Effect of sugammadex or neostigmine neuromuscular block reversal on bispectral index monitoring of propofol/remifentanil anaesthesia.

Background: Sugammadex is a modified γ-cyclodextrin with a novel mechanism of action for reversing the steroidal neuromuscular blocking agent rocuronium. Bispectral index (BIS) is an EEG-derived measure which can be sensitive to frontal electromyographic (EMG) artifacts. We compared BIS values before and after sugammadex or neostigmine neuromuscular block (NMB) reversal in patients with or without high EMG activity.

Multi-site-frequency electromechanocardiography for the prediction of ejection fraction and stroke volume in heart failure.

Background: Methods for stroke volume (SV) and ejection fraction (EF) measurements require the presence of qualified physicians and are not suited for continuous monitoring.

Aim: To develop an automated non-invasive method for the measurement and continuous monitoring of SV and EF.

Methods: We have designed a method for the measurement of EF and SV using multiple-site-impedance (z0) measurements, applying multiple frequencies of 5, 40 and 200 kHz whereby various segments of the human body, including volume changes within these segments, could be defined electrically.