The utility of a multi-orifice epidural catheter when using the "Spray-as-You-Go" technique for topical Airway Anesthesia during Flexible Bronchoscopy, a randomised trial.

Background: Lidocaine administered through the working channel of a flexible bronchoscope can provide effective local anesthesia but cannot achieve good distribution in the airway. This study was undertaken to determine whether lidocaine delivered via a multi-orifice epidural catheter (three orifices/openings) is superior to conventional method and if a better distribution and decreased the cough reflex can be achieved.

Methods: The patients (N = 100; 50 in each group) were randomized to receive either topical airway anesthesia by the "spray-as-you-go" technique via conventional application (group C) through the working channel of the bronchoscope or via a triple-orifice epidural catheter (group E).

Protective effect of remote ischemic pre-conditioning on patients undergoing cardiac bypass valve replacement surgery: A randomized controlled trial.

Remote ischemic pre-conditioning (RIPC) may have a protective effect on myocardial injury associated with cardiac bypass surgery (CPB). The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of RIPC on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and to assess the underlying mechanisms. A total of 241 patients who underwent valve replacement were randomly assigned to receive either RIPC (n=121) or control group (n=120).