Minerva anestesiologica
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Minerva anestesiologica · Apr 2015
Observational StudyChanges of swallowing function after tracheostomy: a videofluoroscopy study.
Patients after tracheostomy often present swallowing dysfunctions but little is known about the mechanism underlying dysphagia and its reversibility. The aims of this study were: 1) to characterize swallowing dysfunctions in patients with dysphagia and tracheostomy; 2) to evaluate the reversibility of these changes; 3) to evaluate the possible influence of the underlying disease. ⋯ The swallowing function is impaired in patients with dysphagia and tracheostomy, but most swallowing abnormalities appear to be partially reversible. Patients with chronic respiratory disease exhibit a worse swallowing function.
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Minerva anestesiologica · Apr 2015
Enhanced visual acuity with echogenic needles in ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus block : A randomized, comparative, observer-blinded study.
We prospectively evaluated the effect of insertion angle on the visibility of echogenic and nonechogenic needles in phantoms and in axillary nerve blocks in patients. ⋯ Needles with enhanced echogenicity improved physician comfort, image quality, needle visibility, and visualization time of the needle during ultrasound-guided procedures in phantoms and axillary nerve blocks using insertion angles of 30-45° and ≥ 45°.