Paediatric anaesthesia
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Dec 2018
Case ReportsPerioperative management of tracheocutaneous fistula closure in children: A review of 96 cases.
A tracheocutaneous fistula is a known complication following tracheostomy decannulation. Although surgical techniques for its repair are well described, there is no consensus about perioperative management and this procedure may generate significant airway and respiratory complications intraoperatively, and in the early postoperative period. We aimed to describe variations in perioperative management in tracheocutaneous fistula closure, estimate the incidence of early airway and respiratory complications, and identify any predisposing factors. ⋯ Perioperative care for children undergoing tracheocutaneous fistula closure was not standardized. Advocated tests such as preoperative "mini" sleep studies and "leak test" intraoperatively were not consistently performed. Intraoperative anesthetic complications were uncommon; however, major postoperative respiratory complications were 5%.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Dec 2018
A retrospective study of the impact of supraglottic airway devices on the appearance of neck masses in children undergoing serial magnetic resonance imaging.
General anesthesia and sedation are used routinely for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in children to optimize image quality. Airway devices such as supraglottic airways (SGAs) can alter the appearance of cervical soft tissue regions on an MRI and increase the risk of misdiagnosis. This phenomenon has not been well described in vivo. ⋯ Supraglottic airways can significantly alter the appearance of neck masses in children undergoing MRIs and affect radiologists' ability to assess those masses. Communication with the radiologist prior to the induction of anesthesia is crucial when using supraglottic devices in this patient population. It may be more prudent to use a different airway device and/or anesthetic technique when MRIs of these neck masses are undertaken.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Dec 2018
Performance of blow-by methods in delivering oxygen to pediatric patients during transport: A laboratory study.
Providing supplemental oxygen with a blow-by method is used to provide additional oxygen to patients who will not tolerate an oxygen delivery device in direct contact with their face. Blow-by methods are often improvised from parts of standard equipment. The performance is very dependent on the distance to the face and the direction of the gas flow. Blow-by methods are used by anesthetists during transport but their performance in delivering supplemental oxygen has only been tested in static situations. The aim of this nonclinical study was to determine the performance of different blow-by methods in the delivery of additional oxygen to pediatric patients during transport. ⋯ It is concluded that the ability of blow-by methods to deliver a FiO2 >50% depends on the method used and distance from the face.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Dec 2018
Randomized Controlled TrialComparative evaluation of CMAC and Truview picture capture device for endotracheal intubation in neonates and infants undergoing elective surgeries: A prospective randomized control trial.
Videolaryngoscopy has an established role in difficult airway management in adults. However, there is limited literature to support their efficacy in children. The Truview Picture Capture Device has shown promising results for endotracheal intubation in infants in the past. The CMAC videolaryngoscope has launched its novel infant Miller blade, but its performance has not been assessed clinically for routine intubation in infants and neonates. We hypothesized that the CMAC videolaryngoscope would reduce the total time to intubation as compared to the Truview Picture Capture Device in neonates and infants. ⋯ The CMAC Miller blade reduced the total time taken for tracheal intubation and intubation difficulty as compared to the Truview Picture Capture Device and may be a better tool for intubation in infants.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Dec 2018
Biography Historical ArticleAt the birth of pediatric anesthesia in Mexico: An interview with Dr. Estela Melman, a pioneering woman in medicine.
Dr. Estela Melman (1939-present), Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology, the American British Cowdray Medical Center, Mexico, is an influential pioneer who has shaped the scope and practice of pediatric anesthesia in Mexico and throughout the world. ⋯ Based on a series of interviews held with Dr. Melman between 2016 and 2017, this article reviews the remarkable career of a pioneering pediatric anesthesiologist.