Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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Case Reports
Prolonged (more than ten hours) neuromuscular blockade after cardiac surgery: report of two cases.
We examine two cases of prolonged neuromuscular blockade (NMB) after cardiac surgery. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first reported cases of complete paralysis lasting more than ten hours after surgery. ⋯ We should avoid administering large doses of NMB agents, even in the context of planned postoperative ventilation. If NMB is not monitored intraoperatively in patients who are at risk of prolonged NMB, then train-of-four response should be measured in the intensive care unit. Adequate sedation should be provided until proper recovery of neuromuscular function is documented.
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The combined use of ultrasound and nerve stimulation for localization of the brachial plexus during infraclavicular block has not been evaluated. We describe three cases of infraclavicular block where we used ultrasound to place the needle and catheter, observe type of muscle twitch obtained and local anesthetic spread after injection. ⋯ Ultrasound guidance during infraclavicular brachial plexus block enables direct visualization of needle/catheter tip location and confirmation of appropriate local anesthetic spread. Our early experience suggests that spread of injectate posterior to the second part of the axillary artery is associated with successful block.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
The StyletScope is a better intubation tool than a conventional stylet during simulated cervical spine immobilization.
We compare the StyletScope fibreoptic stylet (FOS) and the Satin Slip conventional metal stylet (CMS), during simulated difficult airway management with manual-in-line stabilization in terms of ease of intubation and esophageal intubation. ⋯ Tracheal intubation is more successful, requires fewer attempts and esophageal intubation is less frequent with the FOS than the CMS during cervical spine immobilization using manual-in-line axial stabilization. The FOS is a more effective intubation instrument compared to the CMS in patients with simulated cervical spine immobilization.