Current opinion in anaesthesiology
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Oct 2011
ReviewPlacebo analgesia and beyond: a melting pot of concepts and ideas for neuroscience.
In the last two decades, some of the neuroanatomical and neurophysiological substrates of the placebo effect have been elucidated. What has emerged is the multifactorial nature of the placebo effect, such that there is not a single placebo effect but many. Here we report on recent advances in our understanding of this phenomenon, with particular emphasis on its use as an experimental model to better clarify different brain mechanisms. ⋯ The study of the placebo effect is paying dividends and bodes well for the future. Whereas in clinical practice it can increase the efficacy of a therapy, in the experimental setting it represents an excellent tool for neuroscience.
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Regional anesthesia is evolving rapidly and increasing in popularity as evidenced by the large number of publications on the topic. In this healthcare environment, continual assessment of the safety and efficacy of clinical practice is critical. Neurologic complications of regional anesthesia can result in disability and are feared by patients and clinicians. Ultrasound guidance is unique as a nerve localizing technique in terms of being able to image needle-nerve proximity and potentially prevent direct trauma to nerves. This article reviews the recent literature relevant to neurologic complications of regional anesthesia. ⋯ The pathogenesis of perioperative nerve injury is complex with multiple potential etiologies and mechanisms. The role of intraneural injections as a modifiable risk factor for neurologic complications due to regional anesthesia remains topical. Relevant publications include studies on the morphology of peripheral nerves and risk of perioperative nerve injury in the context of both neuraxial anesthesia and PNB.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Oct 2011
ReviewUltrasonography of the lumbar spine for neuraxial and lumbar plexus blocks.
Ultrasonography of the spine has evolved into a well described technique that can be applied to facilitate neuraxial and lumbar plexus blockade. ⋯ Preprocedural ultrasound imaging of the spine may reduce the technical difficulty of neuraxial blockade and also improve clinical efficacy. Similar benefits are expected in the setting of lumbar plexus blockade although there is currently no evidence to confirm this. Real-time ultrasound-guided neuraxial and lumbar plexus blockade are challenging techniques that need further validation.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Oct 2011
ReviewChanging trends in monitoring brain ischemia: from intracranial pressure to cerebral oximetry.
Cerebral ischemia forms the pathophysiological basis of several acute neurological conditions. Successful management of these conditions depends on early and accurate identification of ischemia and prompt treatment. Several techniques of assessing ischemia have evolved over decades. But their importance in the management of neurological patients remains ambiguous. ⋯ A wide range of options are available for monitoring adequacy of regional and global CBF. But no single monitor per se fulfils the requirements of all clinical situations. Impact of these monitors on clinical outcomes is equivocal. Also, at present, many of these monitors are invasive and not cost-effective.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Oct 2011
ReviewAnesthetic concerns for pediatric patients in an intraoperative MRI suite.
Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) is an evolving technology used to provide precise intraoperative navigation during a variety of neurosurgical and other types of surgical procedures. Anesthesiologists need to be aware of the unique challenges created by this environment. Failure to recognize the differences between the diagnostic MRI environment and the iMRI environment can compromise the safety of the patient and operating room staff and present logistical problems. ⋯ We describe the design of different iMRI suites as well as provide a breakdown of both patient and equipment issues encountered by anesthesiologists practicing in this environment. Finally, we offer our ongoing experience in this environment and provide suggestions to optimize patient outcomes.