Articles: function.
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Journal of anesthesia · Dec 2014
Case ReportsAnesthetic management of pulmonary valve replacement for pulmonary regurgitation in six patients with surgically repaired tetralogy of Fallot.
Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most common form of cyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD) encountered in CHD patients surviving into adulthood. A number of patients with surgically repaired TOF have significant pulmonary regurgitation (PR) that can lead to right ventricular (RV) dilatation, RV failure, and arrhythmia. We describe the anesthetic management for pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) in six PR patients with surgically repaired TOF. ⋯ Anesthesiologists should be aware of the multiplicity of comorbidities, sequelae, and residua in patients with surgically repaired TOF. RV function should be monitored using transesophageal echocardiography, and inotropic vasodilators and alpha-adrenergic agents should be administered, as appropriate. Arrhythmias, vascular injury during removal of adhesions during re-sternotomy, and bleeding from collateral vessels are also frequent complications.
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Journal of anesthesia · Dec 2014
Isoflurane anesthetic hypersensitivity and progressive respiratory depression in a mouse model with isolated mitochondrial complex I deficiency.
Children with mitochondrial disorders are frequently anesthetized for a wide range of operations. These disorders may interfere with the response to surgery and anesthesia. We examined anesthetic sensitivity to and respiratory effects of isoflurane in the Ndufs4 knockout (KO) mouse model. These mice exhibit an isolated mitochondrial complex I (CI) deficiency of the respiratory chain, and they also display clinical signs and symptoms resembling those of patients with mitochondrial CI disease. ⋯ We observed an increased isoflurane anesthetic sensitivity and severe respiratory depression in the KO mice. The respiratory depression during anesthesia was strongly progressive with age. Since the pathophysiological consequences from complex I deficiency are mainly reflected in the central nervous system and our mouse model involves progressive encephalopathy, further investigation of isoflurane effects on brain mitochondrial function is warranted.
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Acta Anaesthesiol Scand · Nov 2014
Case ReportsPeri-operative massive pulmonary embolism management: is veno-arterial ECMO a therapeutic option?
Pulmonary embolism remains an important clinical problem with a high mortality rate. The potential for sudden and fatal hemodynamic deterioration highlights the need for a prompt diagnosis and appropriate intervention. The purpose of the present case report is to describe a successful peri-operative veno-arterial extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) implantation for assumed massive pulmonary embolism associated with high hemodynamic instability and severe hypoxemia. ⋯ The patient was able to be mobilized 2 days after the surgery and was transferred to a rehabilitation ward on day 15. At that time, her cognitive functions had fully recovered. ECMO can provide lifesaving hemodynamic and respiratory support in patients with massive pulmonary embolism who are too unstable to tolerate other interventions, who have failed other therapies or for whom other therapies are contraindicated.
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Patients over the age of 65 represent 15% of Canada's population and one-third of patients undergoing surgery. Older surgical patients often have lasting disability following "minor" ambulatory procedures. This study sought to explore the postoperative experience of ambulatory surgery, as described by older surgical patients and their caregivers. ⋯ Patients and caregivers ardently described real challenges during convalescence. Ambulatory care facilities should prepare this specific demographic of patients and caregivers for the post-discharge experience. Paramount for participants was the need for clear communication and a commitment to ongoing support following discharge. The trial on which this analysis was based was registered with Clinical Trials.gov (NCT01382251).