Rapid intraoperative localization of parathyroid glands utilizing methylene blue infusion.

Objective: To review a single surgeon's experience utilizing an intraoperative methylene blue infusion (IMBI) to identify parathyroid glands during neck exploration for primary hyperparathyroidism.

Study Design And Setting: Retrospective review of 35 patients who underwent bilateral neck exploration utilizing an IMBI at a dose of 7.5 mg/kg following the induction of general anesthesia.

Severe bradycardia during spinal and epidural anesthesia recorded by an anesthesia information management system.

Background: Bradycardia and asystole can occur unexpectedly during neuraxial anesthesia. Risk factors may include low baseline heart rate, first-degree heart block, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 1, beta-blockers, male gender, and high sensory level. Anesthesia information management systems automatically record large numbers of physiologic variables that are combined with data input from the anesthesiologist to form the anesthesia record.