Anesthesia and analgesia
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Oct 2007
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyA prospective, randomized comparison between combined (deep and superficial) and superficial cervical plexus block with levobupivacaine for minimally invasive parathyroidectomy.
Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) can be performed under cervical plexus block (CPB). Superficial CPB has been reported to be easier to perform with similar efficacy and less anesthesia-related complications than combined deep and superficial CPB. In this study, we compared the efficacy of superficial and combined (deep and superficial) CPB in patients undergoing MIP. ⋯ Superficial CPB is an alternative to combined block for MIP.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Oct 2007
Discrepancies in medication entries between anesthetic and pharmacy records using electronic databases.
Accurate recording of disposition of controlled substances is required by regulatory agencies. Linking anesthesia information management systems (AIMS) with medication dispensing systems may facilitate automated reconciliation of medication discrepancies. ⋯ A significant percentage of cases contained data entry errors in both the automated dispensing and AIMS. This error rate limits the current practicality of automating the necessary reconciliation. An electronic interface between an AIMS and a medication dispensing system could alert users of medication entry errors prior to finalizing a case, thus reducing the time (and cost) of reconciling discrepancies.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Oct 2007
A two-dimensional model of anatomic relationships during laryngoscopy.
The view obtained during direct laryngoscopy is only seen by a single anesthesiologist. The inability of instructors to observe the view poses problems for teaching the technique. The anatomic interactions affecting laryngoscopy are largely internal, hampering efforts to understand why some patients are unexpectedly difficult to intubate. In response, we have constructed a full scale, adjustable, two-dimensional model showing the head and neck in the sagittal plane. In this article, we validate the mannequin and test how various conditions or changes in equipment affect the laryngoscopic view. ⋯ The model reflects an average 16-yr-old male patient in size, proportion, and mobility. It can be used to explicate how anatomic relationships affect laryngoscopy. An objective assessment is necessary to determine the model's utility for teaching and as a tool for researching the mechanisms responsible for laryngoscopic difficulty.