Journal of clinical anesthesia
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Flow increases with an enlarging intravenous catheter.
To determine the increase in flow of a hydratable enlarging intravenous (IV) catheter in anesthetized patients. ⋯ Flow through enlarging IV catheters placed in anesthetized patients increases after 1 hour. The percentage increase in flow is not as great as previously seen in vitro and may be due to skin, vein, and subcutaneous tissues preventing complete expansion.
-
To determine the sites and rates of the leakage of disposable breathing circuits. ⋯ Most disposable breathing circuits can be used safely for closed-circuit anesthesia, as the leakage volume is too small to be of clinical importance. The variation in the leakage rates stresses the importance of quality control of the connector seals.
-
To assess the resistance of a new endotracheal tube to penetration and ignition by a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser at a clinically relevant power setting. ⋯ The protective coating of the Xomed Laser-Shield II is laser-resistant, but the unprotected silicone proximal and distal to the cuff is laser-vulnerable and can, under certain conditions, promote a blowtorch phenomenon. This tube would be acceptable for use in oral and pharyngeal laser surgery, but we recommend its use only in well-ventilated areas, out of concern for exposure to the products of the pyrolysis of Teflon, specifically the development of polymer-fume fever.