Journal of clinical anesthesia
-
Fluid administration using intravenous (IV) access devices is required in many settings. There are a lack of quantitative data comparing traditional cannulas and modern access devices. We aimed to investigate flow rates through modern intravenous access devices using an in vitro system. ⋯ Flow rates in IV devices can be maximized by pressure bag use and removal of needle-free valves. The rapid infusion catheter and emergency infusion catheter allow some increase in flow over a 14G cannula. Familiarity with varying flow rates across IV access devices could better inform clinical decisions.
-
To evaluate the efficacy of a bundled intervention to improve the quality of the operating room to intensive care unit (ICU) clinical handover. ⋯ The implementation of a bundled handover intervention was associated with increased stakeholder satisfaction as well as a perception of increased efficacy and quality of the overall handover process and postoperative anesthesia documentation.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Two methods for teaching basic upper airway sonography.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare hands-on gel phantom versus instructional video teaching methods to improve anesthesia residents and staff members' ability to correctly identify airway structures using ultrasound on a human volunteer. ⋯ Use of either a low cost, airway gel phantom training model for hands-on training or a simple instructional teaching video can be used in a single training session to improve staff anesthesiologist and anesthesia resident knowledge and skills for ultrasound identification of upper airway anatomy.
-
Case Reports Comparative Study
Comparative efficacy of stellate ganglion block with bupivacaine vs pulsed radiofrequency in a patient with refractory ventricular arrhythmias.
There is increasing interest in interventional therapies targeting the cardiac sympathetic nervous system to suppress ventricular arrhythmias. In this case report, we describe an 80-year-old patient with ischemic cardiomyopathy and multiple implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shocks due to refractory ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation who was unable to continue biweekly stellate ganglion block procedures using bupivacaine 0.25% for suppression of his arrhythmias. ⋯ This represents the first report of a pulsed radiofrequency stellate ganglion lesion providing long-term suppression of ventricular arrhythmias. Further study of this technique in patients with refractory ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation is warranted.