Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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To compare the effectiveness of various laryngeal mask airway (LMA) sizes and their performance during positive pressure ventilation (PPV) in paralyzed pediatric patients. ⋯ Use of the LMA in smaller children results in more airway obstruction, higher ventilatory pressures, larger inspiratory leak, and more complications than in older children.
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To survey the general public's attitude towards preoperative assessment and commonly perceived fears about general anesthesia. ⋯ The general public considers anesthetic assessment on the day prior to surgery an important part of preoperative preparation. Fears of brain damage, death and intraoperative awareness associated with general anesthesia remain prevalent, suggesting that preoperative education of patients should address these concerns. The general population was less concerned about realistic fears such as nausea, vomiting and postoperative discomfort.
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Comparative Study
Desflurane, compared to halothane, augments phenylephrine-induced contraction in isolated rat aorta smooth muscle.
The mechanism responsible for the mediation of hypertension in response to increased desflurane levels is unclear. This study compared the effect of desflurane and halothane on phenylephrine (PE)-induced contraction in rat aorta ring and the effect of desflurane in the presence and absence of nitric oxide (NO) synthase activity. ⋯ Our results suggest that desflurane may have a local vasoconstrictive effect independent of endothelium and NO synthase activity. The mechanism remains to be determined.