Two Cases of Intraoperative ECG Artifact Mimicking Ventricular Tachycardia and How to Know When It Is Real.

Electrocardiographic (ECG) artifacts may resemble ventricular tachycardia (VT), leading to inappropriate therapies. Despite extensive training, electrophysiologists have still been shown to misinterpret artifacts. The literature is scant regarding the intraoperative identification by anesthesia providers of ECG artifacts resembling VT.

Effect of Arm Positioning on Entrapment of Infraclavicular Nerve Block Catheter.

Continuous brachial plexus nerve block catheters are commonly inserted for postoperative analgesia after upper extremity surgery. Modifications of the insertion technique have been described to improve the safety of placing an infraclavicular brachial plexus catheter. Rarely, these catheters may become damaged or entrapped, complicating their removal.