British journal of anaesthesia
-
In clinical use, midazolam reduces the dose requirement for propofol. We studied the effect of midazolam given before anaesthesia on the amount of propofol needed and the time taken, to achieve loss of consciousness (LOC) in 20 patients. ⋯ We confirmed that coinduction of anaesthesia with midazolam and propofol reduces the requirement of propofol. We also demonstrated that the AER reflects anaesthetic depth rather than plasma concentrations of anaesthetic drugs.
-
We describe a case in which regional anaesthesia for Caesarean section was initially avoided because of the presence of systemic infection. However, attempted induction of general anaesthesia resulted in failed tracheal intubation and so an epidural catheter was sited and used for the operation. Awake fibreoptic tracheal intubation was performed after surgery, when it was clear that ventilatory support on the intensive care unit would be needed. The relative risks of regional versus general anaesthesia when infection and difficult laryngoscopy coincide are discussed.
-
The Brandt tracheal tube keeps cuff pressure constant during anaesthesia, but the mechanisms have not been examined. We assessed volume, pressure and gas concentration in the cuff and pilot balloon using the Brandt system. ⋯ The Brandt tracheal tube maintains stable cuff pressure during nitrous oxide anaesthesia because of a highly compliant balloon. The concentration gradient of nitrous oxide between the cuff and pilot balloon also contributes to the stable-cuff pressure because the high nitrous oxide concentration in the cuff reduces nitrous oxide influx.