Anaesthesia
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The hydroxyethyl starches are a group of compounds that has been associated with impairment of coagulation when large volumes are administered. The thrombelastograph is commonly used to assess point-of-care whole blood coagulation. Little is known about the dose-response relationships of haemodilution, and it is reasonable to assume that a linear association exists. ⋯ This biphasic response of lactated Ringer's solution and hetastarch in a balanced salt solution reflects the complex interaction of fluids and the coagulation system, and that these effects cannot be attributed to simple haemodilution. On the other hand, there was a linear decrease in maximum amplitude with haemodilution. Maximum amplitude was particularly affected by both starches, which is an expected finding in view of the known interaction between the hydroxyethyl starches and von Willebrand's factor.
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This newly designed peripheral nerve stimulator allows the scrubbed anaesthetist performing a nerve block to adjust the electrical current output needed for localisation of the target nerve without the need for an assistant.