Oxygen diffusion: an enzyme-controlled variable parameter.

Previous oxygen microelectrode studies have shown that the oxygen diffusion coefficient (DO₂) increases during extracellular PO₂ decreases, while intracellular PO₂ remained unchanged and thus cell function (spike activity of neurons). Oxygen dependency of complex multicellular organisms requires a stable and adequate oxygen supply to the cells, while toxic concentrations have to be avoided. Oxygen brought to the tissue by convection diffuses through the intercellular and cell membranes, which are potential barriers to diffusion.

Effects of simultaneous aortocaval occlusion on oxygen consumption in patients.

The effects of simultaneous occlusion of the thoracic aorta and inferior vena cava on oxygen consumption (V O 2) have not yet been reported in humans. Ten patients (all ASA II) needed such simultaneous occlusion to allow hypoxic abdominal perfusion in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. With the development of the PhysioFlex anaesthesia machine for closed-circuit anaesthesia, intra-operative real-time curves of V O 2 became available.

Multicenter randomized comparison of the efficacy and safety of xenon and isoflurane in patients undergoing elective surgery.

Background: All general anesthetics used are known to have a negative inotropic side effect. Since xenon does not have a negative inotropic effect, it could be an interesting future general anesthetic. The aim of this clinical multicenter trial was to test the hypothesis of whether recovery after xenon anesthesia is faster compared with an accepted, standardized anesthetic regimen and that it is as effective and safe.

Questionnaire as diagnostic tool in chronic pelvic pain (CPP): a pilot study.

Objectives: No standard screening instrument is available enabling physicians to assign the diagnosis chronic pelvic pain (CPP) to women with lower abdominal pain. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate an easy-to-use questionnaire, which can be applied as a validated primary screening test for diagnosing CPP.

Study Design: From the general female population, 577 women completed a questionnaire addressing chronic symptoms in the pelvic region.