British journal of anaesthesia
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Continuous extradural infusion of ropivacaine for prevention of postoperative pain after major orthopaedic surgery.
We studied 151 patients undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty, or cruciate ligament reconstruction in a multicentre study in Australia and New Zealand. Patients were openly allocated randomly to one of five treatment groups or to a control group. General anaesthesia was induced after introduction of extradural block with 0.5% ropivacaine. ⋯ The quality of treatment scores were similar for all treatment groups (Br. J. Anaesth. 1996; 76: 606-610).
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
A new tracheal tube for difficult intubation.
We have compared a new Portex tracheal tube with the Oxford tube in performing simulated grade 3 difficult intubations. The Portex tube was modified so that the bevel faced backwards, as in the Oxford tube. A gum elastic introducer was used with both tubes. ⋯ Over the course of the study, intubation time decreased progressively (P < 0.001). This provides new evidence of the need for trainees to practise the art of intubation when the cords are not visible. Our estimate of the learning "half-life" was 15 intubations; we conclude that 30 simulated grade 3 intubations would be a reasonable objective for trainees before handling high-risk cases.