Anesthesiology
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Comparative Study
Differentiating among hospitals performing physiologically complex operative procedures in the elderly.
The authors previously showed how a statewide discharge abstract database could be used to quantify for stakeholders how surgical practices differ among hospitals. The two pediatric hospitals in Iowa differ from other hospitals in Iowa based on their providing a more diverse, comprehensive, and physiologically complex selection of procedures in younger patients. Physiologically complex surgery performed in children aged 0-2 yr has been regionalized to a few high-volume facilities. ⋯ Results observed for geriatric patients provide further evidence of the validity of these methods and the usefulness of discharge abstract data for comparing surgical practices among facilities. A hospital can use discharge abstract data to assist governmental agencies, charitable organizations, philanthropists, insurers, etc., in appreciating the unique contributions of individual hospitals to surgical care.
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Singapore reported its first case of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in early March 2003 and was placed on the World Health Organization's list of SARS-affected countries on March 15, 2003. During the outbreak, Tan Tock Seng Hospital was designated as the national SARS hospital in Singapore to manage all known SARS patients. Stringent infection control measures were introduced to protect healthcare workers and control intrahospital transmission of SARS. Work-flow processes for surgery were extensively modified. ⋯ Staff personal protection, patient risk categorization, and reorganization of operating room workflow processes formed the key elements for the containment of SARS transmission. Lessons learned during this outbreak will help in the planning and execution of infection control measures, should another outbreak occur.
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Review Comparative Study
Injuries and liability related to central vascular catheters: a closed claims analysis.
To assess changing patterns of injury and liability associated with central venous or pulmonary artery catheters, the authors analyzed closed malpractice claims for central catheter injuries in the American Society of Anesthesiologists Closed Claims database. ⋯ Claims related to central catheters had a high severity of patient injury. The most common complications causing injury were wire/catheter embolus, cardiac tamponade, carotid artery puncture/cannulation, hemothorax, and pneumothorax.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Parental auricular acupuncture as an adjunct for parental presence during induction of anesthesia.
The purpose of this study was to determine whether parental auricular acupuncture reduces parental preoperative anxiety and thus allows children to benefit from parental presence during induction of anesthesia. ⋯ : Auricular acupuncture significantly decreased maternal anxiety during the preoperative period. Children of mothers who underwent acupuncture intervention benefitted from the reduction of maternal anxiety during the induction of anesthesia.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Phase Ia and Ib study of amitriptyline for ulnar nerve block in humans: side effects and efficacy.
The antidepressant amitriptyline is used as an adjuvant in the treatment of chronic pain conditions. Among its many actions, this drug also blocks ion channels, such as Na channels. Preliminary animal studies suggested that amitripty-line would be a longer-lasting local anesthetic than bupivacaine, with potentially fewer side effects. Therefore, the authors investigated the adverse effects and effectiveness of this drug when given for ulnar nerve blockade in human volunteers. ⋯ Because of the lack of evidence that amitripty-line provides better nerve blockade than current local anesthetics and the potential for neurotoxicity, its use for peripheral nerve blockade in humans seems limited.