Anaesthesia
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
A comparison of the Invos 3100 and the Critikon 2020 near-infrared spectrophotometers as monitors of cerebral oxygenation.
Assessment of cerebral oxygenation using near-infrared spectroscopy in intensive care is increasing. We compared the ability of the Invos 3100 and the Critikon 2020 monitors to produce stable and consistent readings of regional cerebral oxygen saturation in resting volunteers. Failure to obtain any stable reading with the Critikon occurred in eight out of 18 subjects (44.4%) and with the Invos in three out of 15 subjects (20%). ⋯ The within-monitor variability was significantly higher for the Invos (p = 0.0124). Neither monitor is able to give stable and consistent readings over time, particularly in male subjects. The unacceptably high failure rate of the recently introduced Critikon 2020 will limit or prevent its clinical use.
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Comment Letter Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Comparison of the Macintosh and McCoy laryngoscope blades.
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We have followed the progress of 12 anaesthetic trainees as they learnt how to perform fibreoptic nasotracheal intubation with the aid of an endoscopic video camera system. Each trainee had a structured teaching session on a bronchial tree model, viewed an instructional videotape and then performed 20 nasotracheal intubations on anaesthetised oral surgery patients. Trainees were required to perform the endoscopies under full visual control and to demonstrate airway anatomy as they advanced the fibrescope. ⋯ The best fit value for the first endoscopy time was 132s, and after the 18th (two half-lives) it was 49 s. We analysed the theoretical basis for deriving a learning curve from raw data. This information could form a rational basis for the design of fibreoptic training programmes using video imaging systems.