Anaesthesia
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We report the in vitro longevity of a conventional soda lime carbon dioxide absorbent and an absorbent free from strong alkali (Amsorb). Although the times taken to breakthrough of carbon dioxide (> 0.5%) within an in vitro low flow breathing system were shorter with the alkali-free absorbent, we found that the size and shape of the absorbent container was the major factor in determining the efficiency of the carbon dioxide absorbents.
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One of the possible causes of bone cement implantation syndrome during total hip arthroplasty is pulmonary embolism, as has been suggested by a characteristic image seen during transoesophageal echocardiography, the so-called 'Snow Flurry'. However, the nature of the embolic material has not been definitively determined. We studied seven patients undergoing cemented or uncemented total hip arthroplasty. 'Snow Flurry' images were detected in all patients. ⋯ The material did not originate from cement. Fat and bone marrow were not detected. The material seen may consist of fine particles of bone ('bone dust') originating from reamed bone.
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Compared with the Henderson-Hasselbalch approach, the Stewart approach may better describe the mechanisms of acid-base physiology and disorders. We prospectively examined the acid-base disorders of 100 routine blood samples from critically ill patients using Stewart's physical chemistry analysis. The median results were pH 7.45, PaCO2 5.5 kPa, bicarbonate 27.2 mmol.l-1 and base excess 3 mmol.l-1. ⋯ The median reference total weak-acid concentration was 11.1 mmol.l-1. The measured median total weak-acid concentration was 6.8 mmol.l-1. From Stewart's approach, the most likely explanation for the overall alkalosis was decreased total weak-acid concentration resulting from decreased plasma albumin concentration.
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Royal College of Anaesthetists Tutors have a key role in the delivery of postgraduate anaesthetic training in the UK. We report the results of a postal questionnaire sent to all College Tutors in April 2000. An 89% response rate (253 of 283 Tutors) was received. ⋯ In addition, a proportion had other administrative duties. The average time spent on College Tutor duties was 1.6 notional half days. Almost two-thirds of Tutors received some resources (time or remuneration) for their duties.
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We describe the anaesthetic management of a 72-year-old man with myasthenic syndrome. Pre-operatively, he was treated with 3,4-diaminopyridine and showed a strong hand grip. During general anaesthesia with nitrous oxide and sevoflurane in oxygen, a mechanomyograph and two accelerographs were set up for the hands and left foot to monitor neuromuscular function. ⋯ After discontinuation of sevoflurane, responses to train-of-four stimulation remained small, but a strong response to tetanic stimulation was observed, with post-tetanic facilitation. Extubation was successful, and recovery from anaesthesia was uneventful. Tetanic stimulation and post-tetanic facilitation are important in monitoring neuromuscular function in patients with myasthenic syndrome whose train-of-four responses are insufficient.