British journal of anaesthesia
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Pre-anaesthetic evaluation is a fundamental component of anaesthetic practice. The aims of the present study were to assess the quality of the preoperative anaesthetic information gathered and to observe the quality profile after the introduction of a standardized form. This occurred through a four-step quality assurance programme over a 4-yr period. ⋯ We conclude that the quality of information recorded from the pre-anaesthetic visit is improved by using a standardized form. This will hopefully help to improve patient outcome and facilitate computerization of the anaesthetic record.
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The Broselow tape was designed to estimate body weight and tracheal tube size on the basis of the body length of emergency paediatric patients. The tape was validated previously in US populations. We assessed its accuracy in a sample of European children by reviewing paediatric anaesthetic charts at the Triemli City Hospital for 1999. ⋯ The Broselow tape is an accurate means to assess body weight from length in smaller children; in older children it underestimated body weight. Endotracheal tube size selection by the Broselow tape appears to match the size of the tube used better than the age-based formula. The results in a European sample of children are comparable to the US data.
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The differential effects of i.v. anaesthesia on the response of the mesenteric microcirculation after haemorrhage in vivo are previously unexplored. ⋯ In summary, i.v. anaesthetic agents differentially alter the response of the mesenteric microcirculation to haemorrhage.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Positive pressure ventilation during fibreoptic intubation: comparison of the laryngeal mask airway, intubating laryngeal mask and endoscopy mask techniques.
The efficacy of delivery of mechanical ventilation through different airway devices during fibreoptic intubation is not known. ⋯ PPV is possible with the LMA, ILM or endoscopy mask during fibreoptic intubation. With an airway pressure of 20 cm H2O, ventilation during intubation using a size 3 or 4 LMA was almost insufficient, while ventilation using a size 5 LMA or an ILM was almost acceptable. Ventilation during intubation with the endoscopy mask was greater than that with the LMA or ILM, but gastric insufflation was more frequent.