BMC anesthesiology
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Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) of the lungs facilitates visualization of ventilation distribution during mechanical ventilation. Its intraoperative use could provide the basis for individual optimization of ventilator settings, especially in patients at risk for ventilation-perfusion mismatch and impaired gas exchange, such as patients undergoing major open upper abdominal surgery. EIT throughout major open upper abdominal surgery could encounter difficulties in belt positioning and signal quality. Thus, we conducted a pilot-study and tested whether EIT is feasible in patients undergoing major open upper abdominal surgery. ⋯ Despite a high belt position, monitoring of ventilation distribution is feasible in patients undergoing major open upper abdominal surgery lasting from 4 to 13 hours. Therefore, further interventional trials in order to optimize ventilatory management should be initiated.
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The use of peripheral nerve blocks in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is scarcely reported; however, when performed it has proven to be effective for postoperative pain control. ⋯ In our small series catheter-based distal sciatic block within CMT patients had safely been used for pain relief up to three days. The infusion of local anesthetics via a catheter was not associated with any complication.
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Comparative Study
Cardiac arrest is a predictor of difficult tracheal intubation independent of operator experience in hospitalized patients.
Placement of advanced airways has been associated with worsened neurologic outcome in survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. These findings have been attributed to factors such as inexperienced operators, prolonged intubation times and other airway related complications. As an initial step to examine outcomes of advanced airway placement during in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA), where immediate assistance and experienced operators are continuously available, we examined whether cardiopulmonary resuscitation efforts affect intubation difficulty. Additionally, we examined whether or not the use of videolaryngoscopy increases the odds of first attempt intubation success compared with traditional direct laryngoscopy. ⋯ Difficult intubation is more likely when intubation takes place during IHCA compared to other emergent indications, even when experienced operators are available. Under these conditions, direct laryngoscopy (versus videolaryngoscopy) remains a reasonable first choice intubation technique.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Liberal or restricted fluid administration: are we ready for a proposal of a restricted intraoperative approach?
Fluid management in the perioperative period has been extensively studied but, despite that, "the right amount" still remains uncertain. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the state of the art of intraoperative fluid approach today. ⋯ An intraoperative restrictive fluid approach in major surgery may be beneficial while Goal-directed Therapy should be superior to the liberal fluid strategy. Finally, we propose a rational approach currently used at our institution.
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Comparative Study Observational Study
Hemodynamic impact of isobaric levobupivacaine versus hyperbaric bupivacaine for subarachnoid anesthesia in patients aged 65 and older undergoing hip surgery.
The altered hemodynamics, and therefore the arterial hypotension is the most prevalent adverse effect after subarachnoid anesthesia. The objective of the study was to determine the exact role of local anesthetic selection underlying spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension in the elderly patient. We conducted a descriptive, observational pilot study to assess the hemodynamic impact of subarachnoid anesthesia with isobaric levobupivacaine versus hyperbaric bupivacaine for hip fracture surgery. ⋯ Given the hemodynamic stability and lower incidence of intraoperative hypotension observed, levobupivacaine could be the agent of choice for subarachnoid anesthesia in elderly patients.