Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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Review
Outcomes of critically ill COVID-19 survivors and caregivers: a case study-centred narrative review.
Critical illness is a transformative experience for both patients and their family members. For COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), survival may be the start of a long road to recovery. Our knowledge of the post-ICU long-term sequelae of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) may inform our understanding and management of the long-term effects of COVID-19. ⋯ Emerging literature on COVID-19 outcomes suggests some similarities with those of ARDS/SARS and prolonged mechanical ventilation. The pathophysiology of COVID-19 is presented here in the context of early outcome data and to inform an agenda for longitudinal research for patients and families.
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In recent years, various types of indirect laryngoscopes have been developed. Nevertheless, no conclusions have been drawn about which type of indirect laryngoscope is most effective for tracheal intubation. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether the Airtraq® or the GlideScope® is more effective for tracheal intubation. ⋯ In this meta-analysis, use of the Airtraq indirect laryngoscope did not result in improved success rate, glottic visualization, or intubation time in tracheal intubation compared with the GlideScope. Trial sequential analysis suggests that further studies are necessary to confirm these findings.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Continuous interscalene versus phrenic nerve-sparing high-thoracic erector spinae plane block for total shoulder arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial.
The high-thoracic erector spinae plane block (HT-ESPB) has been reported as an effective analgesic modality for the shoulder region without phrenic nerve palsy. The goal of this study was to compare the HT-ESPB as a phrenic nerve-sparing alternative to an interscalene block for total shoulder arthroplasty. ⋯ gov (NCT03807505); registered 17 January 2019.
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Unfractionated heparin continues to be one of the main agents used for thromboprophylaxis in obstetrics, which can complicate the placement of neuraxial anesthetics. In this study, we explored the relationship between a point-of-care coagulation test (thromboelastometry) and plasma heparin concentrations in vitro. ⋯ The point-of-care IH CT ratio may be useful in identifying the presence of little to no heparin activity. Further research is needed to determine if this ratio can predict heparin activity in vivo.
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The purpose of this Continuing Professional Development module is to provide information pertaining to anesthetic considerations and management of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for patients with acute ischemic stroke. ⋯ Timely intervention for patients with acute ischemic stroke is of utmost importance. Endovascular thrombectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that has evolved over recent decades and improves outcomes for selected patients with ischemic stroke. Anesthesiologists should have a good understanding of potential complications and anesthetic options. Recent randomized trials have shown that both general anesthesia and sedation are associated with good outcomes; the anesthetic approach should be individualized and may vary by institution. Careful monitoring and maintenance of hemodynamic goals are critical, as is effective communication with the multidisciplinary team.