Anaesthesia
-
Multicenter Study
Outcome after admission to ITU following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: are non-survivors suitable for non-heart-beating organ donation?
We have reviewed retrospective data from two large UK teaching hospitals regarding outcome following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and the suitability of non-survivors for non-heart-beating organ donation. Patients were selected retrospectively from consecutive admissions from two intensive care units who had presented following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, to a total of 50 patients in each centre. They had all been resuscitated to achieve a spontaneous cardiac output at the scene, in transit or after arrival in hospital, and required further intensive care support due to cardiovascular, respiratory, or neurological impairment. ⋯ Fifty-seven (57%) of patients had active withdrawal of treatment with only four (4%) being potentially suitable for organ procurement having not been excluded because of age, medical history or the length of time to die following withdrawal of treatment. Our results show that only a small increase in donor organs could be potentially achieved from this population. Further work is required to determine whether such patients should be considered as non-heart-beating donors.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Comparison of the Levitan FPS Scope and the single-use bougie for simulated difficult intubation in anaesthetised patients.
A randomised cross-over study was performed in 34 patients with no evidence of airway difficulties, following induction of general anaesthesia, to compare the efficacy of the Levitan FPS scope (LFPS) and the single-use bougie for tracheal intubation during simulated grade IIIa laryngoscopy. Success rates for intratracheal placement of the device, and the time required for insertion and tracheal intubation were recorded. Both devices were equally successful (31/34 for the LFPS vs 29/34 for the bougie) for insertion into the glottis. ⋯ Intubation times were similar between the two devices. Major problems hindering successful intubation using the LFPS were the presence of a narrow epiglottic-pharyngeal wall space and copious secretions. An inability to maintain the desired shape was the principal cause of failure with the bougie.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Manual displacement of the uterus during Caesarean section.
Ninety ASA 1 and 2 pregnant women with term singleton pregnancies and no maternal and fetal complications, scheduled for elective or emergency Caesarean section, were randomly allocated to group LT (15 degrees left lateral table tilt, n = 45) and group MD (leftward manual displacement, n = 45). Subarachnoid block was established with a 25-gauge spinal needle at the L3-L4 interspace using 1.5 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine. ⋯ The time to maximum fall in systolic blood pressure was similar in both groups (4.5 min). We conclude that manual displacement of the uterus effectively reduces the incidence of hypotension and ephedrine requirements when compared to 15 degrees left lateral table tilt in parturients undergoing Caesarean section.
-
The administration of a known concentration of oxygen is an important part of routine care of the sick patient. Many devices are currently available. The actual concentration of oxygen that can be delivered by these devices can be affected by several factors, both from the patient as well as the device itself. ⋯ Variable performance systems such as the Hudson mask deliver a significantly reduced oxygen concentration at high respiratory rates. Fixed performance systems delivering 24-40% oxygen deliver appropriate oxygen concentrations across the range of respiratory rates, whereas those delivering 60% show a reduction in performance. High flow systems show no failure of performance at increased respiratory rates.