Acta anaesthesiologica Scandinavica
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Acta Anaesthesiol Scand · Aug 1989
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialThe effect of topically applied anaesthetics (EMLA cream) on thresholds to thermode and argon laser stimulation.
The cold and warmth thresholds to thermode stimulation and the sensory and pain thresholds to argon laser stimulation were determined before and after topical application of EMLA (Eutectic Mixture of Local Anaesthetics) cream. The sensory threshold to argon laser stimulation and warmth threshold to thermode stimulation are both described in terms of warmth or faint heat. ⋯ The analgetic effect of topically applied lidocaine/prilocaine, evaluated by the cutaneous thermal and pain threshold, is compatible with the idea that topical application of EMLA cream blocks free nerve endings rather than the nerve fibres, and induces a sequence of sensory loss which, in some respects, differs from that typically observed after perineural application of local anaesthetics. The effect of topically applied anaesthetics is influenced by a number of thermodynamical, anatomical, and physiological factors in the skin.
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Acta Anaesthesiol Scand · Aug 1989
Carbon dioxide distribution in Mapleson A and D systems: an experimental study.
The distribution of CO2 in the Mapleson A and D rebreathing systems was investigated experimentally during controlled ventilation and with the expiratory valve closed during inspiration. Maximal and minimal levels of CO2-concentration obtained from capnograms along the tubing were used to construct "gas profiles". For both systems, high tidal volumes and low fresh gas flows resulted in a high degree of gas separation with a pool of alveolar gas near the expiratory valve, and longitudinal gas mixing was minimal. ⋯ The end of the tubing nearest the patient was found to act as a reservoir for alveolar gas in the Mapleson A system and fresh gas in the Mapleson D system. Fresh gas utilization in the Mapleson D system was somewhat less efficient than in the Mapleson A system due to the fresh gas admixture to exhaled alveolar gas in the patient-near end of the tubing during expiration. The replacement of the usual expiratory valve of the Mapleson A system by a valve which is closed during inspiration makes the A system an alternative to the D system for controlled ventilation.
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Acta Anaesthesiol Scand · Aug 1989
Case ReportsFailure of a heat and moisture exchanger as a cause of disconnection during anaesthesia.
Two cases of ventilator tubing mishaps, resulting from defective heat and moisture exchangers, are described. The report emphasises the need for preoperative inspection of the anaesthetic machine and associated equipment as well as the importance of a disconnect alarm device.
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Acta Anaesthesiol Scand · Jul 1989
Influence of propranolol on the in vitro response to caffeine and halothane in malignant hyperthermia-susceptible muscle.
In vitro contracture tests for susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia (MH) were performed with halothane and caffeine in 27 patients according to the protocol of the European MH Group. Additional halothane and caffeine tests were performed in the presence of propranolol 80 micrograms/l. ⋯ Propranolol did not influence the caffeine results in the normal response group group (n = 12). It is concluded that beta-blockers should be discontinued before investigation for MH susceptibility.
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Acta Anaesthesiol Scand · Jul 1989
Constant-flow ventilation in canine experimental pulmonary emphysema.
The efficacy of constant-flow ventilation (CFV) was investigated in eight mongrel dogs before (control-phase) and after development of papain-induced panlobular emphysema (PLE-phase). For CFV, heated, humidified and oxygen-enriched air was continuously delivered via two catheters positioned within each mainstem bronchus at flow rates (V) of 0.33, 0.5 and 0.66 l/s. Data obtained during intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) served as reference. ⋯ In dogs with emphysematous lungs CFV maintains sufficient gas exchange. This may be due to preferential ventilation of basal lung units, thereby counterbalancing the effects of impaired lung morphometry and increased airtrapping. Conventional mechanical ventilation is more effective in terms of oxygenation and CO2-elimination.