A novel technique for ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization under short-axis out-of-plane approach: "stepwise flashing with triangulation".

In ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization, there is no standard technique either for the needle tip visualization or for the adequate needle angle and entry to the skin with short-axis view under out-of-plane technique. In the present study, we propose a novel technique named "stepwise flashing with triangulation", and the efficacy of this technique is assessed. Before and after a didactic session in which the technique was explained, 12 novice residents were asked to position the needle tip on or into the imitation vessels and to avoid deeper penetration by using an agar tissue phantom with ultrasound guidance.

[Evaluation of factors associated with postoperative sore throat].

Background: Postoperative sore throat should be recognized seriously as an avoidable complication because of high incidence and dissatisfaction with anesthesia. The aim of the study was to identify the risk factors of postoperative sore throats in patients undergoing general anesthesia.

Methods: We retrospectively studied 1,733 patients (above 18 years of age) who had undergone general anesthesia from January to December 2010 and who had visited Department of Anesthesia, postoperative anesthesia clinic.

Evaluation of the neuroprotective effect of minocycline in a rabbit spinal cord ischemia model.

Objective: To investigate whether postischemic administration of minocycline attenuates hind-limb motor dysfunction and gray and white matter injuries after spinal cord ischemia.

Design: A prospective, randomized, laboratory investigation.

Setting: Laboratory in university, single institution.

The Effects of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy on Quality of Life in Patients With Dementia.

Background: To examine the effects of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) on quality of life (QOL) in patients with dementia.

Methods: We retrospectively included 53 Japanese community and tertiary hospitals to investigate the relationship between the newly developed PEG and consecutive dementia patients with swallowing difficulty between Jan 1st 2006 and Dec 31st 2008. We set improvements in 1) the level of independent living, 2) pneumonia, 3) peroral intake as outcome measures of QOL and explored the factors associated with these improvements.

[Ilioinguinal nerve block during general anesthesia for inguinal herniorrhaphy in adult anticoagulated patients].

Two adult anticoagulated patients after valve replacement were scheduled for inguinal herniorrhaphy. For inguinal herniorrhaphy in adults, spinal anesthesia is a common anesthetic method. In order to avoid spinal hematoma due to spinal anesthesia, however, we employed general anesthesia combined with ilioinguinal nerve block.

[Prevalence and risk factors for latex sensitization among anesthesiologists].

Background: Although powdered latex surgical gloves are predominantly used in Japanese healthcare facilities, the prevalence of latex sensitization among anesthesiologists has not been investigated.

Methods: The authors surveyed 60 anesthesiologists of 16 facilities with questionnaires and measurements of specific IgE antibodies against latex and other aeroallergens by AlaSTAT microplate immunoassay. Sensitization was defined as positive if the specific IgE concentration was not less than 0.