British journal of anaesthesia
-
ScanNavTMAnatomy Peripheral Nerve Block (ScanNav™) is an artificial intelligence (AI)-based device that produces a colour overlay on real-time B-mode ultrasound to highlight key anatomical structures for regional anaesthesia. This study compares consistency of identification of sono-anatomical structures between expert ultrasonographers and ScanNav™. ⋯ Human experts and the AI system both showed the same pattern of agreement in sono-anatomical structure identification. The clinical significance of the differences presented must be explored; however the perception that human expert opinion is uniform must be challenged. Elements of this assessment framework could be used for other devices to allow consistent evaluations that inform clinical training and practice. Anaesthetists should be actively engaged in the development and adoption of new AI technology.
-
Editorial Comment Review
Consensus guidelines, Delphi methods, and evidence around anaesthetic technique for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.
Consensus guidelines on the anaesthetic management of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) have recently been published. The rigorous synthesis of expert opinion is invaluable when there are limited data, and these guidelines are a significant step forward. This review both guides practice and identifies important research questions. We challenge those working in this field to collaborate and produce the evidence for whether monitored anaesthesia care (MAC) is associated with a lower incidence of adverse events and better outcomes than general anaesthesia for ERCP.
-
Editorial Comment
Improving pulse oximetry accuracy in dark-skinned patients: technical aspects and current regulations.
Recent concerns regarding the clinical accuracy of pulse oximetry in dark-skinned patients, specifically in detecting occult hypoxaemia, have motivated research on this topic and recently reported in this journal. We provide an overview of the technical aspects of the issue, the sources of inaccuracy, and the current regulations and limitations. These insights offer perspectives on how pulse oximetry can be improved to address these potential limitations.