Comparison of a single- or double-injection technique for ultrasound-guided supraclavicular block: a prospective, randomized, blinded controlled study.

Background: Despite good success rates reported with ultrasound-guided supraclavicular block using 1 or multiple injections, no consensus exists on the best technique to use. We designed this study to test the hypothesis that a double-injection technique would hasten the onset of sensory block.

Methods: Adult patients undergoing hand, wrist, or elbow surgery were enrolled in this prospective double-blind randomized study.

Brief reports: a comparison of an injection cephalad or caudad to the division of the sciatic nerve for ultrasound-guided popliteal block: a prospective randomized study.

Background: The optimal site for local anesthetic injection during ultrasound-guided sciatic popliteal block remains controversial.

Methods: Patients were randomized to receive 25 mL ropivacaine 0.75% around the sciatic nerve cephalad to the peroneal-tibial division in group A (n = 51) or caudad to the division in group B (n = 51).

Perioperative intravenous lidocaine infusion for postoperative pain control: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Introduction: Various strategies have been proposed for postoperative pain control. Among those, intravenous lidocaine infusion (IVLI) has gained in interest. However, its clinical benefit remains unclear.

A comparison of a single or triple injection technique for ultrasound-guided infraclavicular block: a prospective randomized controlled study.

Background: Good success rates have been reported with ultrasound-guided infraclavicular block using one or multiple injections of local anesthetic. We hypothesized that a separate injection of local anesthetics on each cord enhances the onset of complete sensory block. We designed this prospective randomized study to compare the rate of complete sensory block using one or three injections of local anesthetic.

A comparison of aprotinin and lysine analogues in high-risk cardiac surgery.

Background: Antifibrinolytic agents are commonly used during cardiac surgery to minimize bleeding and to reduce exposure to blood products. We sought to determine whether aprotinin was superior to either tranexamic acid or aminocaproic acid in decreasing massive postoperative bleeding and other clinically important consequences.

Methods: In this multicenter, blinded trial, we randomly assigned 2331 high-risk cardiac surgical patients to one of three groups: 781 received aprotinin, 770 received tranexamic acid, and 780 received aminocaproic acid.

Modified right-sided Broncho-Cath double lumen tube improves endobronchial positioning: a randomized study.

Objective: A left-sided double lumen tube is recommended for one-lung ventilation for most thoracic surgeries, but for certain indications, a right-sided double lumen tube (R-DLT) may be mandatory. Frequent malposition of R-DLTs has been reported. We propose an innovative modification of Mallinckrodt's Broncho-Cath R-DLT consisting of an enlarged area of the lateral orifice, and studied the impact of this modification on the adequacy of R-DLT positioning.

The combination of inhaled nitric oxide and pulmonary artery balloon inflation improves oxygenation during whole-lung lavage.

We present a case in which the use of inhaled nitric oxide associated with temporary partial unilateral pulmonary artery occlusion further improved oxygenation during whole-lung lavage. This is the first case in the literature describing the simultaneous use of these two modalities.

Perioperative cardiorespiratory complications in adults with mediastinal mass: incidence and risk factors.

Background: Patients with a mediastinal mass are at risk for cardiorespiratory complications in the perioperative period. The authors' objectives were to evaluate the incidence of life-threatening intraoperative cardiorespiratory and postoperative respiratory complications in adult patients and to study the usefulness of clinical signs and symptoms, radiologic evaluation, and pulmonary function tests in the determination of the perioperative risk.

Methods: The authors reviewed the investigation and treatment of adult patients presenting with anterior or middle mediastinal masses for surgery under anesthesia between January 1994 and July 2000.

Expert consensus for training in perioperative echocardiography in the province of Quebec.

Purpose: Establish an expert consensus for training in perioperative echocardiography in the province of Quebec.

Methods: Cardiac anesthesiologists practicing in the province of Quebec with expertise in echocardiography were involved in the development of a multicentre expert consensus on training in perioperative echocardiography. Guidelines for training in adult echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography and perioperative echocardiography by the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE), the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and/or the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists (SCA) were reviewed.