Anaesthesia
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Evaluation of intubating conditions with rocuronium and either propofol or etomidate for rapid sequence induction.
We have assessed the effect of two induction agents on tracheal intubating conditions after rocuronium 0.6 mg.kg-1 in unpremedicated patients undergoing simulated rapid sequence induction. Following pre-oxygenation, anaesthesia was induced with propofol up to 2.5 mg.kg-1 (n = 35) or etomidate 0.3 mg.kg-1 (n = 36), and further increments as required. After loss of verbal contact, cricoid pressure was applied and rocuronium was injected. ⋯ Owing to coughing, one patient in the etomidate group could not be intubated on the first attempt. A greater pressor response also followed intubation after induction with etomidate. We conclude that etomidate and rocuronium alone cannot be recommended for intubation at 60 s under rapid sequence induction conditions.
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Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
Controlled ventilation using isoflurane with an in-circle vaporiser.
We studied 19 patients anaesthetised for routine surgery using isoflurane delivered from a Komesaroff vaporiser mounted within a circle system. Their lungs were ventilated using a Penlon Nuffield ventilator attached to the circle system by a trunk of tubing. Fresh gas flow rates of 1, 2 or 31.min-1 were used. The inspired agent concentration was measured using a Datex Ultima multigas analyser and was found to be stable and easily controlled.
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Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia frequently seen in surgical patients. The onset of new atrial fibrillation during the peri-operative period is less common. There are many possible precipitating factors, although volatile agents themselves may have an antifibrillatory action. ⋯ Alternatively, anti-arrhythmic drugs can be used to achieve cardioversion. In patients with rapid, chronic atrial fibrillation or those refractory to cardioversion, priority is given to control of the ventricular rate. Thrombo-embolism is a significant risk if atrial fibrillation is paroxysmal or persists for more than 48 h.