Articles: general-anesthesia.
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A patient with an intracardiac conduction defect characterised by first degree atrioventricular block due to slowed transmission through the atrioventricular node with increased refractoriness of the node, is described. Asymptomatic first degree block, rarely progressing to transient Wenckebach (type 1 second degree) block had been present for a period of 32 years until general anaesthesia was required, when profound bradycardia attributable to complete atrioventricular block developed abruptly. Subsequent investigations located delayed intracardiac conduction through the atrioventricular node, and indicated excess vagal activity rather than structural disease as the cause. The significance of first degree heart block is discussed in relation to other forms of atrioventricular conduction defect and the current recommendations for temporary pacing for elective general anaesthesia.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Alfathesin and etomidate for minor outpatient anaesthesia.
Etomidate was compared with alfathesin for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia in a double-blind fashion in 48 fit patients undergoing minor gynaecological operations as outpatients. The patients were randomized to receive either etomidate 0.3 mg . kg-1 or alfathesin 75 microliters . kg-1 as intravenous induction agents. All patients received fentanyl 1 microgram . kg-1 and breathed 70 per cent nitrous oxide in oxygen. ⋯ Recovery was equally rapid in both groups. No adverse reactions were seen. Alfathesin would appear to be preferable to etomidate as an induction and maintenance agent in unpremedicated fit outpatients undergoing minor gynaecological operations.