Journal of clinical anesthesia
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A jet stylet is a small internal diameter (ID), semirigid hollow catheter that is inserted into an in situ tracheal tube prior to extubation of a patient who may be difficult to reintubate. After the tracheal tube is withdrawn over the jet stylet, the hollow catheter can be used for jet ventilation or as an intratracheal stylet for reintubation with a new tracheal tube. It was previously thought that after the new tracheal tube was inserted over the jet stylet, the stylet would have to be removed to allow connection of the new tube to the breathing circuit and confirmation of intratracheal placement of the tube. We describe a method for preserving the intratracheal location of the jet stylet while confirming intratracheal placement of the new tracheal tube.
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We describe the first case report of an epidural autologous blood patch used for the treatment of a durocutaneous fistula caused by a surgical dural tear. The epidural blood patch cured the patient's headache and was followed by a sequelae of back pain that responded to conservative therapy.
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To establish the frequency of large visible bubbles or collections of bubbles in the jugular vein during radical neck dissection in the supine position. ⋯ We theorize that some unexplained, undesirable intraoperative events (hypotension, arrhythmia, and hypoxemia) during radical neck dissection could be a result of venous air embolus or paradoxical air embolus. The anesthesia community should be aware of the high frequency of these visible bubbles in the jugular veins during radical neck surgery, even in the supine position. At minimum, this phenomenon is a frequent event of intellectual interest. At worst, these bubbles may be harbingers of significant central air embolism.
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To determine the accuracy of body surface area (BSA) calculations proposed in the literature and their applicability to patient populations such as neonates and parturients. ⋯ Several BSA formulas, including the DuBois and DuBois formulas adequately predict measured BSA over a wide range of patient populations. Although the original subjects studied by Dubois and DuBois excluded extremes of height and weight, their formula appears to be a valid predictor.
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Editorial Historical Article
A historic occasion: an anesthesia journal turns 70.