋯ Finally, we focus our discussion on the distinction between improved equipment as a minor factor in critical-incidents and the inadequate manpower as a major factor in anesthesia mishaps. It is unclear what will develop after 1993, when the national states in Europe form a common market.