AANA journal
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Cyclodextrins are molecules with a hollow, truncated cone shape that possess unique lipophilic and hydrophilic properties. These unique properties enable cyclodextrins to engulf and bind lipophilic molecules while maintaining aqueous solubility. ⋯ Sugammadex is the name of a modified cyclodextrin currently in phase 3 studies by Organon International (Oss, The Netherlands), and it may hold promise for a new concept in muscle relaxant reversal. Encapsulation rather than competitive antagonism of neuromuscular blockade may be a future modality of anesthetic practice.
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As university faculty, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are expected to meet the same obligations as other members of the academy. The purposes of this investigation were to describe the educational preparation and role expectations of nurse anesthesia faculty. Following institutional human assurance committee approval, an investigator-developed questionnaire was mailed to the directors of 85 nurse anesthesia programs recognized by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. ⋯ Assistant directors allocated 75% of their time to classroom teaching, clinical teaching, and program administration. Among all program faculty, limited time was reserved for research and scholarly activities. Increasing the percentage of doctorally prepared faculty and the amount of time allocated to research and scholarship are essential for full integration of nurse anesthetists into the university and to continue the development of nurse anesthesia's specialty knowledge.
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Fires in the operating room continue to present a hazard to patients, at times with catastrophic and debilitating results. Recent data from closed claim files reveal oxygen, electrosurgical unit (ESU), and surgical drapes are common components of the fire triangle in the operating room. In this era of biotechnological sophistication, why are surgical drapes flammable? The purpose of this study was to test the flammability of different surgical drape materials and to determine the time to ignition using a bipolar ESU device in 21%, 35%, and 100% oxygen concentrations. ⋯ Time to ignition decreases with increasing concentrations of oxygen as expected. One of the surgical drapes tested was advertised to the hospital as nonflammable. Future research should focus on surgical drape materials and aim to reduce the flammability of such items in the operating room.