A multi-institutional survey of current practices in critical care airway management has found that, among other revelations, video laryngoscopy is the primary choice as both the initial and backup device for routine and difficult airway management. “Video laryngoscopy devices seem to be the primary modality chosen when it comes to airway management in the intensive […]
Read MoreAmong inpatients aged 45 years or older having noncardiac surgery, 9% will experience myocardial injury within the 30 days after the procedure. About 80% of these injuries are clinically silent, detected only by troponin elevation. Mortality, however, is nearly identical for symptomatic and asymptomatic troponin elevations. Within 30 days of surgery, 10% of patients with […]
Read MorePrescription of long-acting opioids for chronic non-cancer pain was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, including deaths from causes other than overdose, compared with anticonvulsants or cyclic antidepressants, according to a study published in the June 14 issue of JAMA. The increase in prescribing opioid analgesics for chronic non-cancer pain has led to […]
Read MoreBMC Anesthesiol. 2016;16(6) Authors: Bin Han et al Background: Difficult airway may result in significant morbidity and mortality. Proficient airway evaluation, therefore, is one of the key elements in the safe conduct of anesthesia. A three-dimensional (3D) printing model was recently introduced for medical application. 3D printing is a fast, convenient, and relatively affordable technique. We present […]
Read MoreA radiology-based measure of obesity more closely aligns with comorbidity risks than body mass index (BMI), according to a large retrospective study. “BMI is a flawed measurement of obesity” because body shape and fat distribution can modify risk for related adverse health outcomes, said Albert Roh, MD, from the Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix. “We […]
Read MoreAuthors: SM Brown FRCA; JR Sneyd FRCA BJA Education. 2016;16(3):87-91. Introduction Nitrous oxide (N2O) was first isolated by Joseph Priestly in 1772 and subsequently recognized for its analgesic properties by Humphrey Davy in 1799. Davy has actually invented a new pleasure, for which language has no name. Oh Tom! I am going for more this evening; […]
Read MoreAnesthesiology 7 2016, Vol.125, 46-61 Authors: Frédérique Hovaguimian, M.D. et al Background: Blood transfusions are associated with morbidity and mortality. However, restrictive thresholds could harm patients less able to tolerate anemia. Using a context-specific approach (according to patient characteristics and clinical settings), the authors conducted a systematic review to quantify the effects of transfusion strategies. Methods: The authors searched MEDLINE, […]
Read MoreAnesthesiology published on 6 2016 Authors: Vanessa L. Kronzer, B.A. et al Background: No study has rigorously explored the characteristics of surgical patients with recent preoperative falls. Our objective was to describe the essential features of preoperative falls and determine whether they are associated with preoperative functional dependence and poor quality of life. Methods: This was an observational […]
Read MoreBy Carly C. Barron, MSc; Andre Y. Denault, PhD, ABIM-CCM; and Manoj M. Lalu MD, PhD Central venous catheterization is a common procedure with more than 5 million central venous catheters (CVC) implanted each year in the United States.1,2 Approximately 8% of hospitalized patients require central venous access during the course of their hospital stay.2 Appropriate […]
Read MoreBy Ian Yuan, MD, and Jeffrey M. Feldman, MD, MSE Two patients come into a hospital for elective knee replacements. Their surgeries are uneventful, but both are found to have surgical site infections in follow-up visits. In the first patient, the anesthesia professional forgets to give antibiotics prior to the start of the procedure. The […]
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