Journal of clinical anesthesia
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Radial artery cannulation may be unsuccessful in the most experienced of hands using the conventional palpation method. Repeated attempts may render the standard wrist site difficult to cannulate due to vasospasm, hematoma formation, or intimal dissection. Cannulation of other arterial sites may be difficult due to inaccessibility or more prone to adverse outcomes. ⋯ As the trajectory is in full view of the ultrasound probe, the technique has a very high success rate. We have used ultrasonography in over 30 cases as a rescue technique after unsuccessful attempts at radial artery cannulation. The technique is described here illustrated with 3 typical cases.
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We describe two cases of flash fires in the oropharynx, secondary to electrocautery during adenotonsillectomies. We believe that in both cases, the leak around the uncuffed endotracheal tubes raised the oxygen concentration in the oropharynx. Cuffed endotracheal tubes provide many advantages, and their use should strongly be considered during adenotonsillectomy in children when electrocautery is to be used.
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We report a 24-year-old 36-week gestation parturient with severe aortic stenosis who developed pulmonary edema during amniocentesis and subsequently underwent a successful cesarean section under epidural anesthesia. Anesthetic management and some pertinent points are discussed.