British journal of anaesthesia
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Narrow-bore cricothyrotomy retains a clinical role, due to the availability of its component equipment in acute clinical environments, ease of assembly, and operator preference. However, due to infrequent use, there is a need to model this for research and teaching. We present mathematical and laboratory models. ⋯ We can exploit the contrasting changes in inspiratory and expiratory times with the upper airway resistance to optimize conditions for emergent cannula cricothyrotomy ventilation.
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Chronic pain is common after thoracotomy with reported prevalence rates of 20-60%. The pain may be caused by damage to the intercostal nerves during surgery. Some studies have suggested that young age at the time of surgery reduces the risk of developing chronic pain. So far, no studies have examined if children and adolescents develop chronic pain after thoracotomy. ⋯ The risk of developing chronic pain after thoracotomy seems to be lower if surgery is performed at a young age. Pain after thoracotomy is likely to be of neuropathic origin.