British journal of anaesthesia
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Supraglottic airway devices may be a safe choice for managing general anaesthetic Caesarean section in selected populations, however the evidence base is still slim.
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Bedside measures of patient effort are essential to properly titrate the level of pressure support ventilation. We investigated whether the tidal swing in oesophageal (ΔPes) and transdiaphragmatic pressure (ΔPdi), and ultrasonographic changes in diaphragm (TFdi) and parasternal intercostal (TFic) thickening are reliable estimates of respiratory effort. The effect of diaphragm dysfunction was also considered. ⋯ ΔPes and ΔPdi are adequate estimates of inspiratory effort. Diaphragm ultrasonography is a reliable indicator of inspiratory effort in the absence of diaphragm dysfunction. Additional measurement of parasternal intercostal thickening may discriminate a low inspiratory effort or a high effort in the presence of a dysfunctional diaphragm.
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Deficiencies in airway management skills and judgement contribute to poor outcomes. Airway management practice guidelines emphasise the importance of education. Little is known about the global uptake of guidelines, availability of equipment, provision of training, assessment of skills, and confidence with procedures. ⋯ Global training is variable in its delivery and necessity. Confidence is limited in potentially life-saving techniques. The desire for assessment appears universal and may improve standards, but in resource- or time-limited environments this will be challenging.