British journal of anaesthesia
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Comparative Study
Percutaneous transtracheal ventilation in an obstructed airway model in post-apnoeic sheep.
Temporizing oxygenation by percutaneous transtracheal ventilation (PTV) is a recommended emergency technique in 'can't intubate, can't oxygenate' (CICO) situations. Barotrauma risk increases if expiration is obstructed. The Ventrain(®) is a new PTV device that assists expiration. Our aim was to compare key physiological outcomes after PTV with the Ventrain and the Manujet(®) in a large animal obstructed airway model. ⋯ The Ventrain provided stable oxygenation and effective ventilation at low airway pressures during emergency PTV in critically obstructed airways. The Manujet provided effective temporizing oxygenation in this situation with hypoventilation necessary to minimize barotrauma risk. The nature and extent of airway obstruction may not be known in a CICO emergency but an understanding of device differences may help inform optimal ventilation device and method selection.
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Sedation for medical procedures is provided in a variety of clinical settings by medical personnel with differing levels of education and training. Although generally a safe practice, there is a degree of morbidity and mortality associated with sedation practice. Monitoring standards continue to be refined by professional societies with the goal of improving care. ⋯ Patient-controlled sedation pumps and target-controlled infusion devices have been developed to improve patient care and satisfaction. A computer-assisted propofol sedation device to be used by non-anaesthesiologists has been approved in the USA by the Food and Drug Administration. More computer-assisted sedation delivery devices are likely to be developed, but their clinical utility is unclear.
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Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a novel tumour ablation technique involving repetitive application of electrical energy around a tumour. The use of pulsed electrical gradients carries a risk of cardiac arrhythmias, severe muscle contractions, and seizures. We aimed to identify IRE-related risks and the appropriate precautions for anaesthetic management. ⋯ Side-effects during IRE on tumours in the liver, pancreas, kidney, and lesser pelvis seem mild and manageable when current recommendations for anaesthesia management, including deep muscle relaxation and ECG synchronized pulsing, are followed. Electrical pulses do not seem to cause reactive cerebral activity and evidence for pre-existing atrial fibrillation as an absolute contra-indication for IRE is questionable.
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Observational Study
Survival after postoperative morbidity: a longitudinal observational cohort study†
Previous studies have suggested that there may be long-term harm associated with postoperative complications. Uncertainty exists however, because of the need for risk adjustment and inconsistent definitions of postoperative morbidity. ⋯ Prolonged morbidity after surgery is associated with a risk of premature death for a longer duration than perhaps is commonly thought; however, this risk falls with time. We suggest that prolonged postoperative morbidity measured in this way may be a valid indicator of the quality of surgical healthcare. Our findings reinforce the importance of research and quality improvement initiatives aimed at reducing the duration and severity of postoperative complications.
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Paediatric sedation has expanded in volume and demand over the past decade. In parallel with the increasing demand for and delivery of sedation by multi-specialty providers, conflicting political agendas have surfaced. ⋯ This review highlights the important contributions to paediatric sedation over the past century. Considerations include the barriers and politics that impede progress and also future advances and contributions that may lie ahead.