Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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Oesophageal, rectal, bladder, tympanic and pulmonary artery sites are used intraoperatively to measure body temperature. However, the temperatures measured at each site have different physiological and practical importance. The present two-part study sought to compare liquid crystal (CR) skin temperature with other temperature monitors which are used routinely during surgery. ⋯ During the first part, the mean difference between OS and CR was -0.14 +/- 0.85 degrees C; this difference remained consistent over time (P < 0.05 by repeated measures analysis of variance). During the second part, the difference in temperature readings between CR and each of the other monitors remained consistent except for CR vs PA and CR vs OS during the cooling period of CPB, when the iced cardioplegia slush directly affected the PA and OS temperatures. This study suggests that CR, an inexpensive and noninvasive means of temperature monitoring, reflects trends in temperature changes in the clinical setting.
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We reviewed the out-patient consultation notes of 136 pregnant women seen at the Ottawa Civic Hospital from 1985 to 1991 to evaluate the efficacy of an Obstetric Anaesthesia Assessment Clinic (OAC). In addition, their anaesthetic records from labour and delivery were reviewed. For each patient the reason for referral was recorded according to the involved organ system. ⋯ The OAC gave an opportunity for patient education regarding anaesthetic options for labour and delivery. The attending anaesthetist was provided with a risk assessment and anaesthetic management plan which was adhered to with only two exceptions. Finally, the obstetrician was given consistent advice regarding anaesthesia management that may affect obstetrical decisions.
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Biography Historical Article
Harold Griffith Memorial Lecture. The Griffith legacy.
1992 was the anniversary of Crawford Long's use of ether in 1842, and Griffith and Johnson's introduction of Intocostrin into anaesthetic practice in 1942. Harold Randall Griffith was born in Montreal in 1894 and died in 1985. He interrupted his medical studies to serve in the first world war and was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry at the battle of Vimy Ridge. ⋯ He was one of those responsible for inaugurating the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiology and was President of the First World Congress of Anaesthesiology in 1955. It is remarkable that the introduction of curare into anaesthetic practice was delayed until 1942, since curare had been used in anaesthesia some 30 years previously. However, it was probably Griffith's confidence in his own clinical abilities which enabled him to seize the opportunity when it was offered.