Journal of clinical monitoring and computing
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J Clin Monit Comput · Dec 2023
LetterTechnical note: pre-positioning lower limb SSEP during semi-sitting positioning in posterior fossa surgery- does it matter?
Intra-operative monitoring has been a crucial tool in modern neurosurgery as it allows to optimize surgical outcome whilst reducing neurological deficits. Somatosensory evoked potentials are routinely monitored in most spinal and brain surgeries due to providing invaluable information regarding the functional integrity of sensory pathways. ⋯ Nonetheless, we report a case study of a patient in whom lower limb SSEPs were independently affected from upper limb SSEPs during positioning. In this respect, we suggest that both upper and lower limb SSEPs monitoring should be considered during semi-sitting positioning in patients undergoing posterior fossa surgery.
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J Clin Monit Comput · Dec 2023
Review Meta AnalysisConfirming identification of the epidural space: a systematic review of electric stimulation, pressure waveform analysis, and ultrasound and a meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy in acute pain.
To review the use of epidural electric stimulation test, pressure waveform analysis, and ultrasound assessment of injection as bedside methods for confirming identification of the epidural space in adults with acute pain, the PubMed database was searched for relevant reports between May and August 2022. Studies reporting diagnostic accuracy with conventional Touhy needles and epidural catheters were further selected for meta-analysis. Sensitivity and specificity were estimated using univariate logistic regression for electric stimulation and pressure analysis, and pooling of similar studies for ultrasound. ⋯ Risk of bias was significant and accuracy estimates must be interpreted with caution. Electric stimulation and pressure waveform analysis seem clinically useful, although they must be interpreted cautiously. In the future, clinical trials in patients with difficult anatomy will likely be most useful. Ultrasound requires further investigation.
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J Clin Monit Comput · Dec 2023
ReviewOptical crosstalk and other forms of light interference in pulse oximeter comparison studies.
Pulse oximeter accuracy is important for the quality and safety of patient care. Methodological errors occurring during pulse oximeter accuracy studies can confound results. One potential source of error during pulse oximeter comparison studies is optical interference due to sensor-to-sensor crosstalk. Optical crosstalk can occur whenever pulse oximeter sensors are tested in close proximity of one another, as occurs during pulse oximeter comparison studies. ⋯ Crosstalk and other forms of optical interference can corrupt pulse oximeter readings. Proper sensor placement and use of optical shielding of sensors are crucial steps to help protect the integrity of the data. Studies to further characterize crosstalk during pulse oximeter comparison studies are needed.
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J Clin Monit Comput · Dec 2023
Observational StudyInternal jugular vein collapsibility does not predict fluid responsiveness in spontaneously breathing patients after cardiac surgery.
The objective of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of internal jugular vein (IJV) collapsibility as a predictor of fluid responsiveness in spontaneously breathing patients after cardiac surgery. ⋯ In spontaneously breathing patients after surgical coronary revascularisation, collapsibility of the internal jugular vein did not predict fluid responsiveness.