Paediatric anaesthesia
-
Paediatric anaesthesia · Jun 2005
Cerebral oxygenation monitoring using near infrared spectroscopy during controlled hypotension.
Controlled hypotension (CH) is used to limit intraoperative blood loss and decrease the need for homologous transfusions. Despite the efficacy of the technique, hypotension has the potential to affect cerebral perfusion and oxygen delivery. There are no data providing a direct measurement of cerebral oxygenation during this technique. ⋯ Our preliminary data with a measurement of cerebral oxygenation demonstrates the safety of CH within the accepted mean blood pressure recommendations of 55-65 mmHg.
-
Paediatric anaesthesia · Jun 2005
Psoas compartment block (PCB) in children: Part II--generation of an institutional learning curve with a new technique.
Literature concerning institutional learning processes for anesthesia procedures in pediatric anesthesia is rare. Until recently only small series of psoas compartment blocks (PCB) in children have been reported. We report on a series of 100 consecutive blocks using new landmarks and the institutional learning process. ⋯ Although the described new technique had a very high success rate with a low complication rate, PCB in children is not easily implemented into clinical practice when strict criteria of success were used, despite a well-controlled environment. Training programs could use CUSUM to track the progress of their institutional learning in order to guarantee adequate experience.
-
Paediatric anaesthesia · Jun 2005
Case ReportsAnesthetic management of a 9-year-old child undergoing resection of a tracheal tumor.
Primary tracheal tumors in children are rare. We report the anesthetic management of a 9-year-old child undergoing resection of a midtracheal tumor obstructing approximately 73% of the tracheal lumen. ⋯ Oxygenation and ventilation were adequately maintained throughout the period of anesthesia. Anesthetic management for tracheal tumor resection should reflect the location of the tumor and the degree of tracheal obstruction.
-
Paediatric anaesthesia · May 2005
Case ReportsUltrasound assessment of caudal catheter position in infants.
The positioning of caudally inserted epidural catheters is crucial to their effectiveness. However, level assessment can be difficult and time consuming. We report the use of ultrasound to assess the catheter position in three patients aged between 1 and 10 months. The advantages and disadvantages of this technique are discussed in relation to other methods of assessing caudal catheter placement.