Myasthenia gravis: a careful perioperative anesthetic management of coronary artery bypass grafting.

Nowadays, even hazardous cardiac surgery can be performed on patients with autoimmune diseases like myasthenia gravis. It requires a sensitive perioperative anesthetic approach especially in relation to nondepolarizing muscle relaxant administration. Myasthenic patients produce antibodies against the end-plate acetylcholine receptors causing muscle weakness and sensitivity to nondepolarizing muscle relaxants that could lead to respiratory failure.

Effects of unilateral PEEP on biomechanics of both lungs during independent lung ventilation in patients anaesthetised for thoracic surgery.

Background: Synchronous independent lung ventilation (ILV) is the treatment of choice for unilateral pathology of lung parenchyma. Numerous studies have documented the improved blood oxygenation and clinical efficacy of this procedure. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of ILV on the selected biomechanical parameters of the lungs.

New generation pulse oximetry in the assessment of peripheral perfusion during general anaesthesia - a comparison between propofol and desflurane.

Background: A pulse oximeter is a standard device for perioperative monitoring. It is well known that the early detection of tissue hypoxia is of great importance. It has been made easier due to a new generation pulse oximetry device from Masimo.

Emotional sequelae among survivors of critical illness: a long-term retrospective study.

Context: Treatment in an ICU can be stressful and traumatic for patients, and can lead to various physical, psychological and cognitive sequelae.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of the social, economic and working status of individuals in regard to long-term anxiety and depression among ICU convalescents.

Design: Retrospective, cross-sectional, 5-year survey between 2005 and 2009.