Anaesthesia
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The i-gel, a novel supraglottic airway, has been proposed for use during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. We evaluated the performance of this device in manikins and anaesthetised patients when used by novices: medical students, non-anaesthetist physicians and allied health professionals all unfamiliar with the i-gel. Fifty i-gels were placed in manikins. ⋯ One case of regurgitation and partial aspiration occurred. Our results suggest the i-gel is rapidly inserted in both manikins and patients by novice users and compares favourably to other supraglottic airways available. Further work determining safety and efficacy during cardiopulmonary resuscitation is required.
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This study evaluated the stability and the compatibility of mixtures of morphine sulphate, bupivacaine, and clonidine hydrochloride and of hydromorphone, bupivacaine, and clonidine hydrochloride, when used in constant flow implantable pumps under simulated clinical use conditions. The pumps were filled with drug mixtures and incubated at 37 degrees C for a period of 90 days. Aliquots were sampled monthly from the reservoir and catheter outlet and the drug concentrations analysed using validated chromatography methods. ⋯ Both drug mixtures were found to be stable over 90 days in the pump at 37 degrees C. All device materials retained acceptable mechanical performance following exposure. These results demonstrate that both drug mixtures are stable when maintained at simulated body temperature in an implantable infusion system for 90 days.