International journal of obstetric anesthesia
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Oct 2024
ReviewArtificial intelligence in obstetric anaesthesiology - the future of patient care?
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in obstetric anaesthesiology shows great potential in enhancing our practice and delivery of care. In this narrative review, we summarise the current applications of AI in four key areas of obstetric anaesthesiology (perioperative care, neuraxial procedures, labour analgesia and obstetric critical care), where AI has been employed to varying degrees for decision support, event prediction, risk stratification and procedural assistance. ⋯ While promising, AI cannot replace the expertise and clinical judgement of a trained obstetric anaesthesiologist. It should, instead, be viewed as a valuable tool to facilitate and support our practice.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Oct 2024
Anesthetic management for fetal surgery: Lessons from a single-center experience (2019-2023).
Fetal surgery presents distinctive anesthetic challenges due to the need to balance maternal and fetal safety. This retrospective study evaluates the anesthetic management strategies used at a single center for various fetal interventions, including fetoscopic laser photocoagulation, fetal endoluminal tracheal occlusion, bipolar cord coagulation, and fetoscopic spina bifida repair. We reviewed 195 fetal procedures performed between 2019 and 2023 at Rabin Medical Center. ⋯ This study underscores the importance of tailoring anesthetic techniques to the specific fetal surgery. Key improvements in hypotension management, adopting total intravenous anesthesia for complex surgeries, and optimized postoperative pain control have contributed to better maternal and fetal outcomes. Ongoing reassessment and adaptation of anesthetic protocols remain critical as fetal surgery evolves.