British journal of anaesthesia
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Multicenter Study
Implementation of outpatient preoperative evaluation clinics: facilitating and limiting factors.
Several studies have shown that outpatient preoperative evaluation by anaesthetists increases quality of care and is cost-effective. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the factors that positively or negatively influence the implementation of outpatient preoperative evaluation clinics (OPE clinics). ⋯ A variety of factors play a role in the implementation of an OPE clinic. Besides the more obvious ones, such as financing and cooperation of the professional groups involved, underlying factors, such as perceptions of the professionals involved, were found to be related to implementation of an OPE clinic. These underlying factors explain differences between different kinds of hospitals and between professional groups, regarding their resources and motivation to implement an OPE clinic.
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The Bispectral Index (BIS) monitor has been suggested as a potential tool to measure depth of sedation in paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) patients. The primary aim of our observational study was to assess the difference in BIS values between the left and right sides of the brain. Secondary aims were to compare BIS and COMFORT score and to assess change in BIS with tracheal suctioning. ⋯ A discrepancy between left and right brain BIS exists, especially when the patient is stimulated. COMFORT score and BIS correlate well between light and moderate sedation.
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Case Reports
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a patient with an implantable left ventricular assist device.
Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) provide mechanical support for left ventricular ejection in the failing heart. We describe the anaesthetic management of a patient with an LVAD requiring laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A 51-yr-old female patient with severe heart disease had a Heartmate II LVAD implanted 4 months before this proposed elective surgery. ⋯ The case was managed successfully using invasive monitoring and anaesthesia with sevoflurane and remifentanil. The potential problems in management of patients with LVADs are highlighted and discussed. A team approach is essential.
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The effects of xenon on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) are controversial. Moreover, the precise sites of action at which xenon exerts its effects in the human brain remain to be established. ⋯ Xenon exerted distinct regional effects on CBF: relative decreases in several cortical, subcortical, and cerebellar areas were accompanied by an increase in white matter. Flow-metabolism coupling was not impaired during xenon anaesthesia.