A&A practice
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Three patients underwent laryngeal and tracheal surgeries under apneic conditions using transnasal humidified rapid-insufflation ventilatory exchange. Transcutaneous carbon dioxide (CO2) levels were recorded throughout the apneic period to detect rates of CO2 rise. ⋯ The average rate of transcutaneous CO2 rise (1.7 mm Hg/min) was higher than previously reported using this technique. This suggests a need for further investigation into the utility of transnasal humidified rapid-insufflation ventilatory exchange for airway surgery and adequate ventilation during apnea.
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Case Reports
A Case Report of Paravertebral Block: A Safe Alternative for Microdiscectomy in a Pregnant Patient.
Nonobstetric surgery during pregnancy is common. Administration of safe anesthesia to a pregnant patient, while minimizing its side effects on the fetus, is a major challenge for the anesthesiologist. ⋯ Regional nerve blocks are being explored as possible alternatives whenever feasible. This report emphasizes the usefulness of ultrasound-guided, modified bilateral paravertebral block in a first-trimester pregnant patient undergoing microdiscectomy for cauda equina syndrome.
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Case Reports
Bilateral Erector Spinae Plane Block for Surgery on the Posterior Aspect of the Neck: A Case Report.
The erector spinae plane block is an interfascial plane block whereby local anesthetic is injected within the plane deep to the erector spinae muscle and superficial to the transverse process. To date, it has been used to provide analgesia in thoracic, abdominal, and lumbar regions. We present the first reported case of bilateral erector spinae plane block being used to provide surgical anesthesia in the cervical region.
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Inadvertent placement of a tracheostomy tube through the stoma with the distal tip cephalad in the pharynx is an unusual but potentially devastating complication. Previously reported only once in the literature, its occurrence is not well known. ⋯ Prompt identification of this rare complication is essential because the consequences can be fatal. We present a case describing the inadvertent insertion of a tracheostomy tube into the pharynx during emergency tracheostomy and its subsequent management.
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Although rare, cannot intubate and cannot oxygenate situations are challenging acute events. The development of management algorithms, standardized equipment provisions, and appropriate clinical training in the application of front-of-neck access techniques are necessary to optimize procedural success to ensure adequate oxygenation. ⋯ With proper implementation, this unique process aligning the cannula cricothyroidotomy and scalpel bougie as primary and secondary techniques, respectively, can potentially optimize procedural success. This algorithmic approach is trained routinely among our anesthesia providers, while the equipment is standardized throughout our anesthetizing locations.