Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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The first criteria for the determination of brain death were developed in 1968 in part to address concerns that had arisen with the retrieval of organs for transplantation. Despite over 30 years of application, some professional and public doubt persists over the validity of the theoretical construct underlying this method of determining death. Our review will address historical perspectives on the development of brain death criteria, and inconsistencies in current clinical criteria. ⋯ Organ transplantation is premised on professional and public acceptance that the donor is dead. Given that the criteria for brain death or their application remain variable, we suggest that it is reasonable to consider a national consensus to address these inconsistencies. Alternatively, the standard use of confirmatory radiographic testing prior to the retrieval of organs from donors who meet clinical brain death criteria should be considered to provide conclusive evidence of permanent and irreversible loss of brain function.
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Review
The therapeutic use of magnesium in anesthesiology, intensive care and emergency medicine: a review.
To review current knowledge concerning the use of magnesium in anesthesiology, intensive care and emergency medicine. ⋯ Magnesium has many known indications in anesthesiology and intensive care, and others have been suggested by recent publications. Because of its interactions with drugs used in anesthesia, anesthesiologists and intensive care specialists need to have a clear understanding of the role of this important cation.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
The gum elastic bougie eases tracheal intubation while applying cricoid pressure compared to a stylet.
To compare the ease of tracheal intubation facilitated by the gum elastic bougie or the malleable stylet while applying cricoid pressure. ⋯ Applying cricoid pressure worsened laryngeal view. The use of a gum elastic bougie was more effective than the use of a stylet to facilitate intubation.
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To examine the delivery rates of four disposable, non-electric infusion pumps during hypobaric conditions. ⋯ The infusion rates of disposable infusion pumps are reduced under hypobaric conditions. Even though we still do not know how the epidural pressure changes under hypobaric conditions, clinicians should be aware that the infusion rate of disposable infusion pumps is decreased under hypobaric conditions.