Asystole During Elective Cervical Spine Surgery: A Case Study.

A 52-year-old, ASA class II patient was scheduled for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion at the C3 - C4 level. During the surgery when the surgeon was placing retractors the patient developed an instant onset of asystole. This case review will discuss potential reasons for asystole during cervical spinal surgery, as well as anatomical considerations when confronted with asystole during surgical dissection and retraction.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: a look at the first 24 hours.

Due to the increased prevalence of risk factors associated with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) (hypertension, atherosclerotic changes, obesity), surgical repairs are more predominant. As a result of changes in surgical techniques and issues surrounding ICU overflow and staffing problems, many of these patients remain in the PACU for longer periods, often bypassing the ICU altogether. This article concentrates on the first 24-hours of postoperative care of a patient with an AAA repair.