British journal of anaesthesia
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Case Reports
Rigid nasendoscope with video camera system for intubation in infants with Pierre-Robin sequence.
We describe an alternative intubation technique using a rigid nasendoscope and a video camera monitor system in two infants with Pierre-Robin sequence presenting for palatoplasty. After induction with an inhalational anaesthetic technique, the tracheas of the infants could not be intubated with direct laryngoscopy using a Wisconsin blade. ⋯ This technique proved to be simple, permitting a favourable view of the glottis. It should be considered for passing a tracheal tube through the vocal cords in infants who present with a difficult airway.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Does the opioid-sparing effect of rectal diclofenac following total abdominal hysterectomy benefit the patient?
The aim of this prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was to investigate the opioid-sparing effects of rectal diclofenac following total abdominal hysterectomy. ⋯ Rectal diclofenac reduces morphine consumption, improves postoperative analgesia, and reduces the incidence of adverse effects such as sedation and nausea.
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Clinical Trial
EEG signal processing in anaesthesia. Use of a neural network technique for monitoring depth of anaesthesia.
The Bispectral Index (BIS) is a proprietary index of anaesthesia depth, which is correlated with the level of consciousness and probability of intraoperative recall. The present study investigates the use of a neural network technique to obtain a non-proprietary index of the depth of anaesthesia from the processed EEG data. ⋯ We have developed a neural network model, which evaluates 13 processed EEG parameters to produce an index of anaesthesia depth, which correlates very well with the BIS during total i.v. anaesthesia with propofol.
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Modern vaporizers are designed to deliver accurate and stable concentrations of volatile anaesthetic agents. Carrier gas composition may adversely affect the output from vaporizers. No previous study has tested helium in combination with sevoflurane vaporizers, a clinically useful combination especially in anaesthesia for upper airway obstruction. ⋯ Helium/oxygen mixtures can be used with these vaporizers without adversely affecting their performance.