British journal of anaesthesia
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We report the case of a 33-yr-old patient with adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) complicated by bilateral pneumothoraces, who was successfully treated with high-frequency oscillatory ventilation following failure to respond to conventional ventilation. The role of high-frequency ventilation in the management of ARDS and air leaks is discussed.
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Spinal actions of halogenated ethers are widely recognized, whereas spinal actions of intravenous anaesthetics like propofol are less clear. The aim of this study was to compare the spinal effects of propofol and sevoflurane. ⋯ Sevoflurane produces large inhibitory effects on nociceptive and non-nociceptive reflexes which are likely to contribute to immobility during surgery. Compared with sevoflurane, propofol appears to have much weaker effects on spinal reflexes such as those recorded in an isolated preparation.
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A case of severe visual loss following nitrous oxide anaesthesia in the presence of an intraocular perfluoropropane (C3F8) gas bubble is described. The diabetic patient had previously undergone vitreoretinal surgery at which time the gas had been inserted. The case highlights the use of long-acting intraocular gases in modern vitreoretinal surgery, and the measures that can be taken to prevent further such episodes.