Canadian Anaesthetists' Society journal
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Research on the benzodiazepines has shown that they have certain advantages over the opiates as premedicants. Diazepam, which produces good tranquilization, is well absorbed when given orally though absorption is influenced by other drugs given at the same time. Oral lorazepam leads to more prolonged sedation and amnesia but the final elimination is more rapid. ⋯ Ketamine is gradually finding its rightful place in anaesthesia but its use is becoming limited to anaesthesia in difficult circumstances. The future concomitant use of other drugs and separation of isomers of ketamine may again broaden its applications. The new water-soluble steroid minaxolone has its own disadvantages, and the water-soluble benzodiazepine midazolam is as unpredictable for induction of anaesthesia as diazepam.
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A simple technique is described for confirming oral tracheal intubation carried out under direct laryngoscopy. With the laryngoscope blade still in the mouth following intubation, posterior displacement of the tracheal tube towards the palate will usually bring the tube and vocal cords into direct view, providing confirmation of correct tube placement. ⋯ In the remaining 21 cases, the larynx was obscured during intubation. Posterior displacement of the tube confirmed correct placement in all 21 cases.
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Continuous axillary brachial plexus block was performed in 597 patients undergoing prolonged operations on the hand. The technique required placement of a 5 cm 23 gauge teflon intravenous catheter in the axillary perivascular sheath. Lidocaine 1.5 per cent or mepivicaine 1.5 per cent (20-40 ml) were used for the initial block dose. ⋯ In 3.7 per cent of patients (22) the technique was considered a complete failure. Complications included local anaesthetic toxic reactions (2.85 per cent, 17 cases), nerve injury (0.50 per cent, three cases) and one case of major haematoma formation. The advantages of this technique and the possible complications are discussed.