The antiemetic effectiveness of droperidol during morphine patient-controlled analgesia.

This prospective, double-blind study examined the antiemetic effectiveness of the addition of droperidol to a morphine solution for use in patient-controlled analgesia in a group of 50 patients undergoing elective lumbar laminectomy. The addition of 20 mg droperidol to 120 mg morphine in 60 ml saline given by a Baxter 'Infusor' patient-controlled analgesia device reduced the incidence of vomiting as compared to the addition of sodium chloride from 42.8% to 12.

Two cases of barotrauma associated with transtracheal jet ventilation.

Two patients suffered barotrauma whilst undergoing transtracheal jet ventilation (TTJV). In the first, TTJV was provided by a Sanders injector and in the second it was given by a high frequency jet ventilator. Barotrauma was a consequence of the expiratory pathway becoming blocked.

Atracurium infusion during paediatric craniofacial surgery. Closed loop control of neuromuscular block.

A simple feedback control system was used to administer atracurium to 10 infants aged between 5 and 36 months during craniofacial reconstruction. The purpose of the study was to establish whether the system, previously evaluated only in adults, would be effective in paediatric patients. The individuals studied underwent long procedures with substantial blood loss and the potential for thermal and electrolyte disturbances.

Feedback control of neuromuscular blockade. A simple system for infusion of atracurium.

A simple system for closed-loop control of neuromuscular blockade is described. It comprises a Datex Relaxograph, a small relay and a syringe pump. The equipment is commercially available and requires no complex custom-built electronics.