Anaesthesia
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
A randomised comparison of the self-pressurised air-QTM intubating laryngeal airway with the LMA Unique™ in children.
We conducted a randomised trial comparing the self-pressurised air-Q™ intubating laryngeal airway (air-Q SP) with the LMA-Unique in 60 children undergoing surgery. Outcomes measured were airway leak pressure, ease and time for insertion, fibreoptic examination, incidence of gastric insufflation and complications. ⋯ Both devices provided effective ventilation without the need for airway manipulation. The air-Q SP is an alternative to the LMA-Unique should the clinician prefer a device not requiring cuff monitoring during anaesthesia.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Comparison of Macintosh and Airtraq™ laryngoscopes in obese patients placed in the ramped position.
This study compared intubation conditions produced by the Macintosh and Airtraq™ laryngoscopes when used in obese patients in the ramped position. One hundred and thirty-two patients having bariatric surgery were placed in the ramped position and randomly assigned to have their tracheas intubated using either the Macintosh (n=64) or an Airtraq (n=68) laryngoscope. ⋯ One patient in the Macintosh group had a failed intubation and intubation was achieved with the Airtraq. For obese patients in ramped position, Airtraq affords faster tracheal intubation than the Macintosh laryngoscope.
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To increase the use of pulse oximetry by capitalise on the wide availability of mobile phones, we have designed, developed and evaluated a prototype pulse oximeter interfaced to a mobile phone. Usability of this Phone Oximeter was tested as part of a rapid prototyping process. Phase 1 of the study (20 subjects) was performed in Canada. ⋯ Five interface improvements were made to the prototype before evaluation in Phase 2 (15 subjects) in Uganda. The lack of previous pulse oximetry experience and mobile phone use increased median (IQR [range]) time taken to perform tasks from 219 (160-247 [118-274]) s in Phase 1 to 228 (151-501 [111-2661]) s in Phase 2. User feedback was positive and overall usability high (Phase 1--82%, Phase 2--78%).
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Editorial Comment
Anaesthetic training: not better, not worse, just different.