Journal of clinical anesthesia
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Historical Article
For all the world to see: anesthesia at the 1939 New York World's Fair.
The 1939 New York World's Fair presented a unique opportunity for the newly recognized specialty of anesthesiology to be presented to the general public. With funding supplied by the Winthrop Chemical Company of New York City and careful planning, a committee of physician-anesthetists was able to design a display that illustrated all aspects of the physician-anesthetist's role in health care: general "gas" anesthesia, regional techniques, pain management, resuscitation, and oxygen therapy. ⋯ Surprisingly, issues and discussions concerning the fashion in which anesthesia was to be presented at this exhibit remain germane to current presentations of the specialty to the general public. Although no record remains of the public's response to the exhibit, the World's Fair was an international showcase and an important opportunity for public recognition of anesthesiology.
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We report an unusual case of endotracheal tube obstruction secondary to alteration of the preoperative fasting period. A patient scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting had been instructed to take nothing by mouth except scheduled medication with sips of water prior to surgery. Induction of anesthesia and tracheal intubation were accomplished without incident. ⋯ We believe that the mass of gum caused enough deviation of the endotracheal tube to impair ventilation. The safety of preoperative gum chewing and liquid ingestion is discussed. Other incidents of anesthetic problems caused by modification of the traditional preoperative fast are highlighted.