Anaesthesia
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Assessing the clinical or pharmaco-economical benefit of target controlled desflurane delivery in surgical patients using the Zeus anaesthesia machine.
The Zeus anaesthesia machine includes an auto-control mode which allows targeting of end-tidal volatile and inspired oxygen concentrations. We assessed the clinical benefits and economic impact of this target-controlled anaesthesia compared with conventional manually controlled anaesthesia. Eighty patients were randomly assigned to receive desflurane either with a fresh gas flow set by the anaesthetist or in auto-control mode. ⋯ Oxygen consumption was more than halved by the use of auto-control mode, and mean (SD) desflurane consumption during surgery was 0.07 (0.04) vs 0.2 (0.07) ml.min(-1) in auto-control and manual control respectively (p < 0.0001). The number of drug delivery adjustments per hour was significantly lower in auto-control mode (mean (SD) 7 (2) vs 15 (12); p < 0.0001). Thus, the auto-control mode provided similar haemodynamic stability and bispectral control as did conventional manually controlled anaesthesia, but led to a reduction in gas and vapour consumption with a more clinically acceptable workload.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
A prospective, randomised, cross-over trial comparing the EndoFlex and standard tracheal tubes in patients with predicted easy intubation.
We aimed to determine if using the EndoFlex tracheal tube on the first intubation attempt provided improved placement times and intubation success compared with a standard-type tracheal tube in 50 patients undergoing gynaecological surgery in a prospective, randomised, cross-over trial. We found that using the EndoFlex resulted in shorter intubation times (mean (SD) 14.8 (9.7) vs 30.1 (30.5) s), easier intubation (VAS, median (range) 10 (0-70) vs 20 (0-100)), and an increased rate of successful insertion at the first attempt; all p < 0.001. ⋯ Furthermore, patients with a grade 2 (19/50) or 3 (6/50) laryngoscopic view had shorter intubation times, easier intubation and reduced insertion attempts with the EndoFlex. The EndoFlex is a satisfactory alternative to a standard-type tracheal tube, even with an anterior larynx.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Optimising the unprotected airway with a prototype Jaw-Thrust-Device--a prospective randomised cross-over study.
Despite being a standard procedure during induction of anaesthesia, facemask ventilation can be a major challenge especially for inexperienced anaesthetists. We manufactured a Jaw-Thrust-Device designed to keep the patient's jaws in an optimised position, and thus to maintain the airway in a permanently patent state. ⋯ The main study endpoints were expiratory tidal volumes, airway resistances, and gas flow rates. The Jaw-Thrust-Device was more effective in increasing expiratory tidal volumes and peak inspiratory flow than a standard Esmarch manoeuvre, and was more effective than both nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal airways in decreasing airway resistance.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
A comparison of McGrath and Macintosh laryngoscopes in novice users: a manikin study.
Direct laryngoscopy using the Macintosh laryngoscope is a difficult skill to acquire. Videolaryngoscopy is a widely accepted airway management technique that may be easier for novices to learn. We compared the McGrath videolaryngoscope and Macintosh laryngoscope by studying the performance of 25 medical students with no previous experience of performing tracheal intubation using an easy intubation scenario in a manikin. ⋯ The view at laryngoscopy was significantly better with the McGrath. Intubation times were similar for both laryngoscopes and became shorter with practice. There was no difference in participants' rating of overall ease of use for each laryngoscope.