EDITORIALS:

Pierre Coriat and Marc Beaussier

Fast-Tracking After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1081-1083. [Full Text]  

ERRATUM:

Erratum
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1083. [Full Text]  

CARDIOVASCULAR ANESTHESIA:

Michael B. Howie, Davy Cheng, Mark F. Newman, Eric T. Pierce, Charles Hogue, Zak Hillel, T. Andrew Bowdle, and Deo Bukenya

A Randomized Double-Blinded Multicenter Comparison of Remifentanil Versus Fentanyl When Combined with Isoflurane/Propofol for Early Extubation in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1084-1093. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: Both fentanyl and the newer opioid remifentanil, when each is combined with isoflurane and propofol, allowed for fast-track cardiac anesthesia. The remifentanil regimen used in this study resulted in significantly less hemodynamic response to surgical stimulation.

Davy C. H. Cheng, Mark F. Newman, Peter Duke, David T. Wong, Barry Finegan, Michael Howie, Jane Fitch, T. Andrew Bowdle, Charles Hogue, Zak Hillel, Eric Pierce, and Deo Bukenya

The Efficacy and Resource Utilization of Remifentanil and Fentanyl in Fast-Track Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Prospective Randomized, Double-Blinded Controlled, Multi-Center Trial
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1094-1102. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: An ultra-short opioid technique was compared with a standard fast-track small-dose opioid technique in coronary artery bypass graft patients in a prospective randomized, double-blinded controlled study. The postoperative recovery and resource utilization, including stratification of preoperative risk score, age, and country, were analyzed.

Joseph P. Miller, A.-Stephane Lambert, William A. Shapiro, Isobel A. Russell, Nelson B. Schiller, and Michael K. Cahalan

The Adequacy of Basic Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography Performed by Experienced Anesthesiologists
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1103-1110. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: Experienced cardiac anesthesiologists can obtain and correctly interpret most basic intraoperative transesophageal echocardiograms.

Clemens-A. Greim, Herbert Trautner, Katharina Krämer, Peter Zimmermann, Christian C. Apfel, and Norbert Roewer

The Detection of Interatrial Flow Patency in Awake and Anesthetized Patients: A Comparative Study Using Transnasal Transesophageal Echocardiography
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1111-1116. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: A controlled ventilation maneuver in anesthetized patients immediately before posterior fossa surgery may be superior to the preoperative Valsalva maneuver in detecting a patent foramen ovale by contrast transesophageal echocardiography. This approach identifies patients at high risk for paradoxic embolism, but it is not practical for preoperative identification of patients who might benefit from patent foramen ovale closure before surgery.

Steven V. Sherman, Michael H. Wall, Daniel J. Kennedy, Robert F. Brooker, and John Butterworth

Do Pulmonary Artery Catheters Cause or Increase Tricuspid or Pulmonic Valvular Regurgitation?
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1117-1122. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: In patients without pulmonic or tricuspid valvular pathology, placement of a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) worsened tricuspid regurgitation, which is consistently visualized in the right ventricular inflow-outflow view, and often not seen in the midesophageal 4-chamber view. This is consistent with malcoaptation of the anterior and posterior leaflets. PAC-induced pulmonic insufficiency was rarely detected in the midesophageal aortic valve long-axis view. We conclude that a PAC is very unlikely to be the sole cause of severe tricuspid regurgitation or pulmonic insufficiency.

Michael J. Gillham and Claude P. Tousignant

Diagnosis by Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography of Acute Thrombosis of Mechanical Aortic Valve Prosthesis Associated with the Use of Biological Glue (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1123-1125. [Full Text]  

Ian J. Kallmeyer, Charles D. Collard, John A. Fox, Simon C. Body, and Stanton K. Shernan

The Safety of Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography: A Case Series of 7200 Cardiac Surgical Patients (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1126-1130. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: The overall morbidity (0.2%) and mortality (0%) rates of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) were determined in a retrospective case series of 7200 adult, anesthetized cardiac surgical patients. The most common source of TEE-associated morbidity was odynophagia (0.1%), which resolved with conservative management. These results suggest that TEE is a safe diagnostic tool for the management of cardiac surgical patients.

Bridget K. Fiechtner, Gregory A. Nuttall, Michael E. Johnson, Yue Dong, Nuntiya Sujirattanawimol, William C. Oliver, Jr., Rajbir S. Sarpal, Lance J. Oyen, and Mark H. Ereth

Plasma Tranexamic Acid Concentrations During Cardiopulmonary Bypass (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1131-1136. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: A 10 mg/kg initial dose of tranexamic acid followed by an infusion of 1 mg{middle dot}kg-1{middle dot}h-1produced plasma concentrations throughout the cardiopulmonary bypass period sufficient to inhibit fibrinolysis in vitro. The dosing of tranexamic acid may require adjustment for renal insufficiency.

Dale F. Szpisjak

Debris Elimination from Partially-Filled Cell Salvage Bowls (Brief Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1137-1138. [Full Text]  

Tetsuya Hara, Shiro Tomiyasu, Cho Sungsam, Makoto Fukusaki, and Koji Sumikawa

Sevoflurane Protects Stunned Myocardium Through Activation of Mitochondrial ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channels (Brief Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1139-1145. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: Sevoflurane exerts a cardioprotective effect that is mediated via activation of adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels in ischemic canine hearts.

Akiko Suzuki, Hironori Ishihara, Hirobumi Okawa, Toshihito Tsubo, and Akitomo Matsuki

Can Initial Distribution Volume of Glucose Predict Hypovolemic Hypotension After Radical Surgery for Esophageal Cancer? (Brief Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1146-1151. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: Routine cardiovascular variables immediately after major surgery cannot predict the subsequent hypovolemic hypotension produced by the shift of the extracellular fluid. Glucose dilution using glucose 5 g and a one-compartment model can predict it simply and rapidly.

PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA:

Isobel A. Russell, Wanda C. Miller Hance, George Gregory, Michel C. Balea, Lydia Cassorla, Anil DeSilva, Robert F. Hickey, Lynne M. Reynolds, Kathryn Rouine-Rapp, Frank L. Hanley, V. Mohan Reddy, and Michael K. Cahalan

The Safety and Efficacy of Sevoflurane Anesthesia in Infants and Children with Congenital Heart Disease
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1152-1158. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: In infants and children with congenital heart disease, anesthesia with sevoflurane may result in fewer episodes of severe hypotension and less emergent drug use than anesthesia with halothane.

Olivier Paut, Michel Sallabery, Elisabeth Schreiber-Deturmeny, Charlotte Rémond, Bernard Bruguerolle, and Jean Camboulives

Continuous Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block in Children: A Prospective Evaluation of Plasma Bupivacaine Concentrations, Pain Scores, and Side Effects
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1159-1163. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: In this study, we have shown that, in children, continuous fascia iliaca compartment block, a technique providing neural blockade of the thigh and the anterior part of the knee, was associated with safe plasma bupivacaine concentrations, was well tolerated, and provided satisfactory pain scores in most cases.

Julia C. Finkel, Ira T. Cohen, Raafat S. Hannallah, Kantilal M. Patel, Michelle S. Kim, Kelly A. Hummer, Sukgi S. Choi, Maria Pena, Simeon B. Schreiber, and George Zalzal

The Effect of Intranasal Fentanyl on the Emergence Characteristics After Sevoflurane Anesthesia in Children Undergoing Surgery for Bilateral Myringotomy Tube Placement
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1164-1168. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: We examined the use of nasally administered fentanyl for the relief of agitation or discomfort after placement of bilateral myringotomy tubes in 150 children ages 6 mo to 5 yr using a prospective, double-blinded design. Fentanyl 2 {micro}g/kg was found to reduce the incidence of agitation in these patients.

Berklee Robins and David P. Boggs

Caudal Epidural Blood Patch for Treating Intractable Vomiting in a Child After Placement of a Permanent Intrathecal Catheter (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1169-1170. [Full Text]  

AMBULATORY ANESTHESIA:

Andrew G. Kadar, Barry A. Kramer, Maury C. Barth, and Paul F. White

Rapacuronium: An Alternative To Succinylcholine For Electroconvulsive Therapy (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1171-1172. [Full Text]  

ANESTHETIC PHARMACOLOGY:

Hong-Tao Liu, Markus W. Hollmann, Wei-Hua Liu, Christian W. Hoenemann, and Marcel E. Durieux

Modulation of NMDA Receptor Function by Ketamine and Magnesium: Part I
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1173-1181. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: Ketamine and Mg2+inhibit functioning of recombinantly expressed NR1/NR2A and NR1/NR2B glutamate receptors, and combinations of the compounds act in a super-additive manner. These findings may explain, in part, why combinations of ketamine and Mg2+are more effective analgesics than either compound alone.

Markus W. Hollmann, Hong-Tao Liu, Christian W. Hoenemann, Wei-Hua Liu, and Marcel E. Durieux

Modulation of NMDA Receptor Function by Ketamine and Magnesium. Part II: Interactions with Volatile Anesthetics
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1182-1191. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: Clinically relevant concentrations of volatile anesthetics inhibit functioning of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors expressed recombinantly in Xenopus oocytes. This inhibition is reversible, concentration-dependent and voltage-insensitive, and results from noncompetitive antagonism of glutamate/glycine signaling. In addition, these effects can be potentiated significantly by co-application of either Mg2+, S(+)-ketamine, or—most profoundly—both.

Gertrud Haeseler, Martina Störmer, Johannes Bufler, Reinhard Dengler, Hartmut Hecker, Siegfried Piepenbrock, and Martin Leuwer

Propofol Blocks Human Skeletal Muscle Sodium Channels in a Voltage-Dependent Manner
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1192-1198. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: Voltage-gated sodium channels mediate the initiation and propagation of action potentials along the sarcolemma. Results from our study show that those channels are targeted and blocked in a concentration- and voltage-dependent manner by propofol. This mechanism may contribute to the reduction in muscle excitability.

Tong J. Gan, Raman Madan, Ratan Alexander, Rajiv Jhaveri, Habib El-Moalem, Kevin Weatherwax, and Peter S. A. Glass

Duration of Action of Vecuronium After an Intubating Dose of Rapacuronium, Vecuronium, or Succinylcholine
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1199-1202. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: The duration of action of a maintenance dose of vecuronium was longer after an endotracheal intubating dose of rapacuronium compared with succinylcholine.

TECHNOLOGY, COMPUTING, AND SIMULATION:

Axel Junger, Bernd Hartmann, Matthias Benson, Ehrenfried Schindler, Gerald Dietrich, Andreas Jost, Aida Béye-Basse, and Gunter Hempelmannn

The Use of an Anesthesia Information Management System for Prediction of Antiemetic Rescue Treatment at the Postanesthesia Care Unit
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1203-1209. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: The aim of this study was to investigate predictors for postoperative nausea and vomiting by using online anesthesia records. With the help of computerized data evaluation, 7 of 34 variables could be detected as risk factors. By implementing an automatic score into the record keeping system, an individual risk calculation could be made possible.

Chantal Kerssens, Jan Klein, Andries van der Woerd, and Benno Bonke

Auditory Information Processing During Adequate Propofol Anesthesia Monitored by Electroencephalogram Bispectral Index
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1210-1214. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: This study suggests that stable levels of adequate hypnosis may prevent information processing and memory formation during general anesthesia and supports the feasibility of electroencephalogram bispectral index as a monitor of adequate anesthesia.

Franklin Dexter, Donald H. Penning, and Rodney D. Traub

Statistical Analysis by Monte-Carlo Simulation of the Impact of Administrative and Medical Delays in Discharge from the Postanesthesia Care Unit on Total Patient Care Hours (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1222-1225. [Full Text]  

ECONOMICS AND HEALTH SYSTEMS RESEARCH:

Franklin Dexter, Alex Macario, and David A. Lubarsky

The Impact on Revenue of Increasing Patient Volume at Surgical Suites with Relatively High Operating Room Utilization
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1215-1221. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: Hospitals may try to attract new surgical volume by offering discounted rates. For hospitals with a relatively high operating room utilization (e.g., 90%), computer simulations predict that increasing patient volume by the amount expected to "fill" the operating room can have the net effect of decreasing contribution margin (i.e., profitability).

CRITICAL CARE AND TRAUMA:

Rudolf Hering, Hermann Wrigge, Ralph Vorwerk, Karl A. Brensing, Stefan Schröder, Jörg Zinserling, Andreas Hoeft, Tilman V. Spiegel, and Christian Putensen

The Effects of Prone Positioning on Intraabdominal Pressure and Cardiovascular and Renal Function in Patients with Acute Lung Injury
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1226-1231. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: Prone positioning is increasingly used to improve gas exchange in patients with acute lung injury. However, during prone positioning an increase in intraabdominal pressure in these critically ill patients may promote dysfunction of other organs. Therefore, we performed a randomized study in mechanically ventilated patients with acute lung injury to investigate the cardiovascular and renal effects of prone positioning.

Avery Tung, James P. Lynch, and Wallace B. Mendelson

Prolonged Sedation with Propofol in the Rat Does Not Result in Sleep Deprivation
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1232-1236. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: Prolonged sedation in the Intensive Care Unit may alter the restorative effects of naturally occurring sleep. We sedated rats during their sleep phase to determine whether sedation interferes with sleep. Upon emergence, no evidence of sleep deprivation was observed. Sedation may thus be associated with a restorative effect similar to sleep.

NEUROSURGICAL ANESTHESIA:

Loïc Lang-Lazdunski, Catherine Heurteaux, Hervé Dupont, Danielle Rouelle, Catherine Widmann, and Jean Mantz

The Effects of FK506 on Neurologic and Histopathologic Outcome After Transient Spinal Cord Ischemia Induced by Aortic Cross-Clamping in Rats
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1237-1244. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: A single dose-injection of the immunosuppressant FK506 significantly improved neurologic outcome and attenuated spinal cord injury induced by transient thoracic aortic cross-clamping in the rat.

Taeko Fukuda, Harumi Nakayama, Kennichi Yanagi, Taro Mizutani, Masayuki Miyabe, Norio Ohshima, and Hidenori Toyooka

The Effects of 30% and 60% Xenon Inhalation on Pial Vessel Diameter and Intracranial Pressure in Rabbits
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1245-1250. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: Xenon might increase cerebral blood flow; however, 0.7 minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration xenon preserved both low intracranial pressure and CO2 reactivity of the cerebral vessels in the normal rabbit.

Alex Y. Bekker, Brian Kaufman, Hany Samir, and Werner Doyle

The Use of Dexmedetomidine Infusion for Awake Craniotomy (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1251-1253. [Full Text]  

Paul A. Seitz, David D. Alfery, and Charles Robinette

Acute Transverse Myelopathy After Posterior Cervical Decompressive Laminectomy and Fusion (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1254-1256. [Full Text]  

OBSTETRIC ANESTHESIA:

Miriam J. P. Harnett, Sanjay Datta, and Kodali Bhavani-Shankar

The Effect of Magnesium on Coagulation in Parturients with Preeclampsia
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1257-1260. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: On the basis of the thromboelastography assessment, we found that the current practice of administering magnesium did not influence overall coagulation in preeclamptic women. Therefore, magnesium administration should not affect the use of neuraxial techniques.

Jaime Fernández-Guisasola, María L. Serrano, Belén Cobo, Lourdes Muñoz, Alfredo Plaza, Carlos Trigo, and Santiago García del Valle

A Comparison of 0.0625% Bupivacaine with Fentanyl and 0.1% Ropivacaine with Fentanyl for Continuous Epidural Labor Analgesia
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1261-1265. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: We compared different concentrations of epidural bupivacaine and ropivacaine thought to be equipotent. Both solutions were equally efficient in providing highly effective epidural analgesia for labor with minimal motor block. These findings suggest that bupivacaine may be more potent than ropivacaine.

Theresa C. Michel, Andrew L. Rosenberg, and Linda S. Polley

Obstetric Anesthetic Management of a Parturient with Larsen Syndrome and Short Stature (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1266-1267. [Full Text]  

Robert S. Holzman, Laura E. Riley, Eugene Aron, and Janet Fetherston

Perioperative Care of a Patient with Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1268-1270. [Full Text]  

REGIONAL ANESTHESIA AND PAIN MEDICINE:

Gerald Retzl, Stephan Kapral, Manfred Greher, and Walter Mauritz

Ultrasonographic Findings of the Axillary Part of the Brachial Plexus
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1271-1275. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: This prospective ultrasonography study demonstrates significant anatomic variations of the main brachial plexus nerves in the axilla and upper arm, which may increase the difficulty in identifying neural structures. Applying light pressure on the plexus can move nerves to the side, especially when they are positioned anterior to the axillary artery.

Brendan T. Finucane, Sugantha Ganapathy, Francesco Carli, Jeremy N. Pridham, Bill Y. Ong, Romesh C. Shukla, Ann H. M. Kristoffersson, Karin M. Huizar, Krista Nevin, and Kjell G. Ahlén

Prolonged Epidural Infusions of Ropivacaine (2 mg/mL) After Colonic Surgery: The Impact of Adding Fentanyl
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1276-1285. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: Epidural infusions of ropivacaine with and without fentanyl were administered to patients to control pain after colonic surgery. Patients who received ropivacaine with fentanyl had better pain control, increased side effects, and delayed readiness to discharge. This study questions the value of adding opioids to epidural infusions of local anesthetics.

Tsuyoshi Satsumae, Hiroshi Yamaguchi, Misa Sakaguchi, Toru Yasunaga, Soichiro Yamashita, Sumii Yamamoto, and Hiroshi Kida

Preoperative Small-Dose Ketamine Prevented Tourniquet-Induced Arterial Pressure Increase in Orthopedic Patients Under General Anesthesia
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1286-1289. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: Preoperative small-dose ketamine, IV, significantly prevented a systemic arterial pressure increase during prolonged tourniquet inflation in patients under general anesthesia.

Sabine Himmelseher, Doris Ziegler-Pithamitsis, Helena Argiriadou, Jan Martin, Sabine Jelen-Esselborn, and Eberhard Kochs

Small-Dose S(+)-Ketamine Reduces Postoperative Pain When Applied with Ropivacaine in Epidural Anesthesia for Total Knee Arthroplasty
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1290-1295. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: Epidural S(+)-ketamine applied with ropivacaine before surgery is a rational approach to decrease injury-induced pain sensitization. Epidural blockade with an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist and a local anesthetic may provide better analgesia in the postoperative period than a local anesthetic alone.

Igor Kissin, Cheryl A. Bright, and Edwin L. Bradley, Jr.

Can Inflammatory Pain Prevent the Development of Acute Tolerance to Alfentanil?
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1296-1300. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: We examined whether inflammatory pain can prevent the rapid decline in analgesic effectiveness (acute tolerance) of alfentanil during its IV infusion. We found that acute tolerance to the analgesic effect of alfentanil, in the presence of constant pain caused by inflammation, develops as rapidly as without it.

Stefan Grond, Gregory Demopulos, Jeffrey Herz, and Pamela Pierce Palmer

Inhibition of Synovial Plasma Extravasation by Preemptive Administration of an Antiinflammatory Irrigation Solution in the Rat Knee
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1301-1306. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: Preemptive, intraarticular irrigation of a combination of multiple antiinflammatory drugs is a novel and potentially effective method for reducing the synovial inflammatory response, such as that during arthroscopy. In this study, a three-drug combination infusion was statistically superior to one- or two-drug infusions in a rat model.

Hai-Chun Ma, Shuji Dohi, Yan-Fen Wang, Yumiko Ishizawa, and Fumi Yanagidate

The Antinociceptive and Sedative Effects of Carbachol and Oxycodone Administered into Brainstem Pontine Reticular Formation and Spinal Subarachnoid Space in Rats
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1307-1315. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: Carbachol-induced antinociception and sedation is mediated with the activation of M2 muscarinic receptors. Oxycodone administered into brainstem medial pontine reticular formation did not cause any antinociceptive or behavioral effects, but its spinal administration produced a significant antinociception via M2 muscarinic receptor activation

Étienne de Médicis and Oscar A. de Leon-Casasola

Reversible Paraplegia Associated with Lumbar Epidural Analgesia and Thoracic Vertebral Metastasis (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1316-1318. [Full Text]  

Jan L. De Witte, Bart Schoenmaekers, Daniel I. Sessler, and Thierry Deloof

The Analgesic Efficacy of Tramadol is Impaired by Concurrent Administration of Ondansetron (Brief Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1319-1321. [Full Text]  

GENERAL ARTICLES:

Takashi Kawasaki, Masanori Ogata, Chika Kawasaki, Tomoko Tomihisa, Kohji Okamoto, and Akio Shigematsu

Surgical Stress Induces Endotoxin Hyporesponsiveness and an Early Decrease of Monocyte mCD14 and HLA-DR Expression During Surgery
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1322-1326. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: Recent studies demonstrate that surgical stress induces immune dysfunction. We found that surgical stress rapidly decreased monocyte mCD14 and human leukocyte antigen-DR expression, and endotoxin responsiveness. These findings suggest that early changes of the immune system caused by surgical stress contribute to postoperative complications such as sepsis and multiple organ failure.

Zen’ichiro Wajima, Tatsusuke Yoshikawa, Akira Ogura, Kazuyuki Imanaga, Toshiya Shiga, Tetsuo Inoue, and Ryo Ogawa

The Effects of Diltiazem on Hemodynamics and Seizure Duration During Electroconvulsive Therapy
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1327-1330. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: Diltiazem can blunt acute hyperdynamic responses after electroconvulsive therapy, but seizure duration is also significantly reduced, possibly making this therapy less effective.

Spyros D. Mentzelopoulos, Maria J. Tzoufi, and Evangelos P. Papageorgiou

The Disposition of the Cervical Spine and Deformation of Available Cord Space with Conventional- and Balloon Laryngoscopy-Guided Laryngeal Intubation: A Comparative Study
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1331-1336. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: This study shows that direct laryngoscopy-guided orotracheal intubation causes deformation of the upper cervical space available for the cord, even in the absence of cervical spine instability. These effects are attenuated with balloon laryngoscopy, and thus, its use is recommended in patients with space-occupying lesions within the spinal canal.

Usharani Nimmagadda, Suvarchala D. Chiravuri, M. Ramez Salem, Ninos J. Joseph, Yaser Wafai, George J. Crystal, and Mohammad I. El-Orbany

Preoxygenation with Tidal Volume and Deep Breathing Techniques: The Impact of Duration of Breathing and Fresh Gas Flow
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1337-1341. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: Using a circle absorber system, normal breathing of oxygen for 3-5 min achieves optimal oxygenation of the lungs; whereas 4 deep breaths in 30 s does not. However, extending deep breathing to 1.5-2 min and using a high flow of oxygen improves oxygenation of the lungs to the same degree as normal breathing for 3-5 min. This may have important implications for patient safety.

Hwan S. Joo, Sunil Kapoor, D. Keith Rose, and Viren N. Naik

The Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway After Induction of General Anesthesia Versus Awake Fiberoptic Intubation in Patients with Difficult Airways
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1342-1346. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

Implications: The intubating laryngeal mask airway is a useful device in the management of patients with difficult airways and may be a valuable alternative to awake fiberoptic intubation (AFOI) when AFOI is contraindicated or in the patient with the unanticipated difficult airway.

CASE REPORTS:

Tadashi Usui, Shigeru Saito, and Fumio Goto

Arytenoid Dislocation While Using a McCoy Laryngoscope
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1347-1348. [Full Text]  

SPECIAL ARTICLES:

Ronald E. Batt and Douglas R. Bacon

Clarence J. Durshordwe, the International Anesthesia Research Society, and the World Federation of Societies of Anesthesiologists: The Last True Disciple of Francis Hoeffer McMechan
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1349-1354. [Full Text]  

LETTERS:

Olga Blakley and George Mychaskiw, II

A Convenient Way to Secure Intravenous, Arterial, and Other Lines on Extremities
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1355. [Full Text]  

P. Lavand’homme, F. Veyckemans, and F. Roelants

Remifentanil Is a Valuable Alternative to Contraindicated Neuraxial Analgesia in the Parturients
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1355. [Full Text]  

R. Williamson, Scott D. Cook-Sather, Mark S. Schreiner, and Lionel Davis

Unlighted Stylet Tracheal Intubation
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1355-1356. [Full Text]  

Richard I. Mazze and Hideyuki Higuchi

Composition of CO₂ Absorbents
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1356-1357. [Full Text]  

Makoto Tanaka, Toshiaki Nishikawa, Kwok M. Ho, and Hwee H. Lim

Absence of Reflex Tachycardia After Spinal Anesthesia in the Elderly
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1357. [Full Text]  

Evan Goodman and Pat A. Johnson

End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide Tracing Configuration Depends on Sampling Size
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1357-1358. [Full Text]  

Srinivasan Dhileepan, Richard G. W. Stacey, James D. Reynolds, John V. Booth, and Adeyemi J. Olufolabi

A Preliminary Investigation of Remifentanil as a Labor Analgesic
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1358-1359. [Full Text]  

Ville Jäntti, Arvi Yli-Hankala, Anne Vakkuri, Takehiko Iijima, Yasuhide Iwao, Hiroshi Sankawa, and Zenkou Nakamura

The Epileptogenic Property of Sevoflurane and in Patients Without Epilepsy
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1359. [Full Text]  

BOOK AND MULTIMEDIA REVIEWS:

Daniel J. Kennedy and Nicholas Sadovnikoff

Basics of Anesthesia, 4th Edition • Anesthesthesia and Renal Considerations; Volume 18, Number 4 (December 2000) of Anesthesiology Clinics of North America • Books and Multimedia Received
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1360-1361. [Full Text]  

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