Minerva anestesiologica
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The drugs and techniques used in contemporary anaesthesia may provoke numerous side effects, including cardiac rhythm disturbances. The prolongation of the repolarization time, reflected by the QT interval in a surface electrocardiogram, is one of the mechanisms that lead to the occurrence of arrhythmias. In the paper, we present the primary mechanism that is responsible for QT interval prolongation and subsequent torsade de pointes ventricular tachycardia. The influence of anesthetics, regional anesthesia and perioperative supportive therapy on cardiac repolarization is described.
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Minerva anestesiologica · Apr 2012
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudySelf-directed deliberate practice with virtual fiberoptic intubation improves initial skills for anesthesia residents.
Fiberoptic intubation is a core skill in anesthesiology. However, this complex psychomotor skill is challenging to learn in the clinical setting. The goal of this study was to evaluate the Virtual Fiberoptic Intubation (VFI) software as an adjunct to the traditional fibreoptic intubation teaching. ⋯ Self-directed practice using VFI software may improve the initial acquisition of fibreoptic intubation skills for anesthesia residents.
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Minerva anestesiologica · Apr 2012
ReviewHumidification of inspired gases during mechanical ventilation.
Humidification of inspired gas is mandatory for all mechanically ventilated patients to prevent secretion retention, tracheal tube blockage and adverse changes occurring to the respiratory tract epithelium. However, the debate over "ideal" humidification continues. Several devices are available that include active and passive heat and moisture exchangers and hot water humidifiers Each have their advantages and disadvantages in mechanically ventilated patients. This review explores each device in turn and defines their role in clinical practice.
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Minerva anestesiologica · Apr 2012
Ultrasound identification of nerve cords in the infraclavicular fossa: a clinical study.
This study aimed to analyze nerve trunk anatomy in the infraclavicular fossa and to correlate these data with the most common anthropometric parameters. ⋯ Sono-anatomic study of the infraclavicular region adds important data that is useful when conducting nerve blocks to improve safety and likelihood of success.