EDITORIALS:

Christopher J. O’Connor and Kenneth J. Tuman

Epidural Anesthesia and Analgesia for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: Still Forbidden Territory?
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 523-525. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Michael J. Cousins

Pain Medicine and Anesthesiologists: A New Section of the Journal
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 526-527. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

CARDIOVASCULAR ANESTHESIA:

Nicholas B. Scott, Deborah J. Turfrey, Dominic A. A. Ray, Onyukwelu Nzewi, Nicholas P. Sutcliffe, Adarsh B. Lal, John Norrie, Werner J. B. Nagels, and G. Pradeep Ramayya

A Prospective Randomized Study of the Potential Benefits of Thoracic Epidural Anesthesia and Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 528-535. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Many anesthesiologists believe that thoracic epidural anesthesia/analgesia (TEA) is contraindicated for cardiac surgery because of increased risk of paraplegia. However, this large prospective study confirms that perioperative morbidity is significantly less with TEA and suggests that the practical benefits may outweigh the unquantified risk of epidural hematoma.

Paul Wajon, John Gibson, Ross Calcroft, Clifford Hughes, and Brian Thrift

Intraoperative Plateletpheresis and Autologous Platelet Gel Do Not Reduce Chest Tube Drainage or Allogeneic Blood Transfusion After Reoperative Coronary Artery Bypass Graft
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 536-542. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: This trial of plateletpheresis in reoperative coronary artery surgery was performed to assess its effect on allogeneic blood product transfusion. Routine antifibrinolytic usage, minimal aspirin, and nonbiologic surface exposure seem to negate any benefit of the technique in these patients. These findings differ from those of other recent reports. The study also emphasizes the potential hemodynamic disturbances related to the pheresis process.

Jean-Luc Hanouz, Alexandra Yvon, Géraldine Guesne, Cyrille Eustratiades, Gérard Babatasi, René Rouet, Pierre Ducouret, André Khayat, Henri Bricard, and Jean-Louis Gérard

The In Vitro Effects of Remifentanil, Sufentanil, Fentanyl, and Alfentanil on Isolated Human Right Atria
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 543-549. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: In isolated human right atria, remifentanil, sufentanil, and fentanyl did not modify inotropic variables in isometric conditions. In contrast, alfentanil induced a concentration-dependent negative inotropic effect possibly related, at least in part, to a decrease in Ca2+ inward transient. None of these opioids altered lusitropic variables.

Juraj Sprung, Monique L. Ogletree-Hughes, Bradley K. McConnell, Daniel R. Zakhary, Shannon M. Smolsky, and Christine S. Moravec

The Effects of Propofol on the Contractility of Failing and Nonfailing Human Heart Muscles
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 550-559. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Propofol was shown to exert direct negative inotropic effects in nonfailing and failing human myocardium, but only at supratherapeutic concentrations. The net effect on contractility at clinical concentrations is related to an increase in myofilament sensitivity to Ca2+ balancing decreased uptake by the sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Gilles Godet, Christine Watremez, Chaffik El Kettani, Christina Soriano, and Pierre Coriat

A Comparison of Sevoflurane, Target-Controlled Infusion Propofol, and Propofol/Isoflurane Anesthesia in Patients Undergoing Carotid Surgery: A Quality of Anesthesia and Recovery Profile
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 560-565. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: In patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy, the induction of anesthesia with sevoflurane, target-controlled infusion propofol, or propofol bolus is associated with a decrease in arterial blood pressure. Induction with sevoflurane is associated with inferior but faster conditions for intubation of the trachea. The recovery characteristics were similar in the three groups.

Petra Innerhofer, Franz J. Wiedermann, Werner Tiefenthaler, Wolfgang Schobersberger, Anton Klingler, Corinna Velik-Salchner, Elgar Oswald, Erwin Salner, Eveline Irschick, and Gabriele Kühbacher

Are Leukocytes in Salvaged Washed Autologous Blood Harmful for the Recipient? The Results of a Pilot Study
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 566-572. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS:Leukocytes contained in intraoperatively processed autologous blood using either heparin or citrate were not activated to the threshold that is associated with leukocyte-mediated tissue injury. This study raises the question of the necessity of special leukocyte filters for the transfusion of intraoperatively salvaged blood.

David T. Neilipovitz, Gregory L. Bryson, and Graham Nichol

The Effect of Perioperative Aspirin Therapy in Peripheral Vascular Surgery: A Decision Analysis
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 573-580. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Decision analysis indicates that continued aspirin use in patients undergoing infrainguinal revascularization surgery is associated with a decreased perioperative mortality and increased life expectancy but may increase the likelihood of minor hemorrhagic complications.

Hazel H. Szeto, Yi Soong, Dunli Wu, and Joseph Fasolo

Resensitization of Blood Pressure Response to µ-Opioid Peptide Agonists After Acute Desensitization
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 581-586. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: This report suggests that rapid desensitization accounts for the transient increase in blood pressure observed after IV administration of {micro}-opioid agonists, and that the rate of resensitization is a function of the elimination half-life of the agonist.

John R. Keltner, Elizabeth Donegan, James M. Hynson, and William A. Shapiro

Acute Renal Failure After Radiofrequency Liver Ablation of Metastatic Carcinoid Tumor (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 587-589. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA:

Olivier Paut, Claire Calméjane, Jean Delorme, Frédéric Lacroix, and Jean Camboulives

EMLA Versus Nitrous Oxide for Venous Cannulation in Children
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 590-593. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: We have evaluated nitrous oxide and EMLA cream for providing pain relief during venous cannulation in children at the induction of anesthesia. Both techniques provided adequate pain relief, and physiologic variables were not altered. Minor side effects were more common in the N2O group.

Shen-Kou Tsai, Chung-I Chang, Ming-Jiuh Wang, Shyh-Jye Chen, Ing-Sh Chiu, Yieh-Sharng Chen, and Hung-Chi Lue

The Assessment of the Proximal Left Pulmonary Artery by Transesophageal Echocardiography and Computed Tomography in Neonates and Infants: A Case Series (Technical Communication)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 594-597. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

François Kiffer, Agnès Joly, Eric Wodey, Philippe Carré, and Claude Ecoffey

The Effect of Preoperative Epidural Morphine on Postoperative Analgesia in Children (Brief Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 598-600. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

AMBULATORY ANESTHESIA:

Stephen M. Klein, Karen C. Nielsen, Aliki Martin, William White, David S. Warner, Susan M. Steele, Kevin P. Speer, and Roy A. Greengrass

Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block with Continuous Intraarticular Infusion of Ropivacaine
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 601-605. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: This study demonstrates that an interscalene brachial plexus block with 1.5% mepivacaine and a continuous intraarticular infusion of 0.5% ropivacaine at 2 mL/h provides better postoperative analgesia for arthroscopic shoulder surgery at 24 and 48 h than does a single-injection interscalene block with 0.5% ropivacaine.

Christophe Menigaux, Bruno Guignard, Dominique Fletcher, Daniel I. Sessler, Xavier Dupont, and Marcel Chauvin

Intraoperative Small-Dose Ketamine Enhances Analgesia After Outpatient Knee Arthroscopy
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 606-612. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Intraoperative small-dose ketamine proved a safe and effective adjunct to a multimodal analgesic regimen, improving both postoperative analgesia and functional outcome after outpatient arthroscopic meniscectomy.

D. Janet Pavlin, Jae Y. Hong, Peter R. Freund, Meagan E. Koerschgen, Janet O. Bower, and T. Andrew Bowdle

The Effect of Bispectral Index Monitoring on End-Tidal Gas Concentration and Recovery Duration After Outpatient Anesthesia
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 613-619. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Adoption of Bispectral index monitoring throughout an entire operating room was associated with use of lesser concentrations of sevoflurane to maintain anesthesia and reduced recovery duration in men undergoing general anesthesia for ambulatory surgery.

ANESTHETIC PHARMACOLOGY:

Robert Greif, Sonja Laciny, Angela M. Rajek, Merlin D. Larson, Andrew R. Bjorksten, Anthony G. Doufas, Maryam Bakhshandeh, Masoud Mokhtarani, and Daniel I. Sessler

Neither Nalbuphine nor Atropine Posses Special Antishivering Activity
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 620-627. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The activation of neither {kappa}-opioid nor central anticholinergic receptors contributes to meperidine's special antishivering action. Some other aspect of meperidine's pharmacology is thus responsible for the drug's special antishivering action.

Christian W. Hönemann, Thomas J. Heyse, Thomas Möllhoff, Klaus Hahnenkamp, Sascha Berning, Frank Hinder, Bettina Linck, Wilhelm Schmitz, and Hugo van Aken

The Inhibitory Effect of Bupivacaine on Prostaglandin E₂ (EP₁) Receptor Functioning: Mechanism of Action
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 628-634. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Clinically relevant bupivacaine concentrations inhibit prostaglandin E2 EP1 subtype signaling. This may explain the effects of regional anesthesia on physiologic responses such as fever, inflammation, and hyperalgesia during the perioperative period.

Lothar W. de Rossi, Nicola A. Horn, Jan H. Baumert, Kai Gutensohn, Gabriele Hutschenreuter, and Rolf Rossaint

Xenon Does Not Affect Human Platelet Function In Vitro
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 635-640. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Halothane and sevoflurane inhibit platelet aggregation. Xenon did not affect platelet glycoprotein expression or in vitro bleeding time. Because platelet glycoprotein expression is strongly related to platelet adhesion to sites of vascular injury and platelet aggregation, we suggest that xenon does not interfere with platelet function in vitro.

Kahoru Nishina, Hirohiko Akamatsu, Katsuya Mikawa, Makoto Shiga, Hidefumi Obara, and Yukie Niwa

A Comparison of Atenolol, Labetalol, Esmolol, and Landiolol for Altering Human Neutrophil Functions (Technical Communication)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 641-644. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Tomoki Nishiyama and Kazuo Hanaoka

Propofol-Induced Bronchoconstriction: Two Case Reports (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 645-646. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Michael Frölich, Andrew Giannotti, and Jerome H. Modell

Opioid Overdose in a Patient Using a Fentanyl Patch During Treatment with a Warming Blanket (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 647-648. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

TECHNOLOGY, COMPUTING, AND SIMULATION:

Keith G. Lurie, Wolfgang G. Voelckel, Todd Zielinski, Scott McKnite, Paul Lindstrom, Colleen Peterson, Volker Wenzel, Karl H. Lindner, Nemer Samniah, and David Benditt

Improving Standard Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation with an Inspiratory Impedance Threshold Valve in a Porcine Model of Cardiac Arrest
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 649-655. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: This study describes a new inspiratory impedance valve that is attached to a facemask or breathing tube and used during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The valve helps to draw more blood back into the heart after each chest compression. In a pig study of cardiac arrest, use of this new valve resulted in a doubling of the blood flow to the heart and a near normalization of blood flow to the brain. Clinical studies are underway to determine the potential benefit of this more efficient way to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation in patients.

John L. Plummer and Harry Owen

Learning Endotracheal Intubation in a Clinical Skills Learning Center: A Quantitative Study
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 656-662. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Data were collected from trainees learning endotracheal intubation. Statistical modeling of the data enabled the identification of factors influencing learning and provided insight into the learning process. The knowledge gained can be used to improve teaching methods.

Hans J. Gerig, Thomas Heidegger, Brigitte Ulrich, Rudolf Grossenbacher, and Georg Kreienbuehl

Fiberoptically-Guided Insertion of Transtracheal Catheters (Technical Communication)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 663-666. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Ibrahim Kurt, Nil M. Kurt, Varlik K. Erel, Feray Gursoy, and Ayse Gurel

A Simple and Inexpensive Nasal Cannula to Prevent Rebreathing for Spontaneously Breathing Patients Under Surgical Drapes (Technical Communication)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 667-668. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

ECONOMICS AND HEALTH SYSTEMS RESEARCH:

Alex Macario, Franklin Dexter, and Rodney D. Traub

Hospital Profitability per Hour of Operating Room Time Can Vary Among Surgeons
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 669-675. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Hospital profitability of surgical cases varies significantly by surgeon. Hospitals may be able to increase margins by allocating operating room block time based on contribution margin.

CRITICAL CARE AND TRAUMA:

Elmar Berendes, Hugo Van Aken, Carsten Raufhake, Christoph Schmidt, Gerd Assmann, and Michael Walter

Differential Secretion of Atrial and Brain Natriuretic Peptide in Critically Ill Patients
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 676-682. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The pathophysiologic role of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in critically ill patients is not clear. It is generally assumed that ANP and BNP have similar physiologic effects. We found a different secretion pattern in our patients, and this finding suggests a distinct role for ANP and BNP in the postoperative and posttraumatic period.

David Bendahan, Geneviève Kozak-Ribbens, Sylviane Confort-Gouny, Badih Ghattas, Dominique Figarella-Branger, Michel Aubert, and Patrick J. Cozzone

A Noninvasive Investigation of Muscle Energetics Supports Similarities Between Exertional Heat Stroke and Malignant Hyperthermia
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 683-689. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS:31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy of forearm muscles in subjects having developed exertional heat stroke shows a failure in muscle energetics and suggests a possible link with malignant hyperthermia.

Anton Amann, Josef Rieder, Martina Fleischer, Peter Niedermüller, Georg Hoffmann, Albert Amberger, Christian Marth, Vladimir Nigrovic, and Friedrich Pühringer

The Influence of Atracurium, Cisatracurium, and Mivacurium on the Proliferation of Two Human Cell Lines In Vitro
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 690-696. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: We tested the influence of atracurium and cisatracurium on proliferation of human cells (hepatoma HepG2 cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells) in vitro. Atracurium and cisatracurium progressively decreased cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent pattern, whereas cell proliferation was not inhibited, even by the largest concentration of mivacurium.

NEUROSURGICAL ANESTHESIA:

Hiroto Ohata, Hiroki Iida, Kiyoshi Nagase, and Shuji Dohi

The Effects of Topical and Intravenous Ketamine on Cerebral Arterioles in Dogs Receiving Pentobarbital or Isoflurane Anesthesia
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 697-702. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: In cerebral arterioles in dogs under pentobarbital or isoflurane anesthesia, neither topical nor IV ketamine induced vasodilation. However, IV ketamine did attenuate hypercapnia-induced vasodilation. These findings provide some insight into the safety and suitability of ketamine as a supplement for neurosurgical anesthesia.

OBSTETRIC ANESTHESIA:

Warwick D. Ngan Kee, Kim S. Khaw, Bee B. Lee, Mabel M.S Wong, and Floria F. Ng

Metaraminol Infusion for Maintenance of Arterial Blood Pressure During Spinal Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery: The Effect of a Crystalloid Bolus
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 703-708. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: In patients receiving spinal anesthesia for elective cesarean delivery, when arterial pressure was maintained using an IV infusion of metaraminol, crystalloid bolus reduced the early vasopressor requirement but had no effect on overall vasopressor requirement or maternal or neonatal outcome.

Naoki Kotani, Tetsuya Kushikata, Hiroshi Hashimoto, Masatoshi Muraoka, Mitsuru Tonosaki, and Akitomo Matsuki

Rebound Perioperative Hyperkalemia in Six Patients After Cessation of Ritodrine for Premature Labor (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 709-711. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

PAIN MEDICINE:

John H. Knab, Mark S. Wallace, R. Lee Wagner, John Tsoukatos, and Matthew B. Weinger

The Use of a Computer-Based Decision Support System Facilitates Primary Care Physicians’ Management of Chronic Pain
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 712-720. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The use of a computer-based decision support system may improve the ability of primary care physicians to manage chronic pain and may also facilitate screening of consults to optimize specialist utilization.

Paul J. Desjardins, Evie H. Grossman, Michael E. Kuss, Sheela Talwalker, Shobha Dhadda, Douglas Baum, and Richard C. Hubbard

The Injectable Cyclooxygenase-2-Specific Inhibitor Parecoxib Sodium Has Analgesic Efficacy When Administered Preoperatively
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 721-727. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Preoperatively administered antiinflammatory analgesics should theoretically prevent the upregulation of nociception and inhibit inflammation and pain by reducing the synthesis of prostaglandins in response to surgery. The findings of this study demonstrate that preoperative administration of parecoxib sodium is both safe and effective for the treatment of pain after oral surgery.

Brian Milne, Sean R. Hall, Michael E. Sullivan, and Chris Loomis

The Release of Spinal Prostaglandin E2 and the Effect of Nitric Oxide Synthetase Inhibition During Strychnine-Induced Allodynia
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 728-733. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Implications: In a rodent model of allodynia, where pain is triggered by nonpainful stimuli, hair deflection evokes release of spinal prostaglandin E2, locus coeruleus activation, and a blood pressure increase. A mediator role of nitric oxide is also implicated, helping to explain the pathophysiology of this allodynic pain.

REGIONAL ANESTHESIA:

Anette C. Krismer, Quinn H. Hogan, Volker Wenzel, Karl H. Lindner, Ulrich Achleitner, Stephan Oroszy, Bernd Rainer, Alaa Wihaidi, Viktoria D. Mayr, Priska Spencker, and Anton Amann

The Efficacy of Epinephrine or Vasopressin for Resuscitation During Epidural Anesthesia
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 734-742. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: We evaluated the effects of repeated dosages of epinephrine versus vasopressin in a porcine cardiac arrest model with epidural anesthesia. Both epinephrine and vasopressin increased coronary perfusion pressure sufficiently in this setting. Vasopressin may be more desirable during epidural block because the response to a single dose is longer lasting and because acidosis after multiple doses is less severe compared with epinephrine.

Shigeo Ohmura, Masayuki Kawada, Toshikazu Ohta, Ken Yamamoto, and Tsutomu Kobayashi

Systemic Toxicity and Resuscitation in Bupivacaine-, Levobupivacaine-, or Ropivacaine-Infused Rats
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 743-748. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: We compared the systemic toxicity induced by constant infusions of bupivacaine, levobupivacaine, and ropivacaine in anesthetized rats. The systemic toxicity of levobupivacaine was less than that of bupivacaine but more than that of ropivacaine. Ropivacaine-induced cardiac arrest was more susceptible to treatment than that induced by bupivacaine or levobupivacaine.

Stephen J. Holman, Richard R. Bosco, Tzu-Cheg Kao, Michael A. Mazzilli, Keith J. Dietrich, Rick A. Rolain, and Rom A. Stevens

What Constitutes an Effective but Safe Initial Dose of Lidocaine to Test a Thoracic Epidural Catheter?
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 749-754. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: In young and old patients, we evaluated the cardiovascular effects and spread of numbness achieved from injection of local anesthetic (lidocaine 100-180 mg) into the thoracic epidural space and concluded that the smaller dose was quite effective and possibly safer, particularly in older patients.

Dan J. Kopacz, James D. Helman, Charles E. Nussbaum, John N. K. Hsiang, Peter C. Nora, and Hugh W. Allen

A Comparison of Epidural Levobupivacaine 0.5% With or Without Epinephrine for Lumbar Spine Surgery
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 755-760. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The addition of epinephrine 1:400,000 or 1:200,000 to epidural 0.5% levobupivacaine reduces the resultant serum levobupivacaine levels without altering the duration of sensory blockade. All solutions were well tolerated and effective in producing epidural anesthesia for patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery.

Anil Gupta, Lennart Bodin, Björn Holmström, and Lars Berggren

A Systematic Review of the Peripheral Analgesic Effects of Intraarticular Morphine
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 761-770. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: A metaanalysis was performed to study the effects of morphine, injected intraarticularly, on postoperative pain during 24 h. Nineteen studies could be identified in which data were presented in such a way that metaanalysis could be performed. The results indicate a mild analgesic effect that could be dose dependent, but a systemic effect could not be ruled out.

Henri Iskandar, Emmanuel Guillaume, Florence Dixmérias, Bernard Binje, Sylvain Rakotondriamihary, Rodolphe Thiebaut, and Pierre Maurette

The Enhancement of Sensory Blockade by Clonidine Selectively Added to Mepivacaine After Midhumeral Block
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 771-775. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The addition of clonidine to local anesthetics prolongs the duration of sensory block in the nerves. Such a finding could have interesting clinical applications in ambulatory or planned surgery in which motor function is best maintained.

GENERAL ARTICLES:

Kazuyoshi Hirota, Hiroshi Hashimoto, Shizuko Kabara, Toshihito Tsubo, Yutaka Sato, Hironori Ishihara, and Akitomo Matsuki

The Relationship Between Pneumatic Tourniquet Time and the Amount of Pulmonary Emboli in Patients Undergoing Knee Arthroscopic Surgeries
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 776-780. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: We studied the relationship between tourniquet time and number of pulmonary emboli in 30 patients undergoing arthroscopic knee surgeries, by using transesophageal echocardiography. These data suggest that acute pulmonary embolism may occur within 1 min of the tourniquet release and that the number of emboli is related to tourniquet time.

Saiid Bina, Steven M. Karan, Edwin W. Lojeski, Paul D. Mongan, and Sheila M. Muldoon

Prolonging Viability of Swine Muscle Biopsy Specimens in Malignant Hyperthermia Testing
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 781-786. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Normal and malignant hyperthermia-susceptible swine gracilis muscle samples remain viable and accurately predict malignant hyperthermia susceptibility by caffeine halothane contracture test at 24 h after excision when they are clamped under tension and stored or shipped to another testing center in Krebs solution at room temperature.

Mahmood Saghaei and Mehrdad Masoodifar

The Pressor Response and Airway Effects of Cricoid Pressure During Induction of General Anesthesia
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 787-790. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Cricoid pressure is used for prevention of gastric regurgitation under general anesthesia. We found that cricoid pressure can increase the blood pressure and heart rate significantly.

Noriaki Kanaya, Masayasu Nakayama, Junko Kanaya, and Akiyoshi Namiki

Atropine for the Treatment of Hiccup After Laryngeal Mask Insertion (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 791-792. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

MEETING REPORT:

Frank Kern

Fourteenth Annual Meeting of the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia, San Francisco, California, October 13, 2000
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 793-797. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

Ira Rampil, George Mychaskiw, and Marc Horowitz

False Negative BIS? Maybe, Maybe Not! • Response
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 798-804. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Michael M. Todd, Vincent C. Traynelis, Joseph Brimacombe, Christian Keller, Karl H. Künzel, Othmar Gaber, Michael Boehler, and Friedrich Pühringer

Experimental Cervical Spine Injury and Airway Management Methods • Response
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 799-801. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

S.K. Malhotra and Amitabh Dutta

Pediatric Endotracheal Tubes: The Advantage of Outer Diameter
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 801-802. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Evan G. Pivalizza, Manfred K. Raber, Claire F. Ozaki, Jacqueline A. Lappin, and R. Patrick Wood

Heparin Effect After Hepatic Artery Anastomosis During Liver Transplantation
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 802. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Michael S. Stix and Carl J. Borromeo

Rattling of Unidirectional Valves Due to Water Obstructing the Ventilator Hose
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 802-803. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Jerry Matsumura and Scott S. Reuben

Considerations in the Use of COX-2 Inhibitors in Spinal Fusion Surgery • Response
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 803-804. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Sandra Kampe and François Singelyn

Extended Femoral Nerve Sheath Block After Total Hip Arthroplasty • Response
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 804. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Mohammad El-Orbany and Yaser Wafai

Grading Intubation Conditions: How and by Whom?
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 804. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

BOOK AND MULTIMEDIA REVIEWS:

Shyh-Shiun Wu, Stephen C. Finestone, Beth Minzter, Stuart A. Forman, and Jonathan P. Thompson

Board Stiff Too: Preparing for the Anesthesia Orals • Careers in Anesthesiology, An Autobiographical Memoir, Volume V • Childbirth and Pain Relief • Molecular Bases of Anesthesia • Clinical Anesthesia, 4th Edition • Books and Multimedia Received
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 805-807. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

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