Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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Intraoperative tranexamic acid (TXA) is used to reduce blood loss and the need for transfusions following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Despite evidence in literature and local practice protocols supporting TXA as a part of standard of care for joint arthroplasty, TXA administration is underutilized. We aimed to use group-facilitated audit and feedback as the foundation of a knowledge translation strategy to increase TXA use for THA and TKA procedures. ⋯ Physicians and their teams were able to review their practice data on TXA utilization, reflect on differences compared with evidence-based guidelines, discuss findings with peers, and identify opportunities for improvement. The intervention increased the use of TXA for both TKA and THA and shifted the dosage to better align with evidence-based practice guidelines.
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Case Reports
Congenital adult tracheoesophageal fistula repair with transthoracic ventilation: a case report.
To describe our experience using transthoracic ventilation to facilitate oral endotracheal tube (ETT) exchange after accidental ETT cuff rupture during a case of congenital tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) repair. ⋯ Airway device choice for TEF repair must be carefully considered in conjunction with the surgical team. In the present case of accidental ETT cuff rupture, rescue transthoracic ventilation safely facilitated oral ETT exchange.
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Peripheral nerve blocks improve analgesia following hip fracture; however, there are little published data on safety and outcomes of continuous regional anesthetic techniques. Our institution offers pre- and perioperative, anesthesiologist-delivered ultrasound-guided suprainguinal fascia iliaca catheters (FICs) to patients with hip fracture. We aimed to document the safety profile of this technique and establish whether there are any significant clinical benefits in outcomes measured by the UK National Hip Fracture Database. ⋯ Our single-centre propensity-matched historical cohort study suggests that ultrasound-guided suprainguinal fascia iliaca catheterization is a safe technique for patients with hip fracture and that our service is deliverable and sustainable within the UK's National Health Service. This study did not show statistically significant differences in outcomes between patients treated with FIC and standard care. An adequately powered multicentre randomized controlled trial comparing these approaches is warranted.
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Hypoalbuminemia has been described as a modifiable factor to optimize postoperative outcomes after major inpatient surgeries. Nevertheless, the role of hypoalbuminemia on outpatient procedures is not well defined. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of hypoalbuminemia on postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing low-risk outpatient surgery. ⋯ Hypoalbuminemia is associated with major complications and death in outpatient surgery. Since hypoalbuminemia is a potential modifiable intervention, future clinical trials to evaluate the impact of optimizing preoperative albumin levels before outpatient surgery are warranted.
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Observational Study
Peak plasma concentration of total and free bupivacaine after erector spinae plane and pectointercostal fascial plane blocks.
Erector spinae plane blocks (ESPB) and pectointercostal fascial (PIFB) plane blocks are novel interfascial blocks for which local anesthetic (LA) doses and concentrations necessary to achieve safe and effective analgesia are unknown. The goal of this prospective observational study was to provide the timing (Tmax) and concentration (Cmax) of maximum total and free plasma bupivacaine after ESPB in breast surgery and after PIFB in cardiac surgery patients. ⋯ Total and free bupivacaine Cmax observed after ESPB and PIFB with 2 mg⋅kg-1 of bupivacaine with epinephrine 5 μg⋅mL-1 were five to twenty times lower than levels considered toxic in the literature.