International journal of obstetric anesthesia
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Nov 2013
ReviewInteractive technology in obstetric anaesthesia and analgesia: exploring seamless solutions to jagged problems.
Perioperative care often involves treating rapid changes in a patient's physiological profile that requires timely intervention by anaesthetists. Interactive technology and closed-loop systems are currently developed in obstetric anaesthesia and analgesia for maintaining parameters during caesarean section and epidural analgesia. ⋯ The components of an interactive system such as the input sensor or device, microprocessor-based control unit and the effector are introduced. Developments in continuous, non-invasive blood pressure monitoring, control algorithms and smart pump technology would help to redefine how technology can assist obstetric anaesthetists to provide better care and improve clinical outcomes for pregnant women.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Nov 2013
How UK obstetric anaesthetists assess neuraxial anaesthesia for caesarean delivery: National surveys of practice conducted in 2004 and 2010.
There is much interest in optimal methods of assessing neuraxial block before caesarean delivery. Although cold sensation is commonly used, some evidence suggests that the risk of intraoperative pain may be reduced by assessing light touch. We aimed to determine how neuraxial anaesthesia was managed perioperatively, and whether changes in clinical practice reflected the differing evidence in the literature over six years. ⋯ Methods of assessing neuraxial block differed from those recommended in the literature. The wide range of modalities, methods of testing and targeted sensory levels suggest that clearer recommendations on best practice for assessment and documentation of neuraxial block before caesarean delivery are required.