Der Anaesthesist
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In cases of craniofacial and mandibulofacial malformations, which are mostly treated during childhood, difficult intubation conditions must generally be expected. In such cases, the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) an alternative instrument for use in endotracheal intubation is a new aid for ventilation. In certain instances, it can be used alone to induce general anaesthesia. Reports of endotracheal intubation by means of the LMA in adults have also been published. ⋯ Therefore, the LMA is not only a ventilation aid, but also a valuable tool in difficult intubation conditions. In our opinion, it is necessary to provide this tool in every anaesthetic unit.
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Diagnosis of a perioperative myocardial infarction (PMI) on the basis of measurement of the creatine kinase MB fraction (CKMB) alone is not always easy. Surgical traumatisation of muscle fibres can lead to false-positive elevations. Newly introduced laboratory tests for cardiac troponins seem to facilitate the diagnosis of PMI. We measured serum values of cardiac troponin T in 139 patients described in detail in part I and compared them with common diagnostic tools for myocardial infarction. ⋯ Troponin T is a highly specific marker for perioperative myocardial cell necrosis. Patients with raised levels preoperatively seem to be at higher risk for postoperative reinfarction and left ventricular failure. The prognostic value of such an elevation is not clearly defined, especially in patients with chronic renal failure.