British journal of anaesthesia
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Historical Article
A short history of fires and explosions caused by anaesthetic agents.
The first recorded fire resulting from the use of an anaesthetic agent occurred in 1850, when ether caught fire during a facial operation. Many subsequent fires and explosions have been reported, caused by ether, acetylene, ethylene and cyclopropane, and there has been one reported explosion involving halothane. ⋯ The use of flammable agents has decreased significantly in recent years and although fires and explosions from nonanaesthetic causes, for example gastrointestinal gases, skin sterilizing agents and laser surgery, may continue to occur, those from gaseous and volatile anaesthetic agents may now be of historical interest only. This article reviews some of the more relevant and enlightening reports of the past 150 yr.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial Retracted Publication
Post-tetanic count and single twitch height at the onset of reflex movement after administration of vecuronium under different types of anaesthesia.
We have studied post-tetanic count (PTC) and single twitch height at the onset of reflex movement to carinal stimulation after administration of vecuronium with five different types of anaesthesia. Seventy-five adult patients were allocated randomly to five groups of 15 patients each, to receive one of the following anaesthetics: neuroleptanaesthesia (fentanyl and droperidol) or 1 MAC of either halothane, isoflurane, enflurane or sevoflurane with 66% nitrous oxide in oxygen. ⋯ Single twitch heights at the onset of reflex movement were similar (2.0-2.7% of control values) between the five groups. In contrast, PTC at the onset of reflex movement to carinal stimulation differed (7.4-17.0) between groups.