Validation of the Zero-Heat-Flux thermometer (SpotOn®) in major gynecological surgery to monitor intraoperative core temperature: a comparative study with esophageal core temperature.

Background: The Zero-Heat-Flux technology of the SpotOn® sensor to measure core temperature has been validated in vascular and cardiac surgery. Our aim was to assess its validity in gynecological surgery in terms of time of measurement, thermic status (hypo-, normo-, or hyperthermia) and the use of different warming devices.

Methods: Prospective study in patients scheduled for major gynecological surgery using three warming systems (Snuggle Warm®, Lithotomy Underbody Blanket® and Warmtac Pad®).

Use of the cumulative sum method (CUSUM) to assess the learning curves of ultrasound-guided continuous femoral nerve block.

Background: Although ultrasound is a basic competence for anaesthesia residents (AR) there is few data available on the learning process. This prospective observational study aims to assess the learning process of ultrasound-guided continuous femoral nerve block and to determine the number of procedures that a resident would need to perform in order to reach proficiency using the cumulative sum (CUSUM) method.

Methods: We recruited 19 AR without previous experience.

Modern approach to an old technique: Narrative revision of techniques used to locate the epidural space.

Since the first description of the epidural technique during the 1920s, the continuous progress of knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the epidural space has allowed the development of different techniques to locate this space while increasing both the safety and efficacy of the procedure. The most common techniques used today are based on the two main characteristics of the epidural space: the difference in distensibility between the ligamentum flavum and the epidural space, and the existence of negative pressure within the epidural space. However, over recent years, technological advances have allowed the development of new techniques to locate the epidural space based on other physical properties of tissues.

Clinical protocol for the management of malignant hyperthermia.

Malignant hyperthermia is a hypermetabolic syndrome that appears in susceptible patients after exposure to certain anaesthetic drugs (succinylcholine, inhalation anaesthetics). Its incidence in Spain is 1 in 40,000 adults, with a 10% mortality rate. It is induced by an abnormal regulation of the ryanodine receptors, producing a massive release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum in the striate muscle.

Ventilation with facial mask in the prone position for radiotherapy procedures in children.

Objectives: Ventilation of patients undergoing procedures in the prone position represents a challenge for the anesthesiologist, especially when trying to avoid tracheal intubation. This study aimed to test the effectiveness and safety of a prototype designed for pediatric facial mask ventilation in the prone position.

Material And Methods: A prospective descriptive study was conducted on 105 sedations performed in 3 children scheduled for radiotherapy treatment of posterior fossa desmoplastic medulloblastoma (6 and 4 y.