Current opinion in anaesthesiology
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Simulation training in obstetric anesthesia has become widespread in recent years. Simulations are used to train staff and trainees, assess and improve team performance, and evaluate the work environment. This review summarizes current research in these categories. ⋯ Simulation allows for practice of tasks and teamwork in a controlled manner. There is little data whether simulation improves patient outcomes and metrics to predict the long-term retention of skills by simulation participants have not been developed.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Dec 2017
ReviewNew advancements in spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain management.
To update the recent development of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) technology in the management of chronic pain. ⋯ HF-10 SCS is free of paresthesia and associated with significantly better coverage of axial lower back pain. Burst stimulation invokes minimal paresthesia and provides better coverage of low back pain. DRG stimulation results in better outcomes in patients with complex regional pain syndrome. It requires less energy and delivers consistent stimulation regardless of postural variations. Clinical trials with new SCS modalities, such as Stimwaves, are under way to make SCS wireless. Intraoperative neuromonitoring and paresthesia atlas may be used to guide lead placement. Multicolumn surgical paddle leads enable a combination of independent current control with up to 32 contacts for better programming and better coverage.
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Epidural analgesia remains a widely used analgesic technique. This article aims to assess the safety of epidural analgesia by balancing efficacy and complications, of epidural analgesia for acute, labor and chronic pain. ⋯ Epidural analgesia for obstetric analgesic purposes is considered to be well tolerated in young, healthy women, since efficacy has been proven and complications leading to permanent neurological damage seldomly occur. Safety of epidural analgesia for perioperative and chronic pain treatment is more difficult to balance; careful selection of appropriate patients cannot be over-emphasized.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Dec 2017
ReviewDifficult airway management and training: simulation, communication, and feedback.
Successful and sustainable training and learning of the management of difficult and normal airway is essential for all clinically active anesthesiologists. We emphasize the importance of a continuously updated learning and training environment based on actual knowledge, best available equipment, standardized procedures, and educational theory. ⋯ We present the details of the Zurich Airway Training and Simulation program, which has been constantly updated to the actual state of knowledge and available equipment.