A novel classification instrument for intraoperative awareness events.

Background: Intraoperative awareness with explicit recall occurs in approximately 1-2 cases per 1000. Given the rarity of the event, a better understanding of awareness and its sequelae will likely require the compilation of data from numerous studies. As such, a standard description and expression of awareness events would be of value.

A novel electronic algorithm for detecting potentially insufficient anesthesia: implications for the prevention of intraoperative awareness.

Objective: A recent clinical trial compared a minimum alveolar concentration (MAC)-based protocol to an electroencephalography (EEG)-based protocol for the prevention of intraoperative awareness. One limitation of this study design is that MAC-based protocols are not sensitive to the use of intravenous agents, while EEG-based protocols are. Our objective was to develop a MAC alert that incorporates intravenous agents.

Levels of consciousness during regional anesthesia and monitored anesthesia care: patient expectations and experiences.

Complaints of "intraoperative awareness" after regional anesthesia and monitored anesthesia care have been reported. We hypothesized that this may be due to either unmet expectations regarding levels of consciousness or states of consciousness resembling general anesthesia. A structured interview assessing expected and experienced levels of consciousness was given to 117 patients who underwent regional anesthesia or monitored anesthesia care.