Journal of clinical anesthesia
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Intravenous clonidine fails to reduce postoperative meperidine requirements.
To investigate the effect of an additional postoperative intravenous (IV) clonidine infusion on meperidine requirements in the early postoperative period. ⋯ During the first 2 postoperative hours following cholecystectomy, postoperative meperidine intake could not be reduced by IV administration of clonidine 300 micrograms.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Role of the laryngeal mask airway in the immobile cervical spine.
To determine whether the laryngeal mask airway has a useful role in the airway management of patients whose cervical spines are immobilized in a rigid cervical collar. ⋯ The laryngeal mask airway compared favorably with an endotracheal tube in success rate, difficulty of insertion, and time to position correctly in this patient population. Although the laryngeal mask does not reliably protect against aspiration, we believe it may play a useful role if more conventional methods of airway management fail. Further studies in the trauma scenario are indicated.
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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.