Anaesthesia
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Prevention of aortocaval compression is essential for effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation in late pregnancy. This can be achieved by either lateral maternal tilt or lateral uterine displacement. Results from a previous manikin study show that a firm foam-rubber wedge allowed successful chest compressions whilst providing stable and reliable lateral tilt. ⋯ The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of chest compressions in a manikin in the supine position vs lateral tilt using a foam-rubber wedge, both on the floor and on a typical patient bed. Overall, we found that compressions were easier to perform in the supine position (p = 0.007 (bed) and 0.048 (floor)), and with greater stability in the supine position on the floor (p = 0.011). The effectiveness of chest compressions was similar in both the supine/uterine displacement and the lateral tilt positions, suggesting that either method may be suitable for CPR.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Bacterial contamination of surgical scrub suits worn outside the operating theatre: a randomised crossover study.
In this study, we aimed to evaluate the bacterial contamination of surgical scrub suits worn outside the operating theatre. We randomised 16 anaesthetists on separate occasions into one of 3 groups: restricted to the operating theatre only; theatre and surgical wards; and theatre and departmental office. ⋯ The mean (SD) bacterial counts, expressed as colony-forming units per cm(2) at 16:00 on the day of study, were 25.2 (43.5) for those restricted to theatre and 18.5 (25.9) and 17.9 (31.0) for those allowed out to visit the ward and office, respectively (p = 0.370). We conclude that visits to ward and office did not significantly increase bacterial contamination of scrub suits.