EDITORIALS:

Steven L. Shafer

Tattered Threads
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1361-1363. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Paul F. White, Henrik Kehlet, and Spencer Liu

Perioperative Analgesia: What Do We Still Know?
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1364-1367. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Daryl A. Oakes and Christina T. Mora Mangano

Cardiopulmonary Bypass in 2009: Achieving and Circulating Best Practices
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1368-1370. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Susan Garwood

Measuring Renal Blood Flow with the Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography Probe
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1371-1376. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Peter S. Sebel

What Is the Airspeed Velocity of an Unladen Swallow?
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1377-1378. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Etsuro K. Motoyama

The Shape of the Pediatric Larynx: Cylindrical or Funnel Shaped?
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1379-1381. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Michael Imhoff and Roland Fried

The Crying Wolf: Still Crying?
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1382-1383. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

CARDIOVASCULAR ANESTHESIOLOGY:

Lance R. Hoover, Radhika Dinavahi, Wei-Ping Cheng, John R. Cooper, Jr, Maria Rosa Marino, Tyler C. Spata, Gaile L. Daniels, William K. Vaughn, and Nancy A. Nussmeier

Jugular Venous Oxygenation During Hypothermic Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Patients at Risk for Abnormal Cerebral Autoregulation: Influence of -Stat Versus pH-Stat Blood Gas Management (Brief Report)
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1389-1393. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Patients at high risk for poor cerebral autoregulation during cardiopulmonary bypass have higher jugular venous oxygen tensions and saturations throughout the hypothermic period and the first minute of rewarming during cardiopulmonary bypass if pH-stat blood gas management is used instead of {alpha}-stat management.

Glenn S. Murphy, Eugene A. Hessel, II, and Robert C. Groom

Optimal Perfusion During Cardiopulmonary Bypass: An Evidence-Based Approach (Review Article)
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1394-1417. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Ping-Liang Yang, David T. Wong, Shuang-Bo Dai, Hai-Bo Song, Ling Ye, Jin Liu, and Bin Liu

The Feasibility of Measuring Renal Blood Flow Using Transesophageal Echocardiography in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1418-1424. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Left renal blood flow measurement is feasible and reproducible using intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography in cardiac surgery for approximately 60% of patients. Assessment of right renal blood flow is unreliable due to fixed anatomic factors.

Mark C. Wesley, Francis X. McGowan, Robert A. Castro, Sheahan Dissanayake, David Zurakowski, and James A. DiNardo

The Effect of Milrinone on Platelet Activation as Determined by TEG® Platelet Mapping^TM
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1425-1429. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: In healthy volunteers, therapeutic blood concentrations of milrinone inhibit adenosine diphosphate and arachadonic acid-induced platelet activation as determined by TEG(R) Platelet MappingTM.

Per Flisberg, Malin Rundgren, and Martin Engström

The Effects of Platelet Transfusions Evaluated Using Rotational Thromboelastometry (Brief Report)
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1430-1432. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Platelet transfusions given to thrombocytopenic patients have an immediate effect on whole blood coagulation, measured using rotational thromboelastometry.

Kenichi A. Tanaka, Nigel S. Key, and Jerrold H. Levy

Blood Coagulation: Hemostasis and Thrombin Regulation (Review Article)
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1433-1446. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Nigel Mackman

The Role of Tissue Factor and Factor VIIa in Hemostasis (Review Article)
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1447-1452. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Frederic T. Billings, IV, Susheel K. Kodali, and Jack S. Shanewise

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Anesthetic Considerations (Review Article)
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1453-1462. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Video Clips]  [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is a less invasive technique used to treat aortic valvular stenosis in high-risk patients. This beating-heart technique avoids sternotomy, cardiopulmonary bypass, and aortic cross-clamping but carries specific intraoperative anesthetic concerns and complications.

Pushpa L. Koyyalamudi, Andrej Alfirevic, and Colleen G. Koch

An Unusual Presentation of Carcinoid Tumor (Echo Rounds)
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1463-1464. [Full Text] [PDF] [Echo Loops]  [Request Permissions]  

Christopher W. Connors, Andrew Locke, and David A. Silver

Surgical Approach to a Left Ventricular Mass Guided by Transesophageal Echocardiography (Echo Rounds)
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1465-1466. [Full Text] [PDF] [Echo Loops]  [Request Permissions]  

Robina Matyal, Swaminathan Karthik, Balachundhar Subramaniam, Peter Panzica, Sugantha Sundar, Robert Hagberg, Karinne Jervis, and Feroze Mahmood

Real-Time Three-Dimensional Echocardiography for Left Atrial Appendage Ligation (Echo Rounds)
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1467-1469. [Full Text] [PDF] [Echo Loop]  [Request Permissions]  

Shrinivas Gadhinglajkar and Rupa Sreedhar

Surgery for Anomalous Origin of Left Coronary Artery From Pulmonary Artery: The Utility of Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography (Echo Rounds)
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1470-1472. [Full Text] [PDF] [Echo Loops]  [Request Permissions]  

PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIOLOGY:

Priti G. Dalal, David Murray, Anna H. Messner, Angela Feng, John McAllister, and David Molter

Pediatric Laryngeal Dimensions: An Age-Based Analysis
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1475-1479. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Data Supplement]  [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The study suggests that the glottis rather than the cricoid is the narrowest portion of the pediatric airway. Based on airway measurements in anesthetized paralyzed children, a transition from the funnel-shaped pediatric airway to the more cylindrical adult airway could not be identified.

Mark W. Crawford, Michelle C. White, Evan J. Propst, Christian Zaarour, Sharon Cushing, Carolyne Pehora, Adrian L. James, Karen A. Gordon, and Blake C. Papsin

Dose-Dependent Suppression of the Electrically Elicited Stapedius Reflex by General Anesthetics in Children Undergoing Cochlear Implant Surgery
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1480-1487. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Volatile anesthetics suppress the stapedius reflex in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that threshold measurements acquired during volatile anesthesia will overestimate the maximum comfort level, which may adversely affect the patient's adaptation to the cochlear implant. We advise against the use of volatile anesthetics for measurement of the stapedius reflex threshold during cochlear implant surgery.

Marion Weintraud, Märit Lundblad, Stephan C. Kettner, Harald Willschke, Stephan Kapral, Per-Arne Lönnqvist, Karl Koppatz, Klaus Turnheim, Adrian Bsenberg, and Peter Marhofer

Ultrasound Versus Landmark-Based Technique for Ilioinguinal-Iliohypogastric Nerve Blockade in Children: The Implications on Plasma Levels of Ropivacaine
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1488-1492. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Faster absorption and higher maximal plasma concentration of local anesthetic were observed when ultrasound was used as a guidance technique for ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric nerve blocks in children compared with the landmark-based technique. These results highlight the importance of using low volumes of local anesthetics during ultrasonographic guided ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric nerve blockade in children.

Jin-Tae Kim, Chun-Soo Park, Hyun Jung Kim, Jung-Man Lee, Hee-Soo Kim, Chong-Sung Kim, and Seong-Deok Kim

The Effect of Inguinal Compression, Valsalva Maneuver, and Reverse Trendelenburg Position on the Cross-Sectional Area of the Femoral Vein in Children
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1493-1496. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The cross-sectional area of the femoral vein can be effectively increased by inguinal compression in anesthetized children. Valsalva maneuver is more effective in smaller children. The reverse Trendelenburg position has little effect on the size of the femoral vein in children.

AMBULATORY ANESTHESIOLOGY:

Tong J. Gan, Ashish C. Sinha, Anthony L. Kovac, R. Kevin Jones, Stephen A. Cohen, Jean P. Battikha, Jonathan S. Deutsch, Joseph V. Pergolizzi, Jr, the TDS Study Group, and Peter S. A. Glass

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Multicenter Trial Comparing Transdermal Scopolamine Plus Ondansetron to Ondansetron Alone for the Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in the Outpatient Setting
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1498-1504. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Transdermal scopolamine in combination with ondansetron reduces postoperative nausea and vomiting and improves patient satisfaction compared with ondansetron alone without increasing the anticholinergic-related side effects

Woo Jae Jeon, Kyoung Hun Kim, Jung Kook Suh, and Sang Yun Cho

The Use of Remifentanil to Facilitate the Insertion of the Cobra Perilaryngeal Airway
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1505-1509. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Remifentanil 2 ng/mL and propofol 6 {micro}g/mL coadministration creates excellent conditions for insertion of the Cobra Perilaryngeal Airway on the first attempt, with minimal hemodynamic perturbation and a shorter duration of apnea.

ANESTHETIC PHARMACOLOGY:

Bettina Horn, Stefanie Pilge, Eberhard F. Kochs, Gudrun Stockmanns, Andreas Hock, and Gerhard Schneider

A Combination of Electroencephalogram and Auditory Evoked Potentials Separates Different Levels of Anesthesia in Volunteers
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1512-1521. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Data from a volunteer study and a previous patient study were used to develop a new combined electroencephalogram/auditory evoked potentials parameter which can both discriminate between consciousness and unconsciousness and differentiate levels of hypnosis from awake to deep anesthesia.

Jaap Vuyk, Bart Jan Lichtenbelt, Erik Olofsen, Jack W. van Kleef, and Albert Dahan

Mixed-Effects Modeling of the Influence of Midazolam on Propofol Pharmacokinetics
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1522-1530. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Midazolam increases blood propofol concentrations through a reduction of the metabolic, rapid, and slow distribution clearances of propofol. In addition, mean arterial blood pressure affects the propofol pharmacokinetics such that a reduction in mean arterial blood pressure is associated with an increase in blood propofol concentration.

Gudrun Kungys, JongBun Kim, Steven L. Jinks, Richard J. Atherley, and Joseph F. Antognini

Propofol Produces Immobility via Action in the Ventral Horn of the Spinal Cord by a GABAergic Mechanism
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1531-1537. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Propofol did not depress spinal dorsal horn neurons, which were depressed by isoflurane. Both anesthetics caused greater depression in the ventral horn. Picrotoxin reversed the depressive effect of propofol, but it had little or no effect on isoflurane's depressive action. In addition, decerebration did not alter propofol requirements. These data suggest that propofol produces immobility by a GABAergic action on neurons in the ventral spinal cord.

Yun Weng, Tienyi Theresa Hsu, Jing Zhao, Stefanie Nishimura, Gerald G. Fuller, and James M. Sonner

Isovaleric, Methylmalonic, and Propionic Acid Decrease Anesthetic EC₅₀ in Tadpoles, Modulate Glycine Receptor Function, and Interact with the Lipid 1,2-Dipalmitoyl-Sn-Glycero-3-Phosphocholine
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1538-1545. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Three organic acids which are elevated in genetic diseases that impair consciousness have anesthetic effects in tadpoles, positively modulate glycine receptor function, and alter pressure-area isotherms of DPPC lipid monolayers.

TECHNOLOGY, COMPUTING, AND SIMULATION:

Matthias Görges, Boaz A. Markewitz, and Dwayne R. Westenskow

Improving Alarm Performance in the Medical Intensive Care Unit Using Delays and Clinical Context
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1546-1552. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The number of ineffective alarms in the medical intensive care unit can be reduced by introducing a 19-s alarm delay and identifying clinical context.

Jean-Luc Fellahi, Vincent Caille, Cyril Charron, Pierre-Hervé Deschamps-Berger, and Antoine Vieillard-Baron

Noninvasive Assessment of Cardiac Index in Healthy Volunteers: A Comparison Between Thoracic Impedance Cardiography and Doppler Echocardiography
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1553-1559. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Neither absolute values nor dynamic changes in cardiac index can reliably be assessed by the NiccomoTM device when compared with Doppler echocardiography in resting healthy volunteers.

PATIENT SAFETY:

Roy K. Esaki and George A. Mashour

Levels of Consciousness During Regional Anesthesia and Monitored Anesthesia Care: Patient Expectations and Experiences (Brief Report)
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1560-1563. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: In a study of >100 patients, complete loss of consciousness was the single most frequent expectation and subjective experience of patients undergoing regional anesthesia and monitored anesthesia care. These data indicate that, from the patient's perspective, the boundary between general and nongeneral anesthesia is obscured.

Jeffrey S. Yasny

Perioperative Dental Considerations for the Anesthesiologist (Review Article)
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1564-1573. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [CME] [Request Permissions]  

Joachim Boldt

Modern Rapidly Degradable Hydroxyethyl Starches: Current Concepts (Review Article)
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1574-1582. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [CME] [Request Permissions]  

CRITICAL CARE AND TRAUMA:

Holger Herff, Peter Paal, Achim von Goedecke, Thomas Mitterlechner, Christian A. Schmittinger, and Volker Wenzel

Ventilation Strategies in the Obstructed Airway in a Bench Model Simulating a Nonintubated Respiratory Arrest Patient (Technical Communication)
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1585-1588. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: In a simulated severely obstructed unprotected airway, the use of a flow-limited bag-valve device compared with a standard bag-valve device resulted in longer inspiratory times, higher tidal volumes, lower inspiratory pressures, and no stomach inflation, which may reduce the risk of aspiration and improve oxygenation.

Tadashi Okabe, Shinhiro Takeda, Shinji Akada, Takashi Hongo, and Atsuhiro Sakamoto

Postoperative Intensive Care Unit Drug Fever Caused by Dexmedetomidine (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1589-1591. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: We describe the case of a 59-yr-old patient who experienced drug fever caused by dexmedetomidine hydrochloride. Clinicians should be aware of this rare complication.

OBSTETRIC ANESTHESIOLOGY:

Wendy H. L. Teoh and Alex T. H. Sia

Colloid Preload Versus Coload for Spinal Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery: The Effects on Maternal Cardiac Output
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1592-1598. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Intravascular volume expansion with 15 mL/kg colloid (6% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4) given as a preload, but not coload, significantly increases maternal cardiac output in the first 5 min after spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery. Other measures of maternal and neonatal outcome, including maternal arterial blood pressure, were not different.

Richard S. Gist, Irene P. Stafford, Andrew B. Leibowitz, and Yaakov Beilin

Amniotic Fluid Embolism (Review Article)
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1599-1602. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Eric B. Fishman, Jean M. Connors, and William R. Camann

Anesthetic Management of Seven Deliveries in Three Sisters with the May-Hegglin Anomaly (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1603-1605. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Three sisters with May-Hegglin anomaly and thrombocytopenia (platelet counts 14,000-100,000/mm3) were given neuraxial anesthesia for a total of seven deliveries. No complications were noted.

ECONOMICS, EDUCATION, AND POLICY:

Tanja Manser, Thomas Kyle Harrison, David M. Gaba, and Steven K. Howard

Coordination Patterns Related to High Clinical Performance in a Simulated Anesthetic Crisis
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1606-1615. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Data Supplement]  [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Using data from a full-scale patient simulator, we investigated the effects of different coordination patterns on clinical performance for treating a simulated episode of malignant hyperthermia. Our results could be used to develop specific training that will improve team coordination and clinical performance during routine and crisis situations.

Ruth E. Wachtel, Franklin Dexter, and Angella J. Dow

Growth Rates in Pediatric Diagnostic Imaging and Sedation
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1616-1621. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The number of children receiving care from anesthesia providers for diagnostic imaging has increased to the same extent as the number of procedures performed. Utilization of anesthesia providers was highest for scans of long duration and for children 3-5 yr of age.

Danielle Masursky, Franklin Dexter, Michael P. Garver, and Nancy A. Nussmeier

Incentive Payments to Academic Anesthesiologists for Late Afternoon Work Did Not Influence Turnover Times
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1622-1626. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Most anesthesiologists considered an operating room to run late if it finished after a specific time of day, unrelated to the room's type of procedures or to the payment for working late. The implementation of payment to anesthesiologists for working late had no significant effect on turnover times at several times in the afternoon.

NEUROSURGICAL ANESTHESIOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE:

Dmitri Baranov, Philip E. Bickler, Gregory J. Crosby, Deborah J. Culley, Maryellen F. Eckenhoff, Roderic G. Eckenhoff, Kirk J. Hogan, Vesna Jevtovic-Todorovic, András Palotás, Misha Perouansky, Emmanuel Planel, Jeffrey H. Silverstein, Huafeng Wei, Robert A. Whittington, Zhongcong Xie, and Zhiyi Zuo

Consensus Statement: First International Workshop on Anesthetics and Alzheimer’s Disease (Special Article)
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1627-1630. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS This article is a consensus view on the possible link between Alzheimer's disease and anesthesia and the steps required to test this more definitively.

Seiji Ishikawa, Hiroyuki Ito, Kuninori Yokoyama, and Koshi Makita

Phenylephrine Ameliorates Cerebral Cytotoxic Edema and Reduces Cerebral Infarction Volume in a Rat Model of Complete Unilateral Carotid Artery Occlusion with Severe Hypotension
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1631-1637. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: IV phenylephrine significantly reduced cerebral infarction volume in a rat model of complete unilateral carotid artery occlusion with severe hypotension. During hemorrhagic shock, IV administration of phenylephrine may be helpful to prevent or ameliorate postoperative stroke in patients with severe internal carotid artery disease.

Bryan J. Houde, Stephan R. Williams, Alexandre Cadrin-Chênevert, François Guilbert, and Pierre Drolet

A Comparison of Cervical Spine Motion During Orotracheal Intubation with the Trachlight® or the Flexible Fiberoptic Bronchoscope
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1638-1643. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Intubation using the flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope and Trachlight(R) produce similar degrees of cervical spine motion.

ANALGESIA:

Bishwanath Kumar, Jayantee Kalita, Gyanendra Kumar, and Usha K. Misra

Central Poststroke Pain: A Review of Pathophysiology and Treatment
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1645-1657. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Kwang Su Kim, Sung Sik Shin, Tae Sam Kim, Chang Young Jeong, Myung Ha Yoon, and Jeong Il Choi

Fluoroscopically Guided Cervical Interlaminar Epidural Injections Using the Midline Approach: An Analysis of Epidurography Contrast Patterns (Brief Report)
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1658-1661. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: In conclusion, 2 mL of contrast solution can provide optimal dispersion of contrast in a ventral and longitudinal spread.

Bryan S. Williams and Steven P. Cohen

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: A Review of Anatomy, Diagnosis and Treatment (Review Article)
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1662-1670. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Xin Su, Annie H. Liang, and Mark O. Urban

The Effect of Amitriptyline on Ectopic Discharge of Primary Afferent Fibers in the L5 Dorsal Root in a Rat Model of Neuropathic Pain
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1671-1679. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The sodium channel blocker amitriptyline, which is used clinically for the treatment of neuropathic pain, selectively inhibits ectopic discharge of low frequency and bursting discharge in the rat neuropathic pain model. Compounds with such selectivity may be effective for the management of neuropathic pain without potential adverse central nervous system side effects.

Mine Sibel Gurun, Renee Parker, James C. Eisenach, and Michelle Vincler

The Effect of Peripherally Administered CDP-Choline in an Acute Inflammatory Pain Model: The Role of 7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1680-1687. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: This study shows that local administration of the {alpha}7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist citicholine; cytidine-5'-diphosphate choline reduces hypersensitivity to mechanical stimuli, edema and production of the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} in a model of localized inflammation. These data suggest that the local application of {alpha}7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists may be a new therapeutic tool in the management of inflammatory pain.

Edward R. Mariano, Robert Afra, Vanessa J. Loland, NavParkash S. Sandhu, Richard H. Bellars, Michael L. Bishop, Gloria S. Cheng, Lynna P. Choy, Rosalita C. Maldonado, and Brian M. Ilfeld

Continuous Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block via an Ultrasound-Guided Posterior Approach: A Randomized, Triple-Masked, Placebo-Controlled Study
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1688-1694. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: A continuous interscalene block using an ultrasound-guided posterior approach provides profound analgesia, opioid-sparing, and additional benefits after moderately painful shoulder surgery.

Michael J. Fredrickson, Craig M. Ball, Adam J. Dalgleish, Alistair W. Stewart, and Tim G. Short

A Prospective Randomized Comparison of Ultrasound and Neurostimulation as Needle End Points for Interscalene Catheter Placement
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1695-1700. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Interscalene catheters placed for shoulder surgery using an ultrasound needle end point provide postoperative analgesia of similar quality compared with that obtained when using a neurostimulation needle end point. An ultrasound end point is associated with a reduction in both needle time under the skin and procedure-related pain.

Nebahat Gulcu, Ersoz Gonca, and Hasan Kocoglu

A Lateral Percutaneous Technique for Stellate Ganglion Blockade in Rats
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1701-1704. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: We describe a lateral percutaneous stellate ganglion blockade technique in rats that does not require general anesthesia and allows a more rapid evaluation of ptosis compared to the conventional posterior approach.

Desiree A. Teoh, Kristi L. Santosham, Carmen C. Lydell, Dean F. Smith, and Michael T. Beriault

Surface Anatomy as a Guide to Vertebral Level for Thoracic Epidural Placement
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1705-1707. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Optimal placement of thoracic epidurals improves the quality of analgesia although minimizing unwanted hemodynamic or motor side effects. This study suggests that the vertebra prominens (C7) is a more accurate surface anatomical landmark compared with the lesser wing of the scapula for thoracic epidural placement.

Maeve O'Connor, Margaret Coleman, Fintan Wallis, and Dominic Harmon

An Anatomical Study of the Parasacral Block Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Healthy Volunteers
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1708-1712. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Using magnetic resonance imaging, we evaluated the accuracy of a simulated needle (perpendicular to skin) in contacting the sacral plexus and intrapelvic structures with the parasacral block technique. Only half of the needle trajectories located the sacral plexus or sciatic nerve on the first pass. The study findings question the reliability of the anatomical landmarks of the parasacral block and raise the possibility of frequent visceral puncture using this technique.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

Scott B. Groudine and Andrew Turinsky

Oxygen Administration During Carotid Endarterectomy
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1713. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Gang Zheng and Nikolaus Gravenstein

Warning: Increased Risk of Surgical Fire
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1713. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Mark D. Stoneham

Warning: Increased Risk of Surgical Fire
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1714. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Jonathan H. Waters

Optimization of Recovering Shed Blood When Performing Blood Salvage
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1714. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Andrew A. Klein

Optimization of Recovering Shed Blood When Performing Blood Salvage
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1714-1715. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Susan K. Palmer, Gail A. Van Norman, and Stephen L. Jackson

Routine Pregnancy Testing Before Elective Anesthesia Is Not an American Society of Anesthesiologists Standard
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1715-1716. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Richard L. Kahn, Gregory A. Liguori, Maureen A. Stanton, David S. Levine, and Chris R. Edmonds

Routine Pregnancy Testing Before Elective Anesthesia Is Not an American Society of Anesthesiologists Standard
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1716. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Rajeev Sharma, Akhil Kumar, and Asish Panda

Using a Central Venous Pressure Guidewire and Suction Catheter to Facilitate Oral to Nasal Tracheal Tube Change in a Child with a Difficult Airway
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1716-1717. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Eun Ha Suk and Dong Hun Kim

Combined Use of Ultrasound and Reverse Trendelenburg Position to Facilitate Cannulation of a Femoral Vein Completely Overlapped by the Femoral Artery
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1717-1718. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Mathieu Boutonnet, Sylvain Ausset, Evelyne Lambert, Guillaume de Saint Maurice, Yves Auroy, Helga Berbari, and Bernard Lenoir

Acute Myocardial Ischemia After Perioperative Beta-Blocking
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1718-1720. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Susan Verghese, Raafat Hannallah, David Powell, and Maria Pena

Delayed Retrieval of a Hollow Foreign Body from the Trachea of an 850-g Newborn
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1720. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Tony K.F. Chow

It Is the 30th Birthday of "Evidence Based Medicine" and Time to Meet Cochrane's Challenge
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1720-1721. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Jin-Tae Kim, Ji-Eun Kim, Hee-Soo Kim, Chong-Sung Kim, and Seong-Deok Kim

Ultrasound-Guided Repositioning of a Malpositioned Guidewire for Subclavian Vein Catheterization in Children
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1721-1722. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

BOOK AND MULTIMEDIA REVIEWS:

Paloma Toledo and Cynthia A. Wong

Analgesia, Anaesthesia and Pregnancy: A Practical Guide, 2nd ed.
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1723. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Lukas Kirchmair and Volker Wenzel

Trauma Anesthesia, 1st ed.
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1723-1724. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

ERRATA:

Erratum
Anesth Analg 2009 108: 1661. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

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