Authors: Jeffrey L. Apfelbaum, M.D. et al Anesthesiology Newly Published on August 2022 In Reply: We thank the authors for their letters addressing the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Practice Guidelines on Management of the Difficult Airway published in January 2022. Regarding the letter from Drs. Nielsen and Lim addressing mask ventilation, we respectfully disagree with […]
Read MoreAuthor: Uday Jain, BSEE, MD, PhD, FASA ASA Monitor August 2022, Vol. 86, 24. Toxic plumes, the contents of which include viruses, aerosols, and volatile organic compounds, are produced by vaporization of tissue by electrocautery or laser surgery (Dermatol 2021;62:37-40). Inhalation carries infectious, respiratory, and cardiovascular risks. Surgical masks provide some protection, but N95 respirators are […]
Read MoreAuthors: Barry Swerdlow, MD, FASA; Harriet W. Hopf, MD, FUHM, FASA ASA Monitor August 2022, Vol. 86, 23. Anesthesiologists and patients are at risk for cross-contamination and cross-infection during routine clinical care (Clinical Anesthesia. 2017; Anesth Analg 2020;131:37-42; Curr Anesthesiol Rep 2020;10:233-41; J Anesth 2020;34:575-84). The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic emphasized the risk of such perioperative transmission (Anesth Analg 2020;131:37-42; Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth […]
Read MoreAuthors: Nil Ural, MD et al ASA Monitor August 2022, Vol. 86, 20–21. Surgical site infections (SSIs) occur in 2%-5% of patients and are a costly nosocomial occurrence. The rate varies and is dependent upon the type of wound. Risk factors for SSI include immunodeficiency, chronic steroid use, diabetes mellitus, extremes of age, and inpatient status […]
Read MoreAuthors: Dustin R. Long, MD et al ASA Monitor August 2022, Vol. 86, 19–20. Infection prevention and control (IPC) are critical elements of perioperative quality and safety. Healthcare-associated infection is the leading cause of postoperative complications and hospital readmissions (asamonitor.pub/3tk4yG9). Perioperative teams and pre-anesthesia clinics are uniquely positioned to implement interventions that reduce postoperative infection […]
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