The Yale journal of biology and medicine
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Transesophageal echocardiography offers a noninvasive technique for the continuous monitoring of cardiac performance. The combination of 2-dimensional echocardiography and Doppler velocitometry provide assessment of cardiac anatomy, valve function and, ventricular loading conditions. ⋯ Despite considerable effort to achieve this goal, a satisfactory technique has been difficult to realize. This paper discusses the role of cardiac output monitoring in perioperative care and critically examines echocardiographic techniques for cardiac output monitoring.
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Anesthesiologists perceive that the ideal muscle relaxant is not yet available, particularly the nondepolarizing one with a rapid onset and a short duration of action. There is also a need for relaxants with different durations of action but which would be free from side effects. ⋯ Mivacurium has an onset comparable to that of atracurium and vecuronium but with a duration of action which is intermediate in duration between these drugs and succinylcholine. Rocuronium is a drug with a fast onset of action capable of being used in place of succinylcholine but with a duration of action which is similar to that of vecuronium.
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Ocular regional anesthesia can be accomplished with either a peribulbar or retrobulbar approach. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Complications can be vision-threatening or life-threatening. Positioning the eye in neutral gaze when retrobulbar block is executed and using a needle no longer than 31 mm are effective strategies to reduce the incidence of serious complications.