A Successful Gap-Year Clinical Research Technician (CRT) Program at an Academic Anesthesiology Department.

Background: Many students elect to take gap years in between graduating college and matriculating into medical school. At an academic institution, investigators can be limited in conducting research due to clinical endeavors. Utilizing a structured, clinical research, gap-year program with students called clinical research technicians (CRTs) can aid both investigators conducting research and students applying to graduate health programs.

Feasibility of intraoperative continuous glucose monitoring: An observational study in general surgery patients.

Background: Perioperative hyperglycemia is associated with adverse outcomes in surgical patients, and major societies recommend intraoperative monitoring and treatment targeting glucose <180-200 mg/dL. However, compliance with these recommendations is poor, in part due to fear of unrecognized hypoglycemia. Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) measure interstitial glucose with a subcutaneous electrode and can display the results on a receiver or smartphone.

A Prospective Observational Comparison of Two Approaches to Anesthetizing the Trachea for Awake Intubation.

Background: Multiple techniques have been described for anesthetizing the lower glottis and trachea prior to awake fiberoptic intubation. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate whether direct application of local anesthetic to the lower airway via an epidural catheter under direct vision is equally efficacious when compared to use of a transtracheal block in adult patients with an anticipated difficult airway.

Methods: Patients age >18 years requiring awake fiberoptic intubation who underwent upper and lower airway topicalization were observed prospectively.