European journal of anaesthesiology
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Former studies revealed conflicting information on the usefulness of intraoperative monitoring of visual evoked potentials. This study was designed to evaluate the characteristics of visual evoked potential recording in surgically anaesthetized patients using the modality of steady-state visual evoked potentials. ⋯ We conclude from this study, that steady-state visual evoked potential recordings in the surgically anaesthetized patient appeared to be more stable compared to our earlier findings using transient visual evoked potentials. However, further efforts are necessary to improve the stability of the recordings during surgery and thus allow for a more reliable intraoperative monitoring of visual pathways in routine clinical practice.
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Only regular training of anaesthetic personnel ensures safe and reliable application of cricoid pressure during rapid sequence induction of anaesthesia. Previously described training devices are either complicated, too expensive and usually unavailable, or they are very simple and do not correctly simulate the process of applying cricoid force. We designed and tested a cricoid pressure trainer with real-time display of applied force. The device is easy to assemble at relatively little cost with material widely available. It allows effective biofeedback training of the force required during the Sellick manoeuvre and can be used for routine staff assessment. ⋯ Our biofeedback cricoid pressure trainer is effective in the assessment and training of correct cricoid pressure application by anaesthetic personnel.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Airway management by first responders when using a bag-valve device and two oxygen-driven resuscitators in 104 patients.
To evaluate the capability of first responders to ensure an airway and ventilate the lungs of a patient employing a bag-valve device and two oxygen-driven resuscitators. ⋯ The use of an oxygen-driven device improves the ability of first responders to secure an airway and reduce gastric insufflation, even when distracted. Oxylators perform significantly better (P < 0.0001) than the bag-valve device.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Can first responders achieve and maintain normocapnia when sequentially ventilating with a bag-valve device and two oxygen-driven resuscitators? A controlled clinical trial in 104 patients.
To evaluate the capability of first responders to achieve and maintain normal ventilation of the lungs of victims employing a bag-valve device and two oxygen-driven resuscitators. ⋯ The use of an oxygen-driven device improves the ability of first responders to achieve and maintain normocapnia even when distracted. Use of the Oxylators improves performance (P < 0.001) vs. the bag-valve device significantly.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Bolus application of remifentanil with propofol for dilatation and curettage.
This study was designed to determine which single bolus dose of remifentanil in combination with propofol and nitrous oxide is best to control the haemodynamic, autonomous and somatic responses in patients scheduled for dilatation and curettage of the uterine cervix. We evaluated the adequacy of different bolus doses of remifentanil, associated with propofol and nitrous oxide, for dilatation and curettage in a prospective double-blind study. ⋯ Remifentanil 1.5 microg kg(-1) i.v. with propofol 2 mg kg(-1) i.v. and 60% nitrous oxide in oxygen provided the best anaesthetic control with the fastest recovery times.