Anaesthesia
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Burn dressing changes require profound analgesia for a short duration. This study aimed to determine whether an operator-adjusted target-controlled infusion of alfentanil could provide effective analgesia for burn dressing changes. Ten patients with a burn of between 5 and 50% of body surface area were studied. ⋯ No patient became sedated and there were no episodes of nausea or vomiting. Median (range) total dose of alfentanil was 2.6 (1-10.7) mg. This study supports the efficacy of an operator-adjusted target-controlled infusion of alfentanil to provide analgesia for burn dressing changes.
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The femoral artery and vein are commonly used for access to the circulation. Accidental puncture of one vessel whilst attempting to cannulate the other is a common complication. Identification of relevant surface anatomical landmarks and ultrasonography of both groins was performed on 50 consecutive adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit. ⋯ Surface anatomical landmarks were not useful in predicting the underlying anatomy. The side-by-side relationship of artery and vein is commonest close to the inguinal ligament. Therefore, to avoid damage to the neighbouring vessel, percutaneous access should be undertaken just below the inguinal ligament.