Journal of clinical anesthesia
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Observational Study
Abbreviated right-sided heart echocardiogram and the STOP-Bang questionnaire-a useful relationship for preoperative patient evaluation?
The aims of this study were to (1) explore the incidence of right-sided heart dysfunction (RHD) and STOP-Bang questionnaire responses consistent with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and (2) assess the relationship between patients with STOP-Bang questionnaire responses consistent with OSA and echocardiographic findings suggestive of RHD. ⋯ This preliminary study suggests that there are numerous sources of RHD, among one of which is sleep apnea, and/or the STOP-Bang questionnaire is not a sensitive tool for predicting RHD. We conclude that although the STOP-Bang questionnaire is easy to implement in a preoperative clinical setting, it is not useful in identifying patients at risk for RHD.
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To evaluate intra-abdominal needle trajectories of the classic transcrural celiac plexus block (tCPB) with a simulation technique. ⋯ Despite uncommon clinical complications, classic tCPB needle placement frequently traversed through several key organs in this simulation series. Organ penetrations could be avoided by needle trajectory adjustment.
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Despite the fact that anesthesia was discovered in the United States, we believe that both physicians and nurses are largely unaware of many aspects of the development of the nurse anesthetist profession. A shortage of suitable anesthetists and the reluctance of physicians to provide anesthetics in the second half of the 19th century encouraged nurses to take on this role. We trace the origins of the nurse anesthetist profession and provide biographical information about its pioneers, including Catherine Lawrence, Sister Mary Bernard Sheridan, Alice Magaw, Agatha Cobourg Hodgins, and Helen Lamb. ⋯ We provide information on difficulties faced by nurse anesthetists and how these were overcome. Next, we examine how members of the profession organized, developed training programs, and formalized credentialing and licensing procedures. We conclude by examining the current state of nurse anesthesia practice in the United States.
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The prevalence of medical conditions representing a risk for thromboembolic complications and requiring antithrombotic therapy increases gradually with age. Two cases of fatal noncritical organ bleeding complication that occurred during the conversion period from initial fondaparinux to vitamin K antagonist are presented. An 81-year-old obese female patient (body mass index 43 kg/m(2)) with previous postoperative thrombosis underwent uneventful total knee replacement under spinal anesthesia. ⋯ A 92-year-old female patient (body mass index 33 kg/m(2)) with left lower limb thrombosis was referred to our orthopedics department from her senior citizens' home for right lower limb hematoma and ischemia that occurred during conversion to oral anticoagulant. Thromboembolic and bleeding events in the elderly are real public health problems. Specific guidelines dedicated to this particular population are needed, which will improve the management of anticoagulation and decrease risk of complications.