Publications by authors named "Heinz R Bruppacher"
Background: Multimorbidity is a growing burden in our ageing society and is associated with perioperative morbidity and mortality. Despite several modifications to the ASA physical status classification, multimorbidity as such is still not considered. Thus, the aim of this study was to quantify the burden of comorbidities in perioperative patients and to assess, independent of ASA class, its potential influence on perioperative outcome.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To prospectively assess the construct and criterion validity of ClassIntra version 1.0, a newly developed classification for assessing intraoperative adverse events.
Design: International, multicentre cohort study.
Background: Clinical characteristics such as oropharyngeal leak pressure (OLP) and ventilation peak pressure are important factors for successful use of supraglottic airway devices in general anaesthesia. We hypothesized that the LMA Protector™ compared to the LMA Supreme™ may develop a higher OLP, which could be of clinical significance.
Methods: Ninety-six patients were randomized to the LMA Protector™ or LMA Supreme™ groups.
Introduction: Airway management in severely obese patients remains a challenging issue for anaesthetists and may lead to life-threatening situations. Supraglottic airway devices, such as the i-gel™ or the AuraGain™, were developed, with the possibility to ventilate the patient or use them as a conduit for endotracheal intubation.
Methods: In our randomized prospective trial, we hypothesized a 10 seconds faster fiberoptic trans-device intubation time through the AuraGain™ laryngeal mask compared to the i-gel™ laryngeal mask in severely obese patients.
Background: We hypothesize that oropharyngeal leak pressures differ between the LMA® Protector™ and the AuraGain™, two novel supraglottic airway devices offering the possibility of intubation.
Methods: Ninety-eight male patients ASAI-II were randomly assigned to the AuraGainTM or ProtectorTM group. Oropharyngeal leak pressure was measured by incrementing cuff volume in 10 mL steps from 10 mL to 40 mL.
Purpose: AuraGain, a novel third-generation laryngeal mask, can facilitate insertion of a gastric tube and provide the potential advantage of intubation. Data are lacking on intubation through the AuraGain laryngeal mask.
Methods: Eighty-eight hip or knee surgery patients were enrolled in this parallel randomized-controlled trial.
Background: To potentially optimize intubation skill teaching in an American Heart Association® Airway Management Course® for novices, we investigated the transfer of skills from video laryngoscopy to direct laryngoscopy and vice versa using King Vision® and Macintosh blade laryngoscopes respectively.
Methods: Ninety volunteers (medical students, residents and staff physicians) without prior intubation experience were randomized into three groups to receive intubation training with either King Vision® or Macintosh blade or both. Afterwards they attempted intubation on two human cadavers with both tools.
Objective: To examine the effectiveness of self-debriefing as compared to instructor debriefing in the change of nontechnical skills performance of anesthesiology residents.
Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled study.
Setting: A university hospital simulation center.
Background: Age-related deterioration in both cognitive function and the capacity to control fine motor movements has been demonstrated in numerous studies. However, this decline has not been described with respect to complex clinical anesthesia skills. Cricothyroidotomy is an example of a complex, lifesaving procedure that requires competency in the domains of both cognitive processing and fine motor control.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: Although guidelines for difficult airway management have been published, the extent to which consultant anesthesiologists follow these guidelines has not been determined. The purpose of this study is to observe how consultant anesthesiologists manage a "cannot intubate, cannot ventilate" (CICV) scenario in a high-fidelity simulator and to evaluate whether a simulation teaching session improves their adherence to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) difficult airway algorithm.
Methods: With Ethics Board approval and informed consent, all staff anesthesiologists in a single tertiary care institution were invited to enrol in this study where they managed a simulated unanticipated CICV scenario in a high-fidelity simulator.
Background: Simulation-based training is useful in improving physicians' skills. However, no randomized controlled trials have been able to demonstrate the effects of simulation teaching in real-life patient care. This study aimed to determine whether simulation-based training or an interactive seminar resulted in better patient care during weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB)-a high stakes clinical setting.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFStudy Objective: s: To quantify thoracoabdominal asynchrony (TAA) in children during anesthesia, and to measure the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on TAA, tidal volume (VT), and minute ventilation (E).
Design: Prospective, nonrandomized, controlled study.
Setting: Operating room of a university children's hospital.