Journal of anesthesia
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Journal of anesthesia · Jan 2009
Case ReportsLife-threatening hemothorax resulting from right brachiocephalic vein perforation during right internal jugular vein catheterization.
We present a life-threatening case of hemothorax resulting from right brachiocephalic vein perforation during right internal jugular vein catheterization. We considered that the guidewire had punctured the right brachiocephalic vein extraluminally and the catheter inserted over the guidewire had enlarged the size of the perforation. Despite the use of proper technique, an angle-tip guidewire may perforate the venous wall. Therefore, when there is negative aspiration after central venous catheterization, it is important to perform an emergency chest radiograph before proceeding with surgery; it is also important not to use an angle-tip guidewire.
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Journal of anesthesia · Jan 2009
Case ReportsUltrasound-aided unilateral epidural block for single lower-extremity pain.
We report an ultrasound-aided unilateral epidural block, employed in two patients, to provide better analgesia and motor function for lower-extremity pain. The patient in case 1 was a 72-year-old woman who suffered pain arising from Herpes zoster rash on the left leg (the second lumbar nerve area). A left-dominant continuous unilateral epidural block was performed to reduce her pain. ⋯ His left knee pain was clearly reduced, with partial paralysis, but motor function in his right leg was completely normal during the continuous epidural block with 4 ml h(-1) of 0.2% ropivacaine. Ultrasound imaging around the epidural space facilitated effective unilateral epidural block for single lower-extremity pain in both patients. This technique could decrease possible side effects and improve patient satisfaction during continuous nerve block by maintaining motor function and sensation in the nondependent side.
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Journal of anesthesia · Jan 2009
Acid-base variables in patients with acute kidney injury requiring peritoneal dialysis in the pediatric cardiac care unit.
We aimed to clarify the acid-base abnormalities of patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring peritoneal dialysis (PD) in pediatric cardiac care units. ⋯ Patients with AKI requiring PD in a pediatric cardiac care unit had significant metabolic acidosis compared to controls matched by the type of surgery and body weight. Hyponatremia and hypoalbuminemia were characteristics of these patients. The calculated SIDa was smaller in the PD than in the control group. Only the serum albumin had a significant prognostic value.
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Journal of anesthesia · Jan 2009
Effect of posture on mouth opening and modified Mallampati classification for airway assessment.
Several bedside airway assessment methods have been proposed for preoperatively identifying patients who are difficult to intubate. To date, the Mallampati grading remains a time-tested technique for difficult airway assessment. Both Mallampati and the further modification by Samsoon and Young assessed patients in the seated position. ⋯ Eighty adult patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I and II, aged 18-65 years, admitted to our neurosurgical ward were enrolled and assessed for airway. Our study revealed that change in posture produced a significant change in the mouth openings and Mallampati grades of the patients. This change was always toward a higher grade when the patient was turned supine from the sitting position.
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Journal of anesthesia · Jan 2009
Jugular bulb desaturation during off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery.
Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (OPCAB) frequently results in significant jugular bulb desaturation. Although jugular bulb desaturation during OPCAB may be associated with postoperative cerebral injury, routine jugular bulb oximetry appears to be invasive and expensive. We hypothesized that intraoperative hemodynamic compromise during OPCAB due to cardiac displacement is associated with jugular bulb desaturation which correlates with specific hemodynamic and physiological changes. ⋯ Changes in S(VO2) and Pa(CO2) were associated with jugular bulb oxygen saturation, and S(VO2)
or= 8 mmHg had a significant odds ratio for jugular bulb desaturation. We suggest that achieving normal values of S(VO2), Pa(CO2) and CVP may be important to prevent cerebral desaturation during OPCAB.