Der Anaesthesist
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Ultrasound-guided intermediate cervical plexus block and perivascular local anesthetic infiltration for carotid endarterectomy : A randomized controlled trial.
Ultrasound-guided blocks of the cervical plexus are established anesthetic procedures for carotid endarterectomy. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study tested the hypothesis that an additional ultrasound-guided periarterial injection of local anesthetic leads to a lower frequency of periarterial supplementation by the surgeon. ⋯ For ultrasound-guided intermediate blocks of the cervical plexus, an additional periarterial infiltration showed no advantage. Abandoning this technique leads to a relevant simplification of the blocking technique and tends to reduce block-related side effects.
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Teamwork in the operating room and in the intensive care unit necessitates clear and precise communication; however, interruptions in communication frequently occur, especially in the perioperative phase. Patients are particularly susceptible to deficits in communication, e.g. due to higher stress peaks, simultaneous admission of several patients and concomitant treatment of emergency cases. The German Society of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (DGAI) therefore recommends the implementation of the so-called SBAR concept (S situation, B background, A assessment, R recommendation) for standardization of patient handover. This concept was originally developed for high-risk areas and organizations with the aim of guaranteeing a rapid, effective and consistent transfer of information.
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In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, anesthesiologists are the second largest group of physicians in hospitals, but this does not correspond to the amount of anesthesiology teaching that medical students receive in medical schools. Accordingly, the chances of medical students recognizing anesthesiology as a promising personal professional career are smaller than in other disciplines with large teaching components. Subsequent difficulties to recruit anesthesiology residents are likely, although many reasons support anesthesiology as a professional career. ⋯ Medical students can be inspired by anesthesiology when not simply told about the tools of the trade and strategies, but instead by gaining knowledge and clinical skills that render a sense of achievement, likely during a clinical rotation into anesthesiology. A short theoretical instruction of anesthesiology enables rapid and targeted orientation even before a clinical rotation. Whether this subsequently results in a higher recruiting chance is currently unknown.
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In medical education, simulation is gaining increasing importance for teaching a variety of subjects. A well-founded educational approach is necessary for effective use. In addition to material aspects, simulation environment, curriculum, learning environment, and methods of debriefing have to be considered. The role of a competent instructor should be emphasized and the importance of an elaborate change management process to implement a good concept should not be underestimated.
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Editorial Comment
[Highest level of clinical competence for endovascular interventions].