Tuning consciousness: Anesthetic-sparing effect of varying sound on sedative anesthesia.

This study aimed to identify the anesthetic-sparing effect of different intraoperative sound on sedated patients under propofol target controlled infusion anesthesia (TCI). 90 patients scheduled for transvaginal oocyte retrieval surgery (TVOR) were available and randomized into three groups: patients isolated from background noise(S), patients listened to a voice calling their names (CN), or patients listened to the classical music (CM). The main outcome was the value of total propofol consumption/surgical time.

Techniques for the insertion of the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway: comparison of the Foley airway stylet tool with the introducer tool in a prospective, randomized study.

Background: Many tools have been developed to facilitate the insertion of the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion, which can be impeded by folding of its soft cuff. The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of ProSeal LMA insertion guided by a soft, direct optical Foley Airway Stylet Tool (FAST) with the standard introducer tool (IT).

Methods: One hundred sixty patients undergoing general anesthesia using the ProSeal LMA as an airway management device were randomly allocated to either FAST-guided or IT-assisted groups.

Gastric perforation after accidental esophageal intubation in a patient with deep neck infection.

Deep neck infection with airway obstruction may complicate endotracheal intubation with limited neck motion, pharyngeal swelling, and prominent secretion. Unrecognized esophageal intubation (EI) may unduly overinflate the stomach to inhibit effective ventilation, increase the incidence of hypoxia, and produce a ruptured visceral organ. We report an 81-year-old female patient with deep neck infection and impending respiratory failure who suffered gastric perforation after accidental EI in the intensive care unit.

A comparison of Trachway intubating stylet and Airway Scope for tracheal intubation by novice operators: a manikin study.

The Trachway is a recently developed intubation device that resembles an illuminating stylet and incorporates a video-assisted system. This study evaluated the use of this system for tracheal intubation by novice operators. This randomized cross-over study compared the Trachway and the Airway Scope in simulated routine and difficult intubation scenarios.

Soft catheters reduce the risk of intravascular cannulation during epidural block--a retrospective analysis of 1,117 cases in a medical center.

A wet or bloody tap is an inevitable complication while performing epidural block. The influence of different catheters on the incidence of intravascular cannulation during epidural catheterization has not been reported. We observed an initial, relatively different incidence of intravascular cannulation during the placement of different sorts of epidural catheter; hence, a retrospective review was conducted to explore the possible association.

Modified glove fingers as an aid for safely navigating endotracheal tube through the nasal cavity and nasopharynx in difficult nasotracheal intubation.

A young female patient scheduled for orthognathic surgery under general anesthesia encountered obstacles during nasotracheal intubation in which the cuff of the nasal endotracheal tube was linearly lacerated and the tube tip impacted against the retropharyngeal wall. Repeated episodes of the event happened rendering the intubation unsuccessful. A technique using modified glove fingers was applied, which successfully protected the cuff from shearing by the sharp nasal crista and redirected the tube tip away from the retropharyngeal wall.

Anaphylaxis to benzalkonium chloride-coated central venous catheter.

Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) is commonly used as a bactericidal preservative and it may cause allergic reactions in some patients. An unusual case of anaphylactic shock in a 55-year-old woman following insertion of a central venous catheter (CVC) that was coated with BAC is presented. Assuming anaphylactic shock from the CVC, the catheter was removed immediately.

Application of a double-lumen tube for one-lung ventilation in patients with anticipated difficult airway.

One-lung ventilation (OLV) is essential in some surgical situations. The use of double- lumen tubes (DLTs) can achieve OLV more quickly and more easily than bronchial blockers. The management of a difficult airway is a challenge for anesthesiologists when, at the same time, OLV is needed for a surgical procedure.