Der Anaesthesist
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
[Postspinal headache. A comparison of the 24G Sprotte syringe and a 29G Quincke needle].
A randomised study was performed to compare the frequency of postdural puncture headache in 56 patients who underwent spinal anaesthesia for extra-corporeal shockwave lithotripsy using either a Sprotte 24 G (n = 28) or Vygon 29 G or Quincke type needle (n = 28). Frequency of headache was recorded in a similar group of 28 patients who received general anaesthesia. ⋯ Thus, the 24 G Sprotte needle was at least as effective as the 29 G Vygon needle, and there is a suggestion that the former is more effective in minimising the incidence of moderate or severe postdural puncture headache.
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A series of 52 infants underwent general or urological surgery; all were ventilated with the CICERO. Two different flows of fresh gas were used. In group I (n = 21) the fresh gas flow was set exactly at the level of the minute volume, representing a half-open, non-rebreathing system. ⋯ In the CICERO system, heating the gases at the valve only prevents mechanical failure caused by water condensation. In pediatric anaesthesia, variable heating and non-condensing humidity are essential. The dry and heated gases of the CICERO are not acceptable in the daily practice of paediatric anaesthesia.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
[The effect of adding clonidine to mepivacaine. Axillary brachial plexus blockade].
Clonidine (Cl) added to local anaesthetics (LA) prolongs the duration of both anaesthesia and analgesia after peripheral nerve blocks. In this study, we investigated the dose-dependent effect of Cl added to mepivacaine (M) on clinical efficacy, onset, and regression time of brachial plexus block. METHODS. ⋯ Neither the onset time nor the number of patients with adequate surgical anaesthesia was influenced by Cl. Considering the M plasma levels, it is unlikely that the prolongation of the block is caused by local vasoconstriction, which is proposed to be the mechanism of action of epinephrine. The mean differences in haemodynamic parameters were not of clinical relevance, but the two dramatic drops in BP and HR, probably caused by Cl, were significant.
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Verification of the correct position of the endotracheal tube is a daily routine task of every anaesthesiologist. Accidental intubation of the oesophagus is a very rare complication in absolute terms but still the most frequent preventable anaesthetic mishap with fatal outcome. Even the most experienced anaesthetist is not immune to this complication. ⋯ Visualization of the endotracheal tube between the vocal cords and a typical CO2 excretion waveform are two of the best practical signs. After every change of position of the patient, especially after flexion or extension of the head, the position of the tube must be checked again. The old aphorism is still valid: When in doubt, take it out.
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Until recently, only the racemic mixture of ketamine has been used in anaesthesia. Little is known of the central nervous effects of the pharmacologically more potent S(+)-isomer. Information in regard to the putative receptor site involved in the mediation of its anaesthetic/analgesic effect is particularly sparse. ⋯ Hypersynchronisation of the EEG suggests a deep plane of anaesthesia after S(+)-ketamine. The pronounced blockade of impulses in the sensory nervous pathways suggests an efficient analgesic effect that is partly mediated by the opioid-receptor. The respiratory depression may be of importance when S(+)-ketamine is used in high dosages in man.