Fiberoptically-guided insertion of transtracheal catheters.

Regular use of the transtracheal catheter (TTC) both offers an opportunity for training for the difficult airway and facilitates elective endoscopic surgery. Fiberoptic guidance and exploratory puncture improve the insertion of the TTC.

Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery: discovery during an ambulatory surgical procedure in a 3-month old, previously healthy infant.

We report a rare coronary anomaly in a 3-month old symptomless infant with an anomalous origin of the left coronary artery, that became manifest during anaesthesia for an ambulatory procedure, leading to circulatory arrest. Precordial stethoscope and pulse oximeter unequivocally showed a circulatory arrest. Even in ambulatory procedures, a presumed healthy patient may quickly develop a life-threatening condition because of occult disease.