Journal of clinical anesthesia
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Trauma to epidural catheters on insertion or removal may result in shearing or breakage. Although there is no evidence of neurologic sequelae from a sheared catheter, many reports still advocate eventual surgical removal. The literature suggests the following options: (1) using slow continuous force at all times; (2) discontinuing application of force if the catheter begins to stretch and reapplying traction several hours later; (3) placing of the patient in the same position as insertion; (4) placing the patient in the lateral decubitus position if possible; (5) attempting to remove in extreme flexion if the previous interventions are not efficacious; (6) attempting extension if flexion fails; (7) attempting removal after injection of preservative-free normal saline through the catheter; (8) considering use of a convex surgical frame; (9) considering computed tomographic scan to identify the etiology of entrapment; (10) considering leaving a retained epidural catheter in place in adult patients; (11) providing patient education regarding "red flags" to watch out for; and (12) neurosurgical consultation for all cases in which the catheter fragment is in the spinal canal.
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The prone position impairs the ability for endotracheal intubation by direct laryngoscopy. We describe the airway management of a 25-year-old woman with an extensive open wound over her back and fractured pelvis. She was treated in the prone position and was scheduled for debridement of her wound with skin grafting during general anesthesia. Her trachea was successfully intubated on the first attempt using an intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway while she was in the prone position.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Comparison of hemodynamic responses to orotracheal intubation with the GlideScope videolaryngoscope and the Macintosh direct laryngoscope.
To identify the hemodynamic responses to orotracheal intubation using a GlideScope videolaryngoscope (GSVL) in healthy adults, and to determine whether the GSVL could attenuate the hemodynamic response to orotracheal intubation compared with the Macintosh direct laryngoscope (MDLS). ⋯ The hemodynamic responses to orotracheal intubation using a GSVL and an MDLS were similar. The GSVL had no any special advantage over the MDLS in attenuating the hemodynamic responses to orotracheal intubation.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The analgesic efficacy of continuous elastomeric pump ropivacaine wound instillation after appendectomy.
To evaluate the analgesic efficacy and safety of ropivacaine 0.2% when administered continuously via elastomeric pump after appendectomy. ⋯ Wound instillation with ropivacaine 0.2% is a useful, practical, and safe method for management of postoperative pain after appendectomy.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The ideal oxygen/nitrous oxide fresh gas flow sequence with the Anesthesia Delivery Unit machine.
To determine whether early reduction of oxygen and nitrous oxide fresh gas flow from 6 L/min to 0.7 L/min could be accomplished while maintaining end-expired nitrous oxide concentration > or =50% with an Anesthesia Delivery Unit anesthesia machine. ⋯ A 3-minute high-flow period (oxygen and nitrous oxide fresh gas flow of 2 and 4 L/min, respectively) suffices to attain and maintain end-expired nitrous oxide concentration > or =50% and ensures an adequate bellows volume during the ensuing low-flow period.