Conus medullaris trauma: is there a greater risk in parturients?

Background: There is some evidence that anaesthetists often perform neuraxial blocks at a higher lumbar interspace than intended. It may be questioned whether parturients are at greater risk for neurological damage when the dura is perforated at a more cephalad interspace than L2-L3.

Methods: Thirty-six patients scheduled for elective Caesarean delivery under CSE anaesthesia were selected for study.

Effects of propofol, desflurane, and sevoflurane on recovery of myocardial function after coronary surgery in elderly high-risk patients.

Background: The present study investigated the effects of propofol, desflurane, and sevoflurane on recovery of myocardial function in high-risk coronary surgery patients. High-risk patients were defined as those older than 70 yr with three-vessel disease and an ejection fraction less than 50% with impaired length-dependent regulation of myocardial function.

Methods: Coronary surgery patients (n = 45) were randomly assigned to receive either target-controlled infusion of propofol or inhalational anesthesia with desflurane or sevoflurane.

Sevoflurane but not propofol preserves myocardial function in coronary surgery patients.

Background: Sevoflurane has been shown to protect against myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury in animals. The present study investigated whether these effects were clinically relevant and would protect left ventricular (LV) function during coronary surgery.

Methods: Twenty coronary surgery patients were randomly assigned to receive either target-controlled infusion of propofol or inhalational anesthesia with sevoflurane.