Bacterial contamination and the effect of filters in anaesthetic circuits in a simulated patient model.

In order to investigate bacterial contamination of anaesthetic breathing circuits and means of prevention of this, six different laboratory experiments were performed. These experiments involved the bacterial contamination of Dräger Narkose Spiromat 650 and Dräger AV-1 circle system circuits and of an isolated soda lime carbon dioxide absorber. The effects of anaesthetic gas, gas flow rate and the incorporation of a hydrophobic membrane heat and moisture exchanging bacterial/viral filter (HMEF) at the patient end of these circuits were investigated.

A simple anaesthetic and monitoring system for magnetic resonance imaging.

Clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a digital tomographic technique which utilizes radio waves emitted by hydrogen protons in a powerful magnetic field to form an image of soft-tissue structures and abnormalities within the body. Unfortunately, because of the relatively long scanning time required and the narrow deep confines of the MRI tunnel and Faraday cage, some patients cannot be examined without the use of heavy sedation or general anaesthesia. Due to poor access to the patient and the strong magnetic field, several problems arise in monitoring and administering anaesthesia during this procedure.

The great radicular artery of Adamkiewicz in man. Demonstration of a possibility to predict its functional territory.

A women in her early sixties suffered from a malignant intramedullary astrocytoma. It had caused a nearly complete neurological deficit extending from the 12th thoracic segment downward. Since progressive tumour growth caused excruciating pain it was decided to remove the tumorous non-functional part of the spinal cord.

Results of a feasibility trial to achieve total immobilization of patients in a neurosurgical intensive care unit with etomidate.

In the intensive care unit of Leiden University Neurosurgical Department 52 critically ill patients were given continuous infusions of etomidate to achieve 'total immobilization'. This can be defined as a state whereby there is complete elimination of all psychic, sensory and motor unrest. Etomidate administration varied from 2 hours to 25 days and dosages began at 20 micrograms/kg/minute and were increased to 110 micrograms/kg/minute according to need and indications for varying periods of time.