Revista brasileira de anestesiologia
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Rev Bras Anestesiol · Sep 2008
ReviewMyocardial protection by pre- and post-anesthetic conditioning.
Perioperative myocardial ischemia is commonly observed, and it can increase significantly postoperative morbidity and mortality. The cardioprotective properties of volatile anesthetics and opioids have been studied during several decades and currently constitute powerful tools in the management of patients with ischemic coronariopathy. The objective of this review was to provide the fundaments of myocardial protection by preconditioning. ⋯ Phenomena known as myocardial ischemic preconditioning and anesthetic preconditioning are well known, and the mechanism of protection is similar in both situations; however, not every step that leads to this protection has been fully explained. Further studies are necessary to increase the clinical applicability of the cardioprotective properties of anesthetics.
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Rev Bras Anestesiol · May 2008
ReviewBreakage of epidural catheters: etiology, prevention, and management.
The objective of this study was to review published cases of breakage of epidural catheters and, with the data gathered in the literature, to identify predisposing factors for catheter breakage, and list the recommended conducts to prevent and treat this complication. ⋯ The catheter should not be inserted more than five centimeters into de epidural space. Exploratory laminectomy should be undertaken if the patient develops signs or symptoms of neurologic changes, if the catheter is inside the subarachnoid space, or whenever the tip of the catheter is emerging out of the skin. Due to the difficulty to localize retained fragments by imaging exams, catheters should be manufactured with materials that improve their visualization.
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Rev Bras Anestesiol · May 2008
Review Historical ArticleIntravenous regional anesthesia--first century (1908-2008). Beggining, development, and current status.
Intravenous regional block is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2008. Since this is a widely used technique, this milestone should be recorded, the date celebrated, Brazilian anesthesiologists should be remembered of its evolutive process, especially in the last 40 years, and we should pay homage to the individual who started it: August Karl Gustav Bier. ⋯ Intravenous regional block is the anesthetic technique created by A. K. G Bier exactly 100 years ago. In the first half of the 20th Centuty, it evolved little and slowly, but in the last several years, it has seen an accentuated improvement, thanks to countless technical, pathophysiological, pharmacological, pharmacokinetic, and clinical developments, for which Brazilian Anesthesiology has contributed considerably. Since it is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2008, intravenous regional block deserves to have its story told, and the date should not go unnoticed, but should be remembered and celebrated.
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Intravenous lidocaine has been used for several indications since the decade of 1960. Its multimodal mechanism of action was the objective of this review. ⋯ The final analgesic action of intravenous lidocaine is a reflection of its multifactorial action. It has been suggested that its central sensitization is secondary to a peripheral anti-hyperalgic action on somatic pain and central on neuropathic pain, which result on the blockade of central hyperexcitability. The intravenous dose should not exceed the toxic plasma concentration of 5 microg mL(-1); doses smaller than 5 mg kg(-1), administered slowly (30 minutes), under monitoring, are considered safe.
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The incidence of intraoperative pulmonary collapse is elevated in patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia with muscle relaxation/paralysis. This complication is associated with worsening intraoperative gas exchange and, in some cases, the need for prolonged postoperative respiratory support. The objective of this report was to review the pathophysiological aspects of atelectasis during general anesthesia and possible therapeutic maneuvers that could prevent and treat this complication. ⋯ Understanding of the mechanisms related with the development of intraoperative pulmonary collapse, as well as its treatment, can contribute to reduce the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications, the length of recovery and hospital costs.