Evaluation of the microbiological efficacy of cleaning agents for tracheostomy inner cannulas.

Purpose: Biofilms are a significant cause of morbidity in patients with indwelling medical devices. Biofilms pose a potential risk with reusable inner cannulas by increasing the risk of infections. Effective decontamination is thus vital in decreasing bioburden.

A device to detect leakage at the patient end of total intravenous anaesthesia.

The use of total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) is limited by concerns of disconnections of the tubing, resulting in accidental awareness. We designed a sensor device to detect leakages at the patient end and notify the medical personnel, thereby allowing immediate intervention in preventing awareness. For moisture detection, resistive sensing was selected as the working principle.

Experiential learning in simulated parapharyngeal abscess in breathing cadavers.

Purpose: Education in airway management is a fundamental component of anesthesiology training programs. There has been a shift towards the use of simulation models of higher fidelity for education in airway management. The goal of this study was to create a novel cadaveric model of a simulated parapharyngeal abscess with features of a difficult airway such as distorted anatomy and narrow airway passages presenting as stridor.

Enhanced Experiential Learning in Airway Management: Surgical Modification of Cadavers.

Introduction: Failure of airway management remains a significant source of morbidity and mortality. Advanced airway management has been addressed effectively by simulation-based training. However, simulation of difficult airways in manikins is limited by the pre-set conditions provided by the manufacturer.

Impact of Victoria's first dedicated endocrine hypertension service on the pattern of primary aldosteronism diagnoses.

Background: Primary aldosteronism (PA) accounts for 3.2-12.7% of hypertension in primary care but is often diagnosed late, if at all.

Current pattern of primary aldosteronism diagnosis: Delayed and complicated.

Background: Primary aldosteronism is the most common specifically treatable and potentially curable cause of hypertension.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyse the referral pattern and disease characteristics of patients with hypertension and suspected primary aldosteronism.

Methods: We prospectively collected clinical data from patients who attended the Endocrine Hypertension Service (EHS) at Monash Health from May 2016 to May 2017.