Electroencephalogram-Based Anesthesia Indices Differently React to Modulations of Alpha-Oscillatory Activity.

Background: The electroencephalographic (EEG) provides the anesthesiologist with information regarding the level of anesthesia. Processed EEG indices are available that reflect the level of anesthesia as a single number. Strong oscillatory EEG activity in the alpha-band may be associated with an adequate level of anesthesia and a lower incidence of cognitive sequelae.

Dark-field chest x-ray imaging: first experience in patients with alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency.

Background: Spirometry and conventional chest x-ray have limitations in investigating early emphysema, while computed tomography, the reference imaging method in this context, is not part of routine patient care due to its higher radiation dose. In this work, we investigated a novel low-dose imaging modality, dark-field chest x-ray, for the evaluation of emphysema in patients with alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency.

Methods: By exploiting wave properties of x-rays for contrast formation, dark-field chest x-ray visualises the structural integrity of the alveoli, represented by a high signal over the lungs in the dark-field image.

Influence of Pharyngeal Anaesthesia on Post-Bronchoscopic Coughing: A Prospective, Single Blinded, Multicentre Trial.

Background: Local anaesthesia of the pharynx (LAP) was introduced in the era of rigid bronchoscopy (which was initially a conscious procedure under local anaesthetic), and continued into the era of flexible bronchoscopy (FB) in order to facilitate introduction of the FB. LAP reduces cough and gagging reflex, but its post-procedural effect is unclear. This prospective multicentre trial evaluated the effect of LAP on coughing intensity/time and patient comfort after FB, and the feasibility of FB under propofol sedation alone, without LAP.

The Strength of Alpha Oscillations in the Electroencephalogram Differently Affects Algorithms Used for Anesthesia Monitoring.

Background: Intraoperative patient monitoring using the electroencephalogram (EEG) can help to adequately adjust the anesthetic level. Therefore, the processed EEG (pEEG) provides the anesthesiologist with the estimated anesthesia level. The commonly used approaches track the changes from a fast- and a low-amplitude EEG during wakefulness to a slow- and a high-amplitude EEG under general anesthesia.