Journal of clinical anesthesia
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During palatoplasty on a 9-year-old girl with no personal or familial history of malignant hyperthermia, the temperature monitor reported an increase in temperature. Additionally, the surgeon thought the patient's jaw muscle was in spasm. While preparations were made for treatment of malignant hyperthermia, the temperature probe was tested and found to be defective. ⋯ When the temperature probe was tested 6 days later, it was working properly. The cause of the problem may have been moisture in the connection between the probe and the exterior cable, which eventually evaporated. Decision algorithms can assist in such situations to distinguish between a medical problem and a mechanical problem with the monitor.
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Case Reports
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome: anesthetic care prior to transplantation or surgical palliation.
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is the most common lethal cardiac defect in neonates. Options for treatment include cardiac transplantation and surgical palliation. ⋯ During this time, anesthetic care may be required for various surgical procedures. Associated anomalies seen in these infants and the anesthetic implications imposed by the abnormal cardiac anatomy are discussed.