Journal of anesthesia
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Journal of anesthesia · Oct 2010
Case ReportsAwake intubation under sedation using target-controlled infusion of dexmedetomidine: five case reports.
We used target-controlled infusion (TCI) of dexmedetomidine (DEX) for awake intubation under sedation in 5 patients who had a risk of pulmonary aspiration or difficult airway. Dexmedetomidine level was escalated stepwise until the patients developed tolerance to laryngoscopy. The target DEX concentrations at the time of intubation were 2.10-5.95 ng/ml and were higher than those clinically used for sedation in the intensive care unit (ICU). ⋯ Reflex to intubation was preserved in all cases, and coughing was observed in all cases. The patients had no memory of discomfort and/or intubation. Although further investigations are needed, this method may be useful for awake intubation under sedation.
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Journal of anesthesia · Oct 2010
Case ReportsEfficacy of amiodarone on refractory ventricular fibrillation resistant to lidocaine and cardioversion during weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass in aortic valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis with left ventricular hypertrophy.
Intravenous injection of amiodarone, a class III anti-arrhythmic is widely used for persistent refractory arrhythmias. We present a case report suggesting the efficacy of amiodarone in refractory ventricular fibrillation (Vf) during weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). A 66-year-old woman with hypertension had a medical examination as a result of an episode of palpitations and syncope. ⋯ Total CPB time was 5 h 43 min. Aortic cross-clamping time was 3 h 50 min. Administration of amiodarone is effective for refractory Vf resistant to lidocaine and cardioversion during weaning from CPB in cardiac surgery for heart diseases with LV hypertrophy.
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Journal of anesthesia · Oct 2010
Case ReportsEffective control of paroxysmal tachycardia with landiolol hydrochloride during cesarean section in a patient with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.
Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) involves marked hypertrophy of cardiac muscle, resulting in myocardial ischemia and arrhythmia because of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. In perioperative management of HOCM, hemodynamic stabilization is required, by prevention of arrhythmia and tachycardia and maintenance of preload and afterload. Here, we describe anesthesia management during cesarean section in a patient complicated by HOCM. ⋯ Circulatory dynamics stabilized and landiolol was discontinued 3 h after she was admitted to the intensive care unit. Her circulatory dynamics remained stable after discontinuation of landiolol, and she was moved to a general ward on the following day. She was discharged on postoperative day 14, with her child.
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Journal of anesthesia · Oct 2010
Case ReportsParadoxical carbon dioxide embolism during endoscopic thyroidectomy confirmed by transesophageal echocardiography.
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) embolism is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of laparoscopic procedures. Although endoscopic thyroidectomy using CO₂ gas insufflation appears to be superior to conventional open thyroidectomy in terms of cosmetic results, it may cause venous or fatal paradoxical CO₂ embolism. ⋯ The patient recovered without complications. In conclusion, although endoscopic thyroidectomy is a promising approach that is gaining popularity and offers excellent cosmetic results compared with conventional open thyroidectomy, this case report emphasizes the importance of anticipating and being vigilant for potential CO₂ embolism.
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Journal of anesthesia · Oct 2010
National survey to assess the content and availability of difficult-airway carts in critical-care units in the United States.
We have surveyed the availability of equipment, content of difficult-airway carts (DAC), and training in the use of such equipment in intensive-care units (ICU). We devised a set of proposals regarding what constitutes the ideal DAC. We surveyed 300 ICU in the United States. ⋯ It is strongly recommended that a DAC be present. What constitutes the ideal contents of a DAC is open to questions. We hope discussion will lead to consensus of what should or should not be included on the cart.