EDITORIALS:

Michael F. O’Connor and Michael F. Roizen

Lactate Versus Chloride: Which is Better?
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 809-810. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

CARDIOVASCULAR ANESTHESIA:

Nicholas J. Wilkes, Rex Woolf, Marjorie Mutch, Susan V. Mallett, Tim Peachey, Robert Stephens, and Michael G. Mythen

The Effects of Balanced Versus Saline-Based Hetastarch and Crystalloid Solutions on Acid-Base and Electrolyte Status and Gastric Mucosal Perfusion in Elderly Surgical Patients
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 811-816. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: This prospective, randomized, blinded trial showed that, in elderly surgical patients, the use of balanced IV solutions can prevent the development of hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis and provide better gastric mucosal perfusion compared with saline-based fluids.

Jonathan H. Waters, Alexandru Gottlieb, Peter Schoenwald, Marc J. Popovich, Juraj Sprung, and David R. Nelson

Normal Saline Versus Lactated Ringer’s Solution for Intraoperative Fluid Management in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair: An Outcome Study
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 817-822. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Predominant use of 0.9% saline solution in major surgery has little impact on outcome as assessed by duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit stay, hospital stay, and postoperative complications, but it does appear to be associated with increased perioperative blood loss.

Stein Tølløfsrud, Geir I. Elgjo, Donald S. Prough, Chad A. Williams, Daniel L. Traber, and George C. Kramer

The Dynamics of Vascular Volume and Fluid Shifts of Lactated Ringer’s Solution and Hypertonic-Saline-Dextran Solutions Infused in Normovolemic Sheep
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 823-831. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Hypertonic saline dextran (HSD) is a new plasma expander recently approved for clinical use in Europe. We compared the plasma volume expansion of HSD versus lactated Ringers (LR) in normovolemic sheep. After a 30 min infusion, HSD was 7 times as effective at expanding volume as an equal volume of LR, but for the next 90 minutes the relative effectiveness of HSD increased to 10-20 times.

Anthony T. W. Cheung, Jonathan S. Jahr, Bernd Driessen, Patricia L. Duong, Matthew S. Chan, Fedor Lurie, Mohammad S. Golkaryeh, Ravjeet K. Kullar, and Robert A. Gunther

The Effects of Hemoglobin Glutamer-200 (Bovine) on the Microcirculation in a Canine Hypovolemia Model: A Noninvasive Computer-Assisted Intravital Microscopy Study
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 832-838. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: This is the first time that changes in the blood circulation have been studied, quantified, and correlated with systemic function, hemodynamic, and oxygenation changes in shock and during shock treatment in a large animal model. This study was performed by a new technology developed in-house to noninvasively and quantitatively study blood vessels in real time.

Michael J. A. Robson, R. Peter Alston, Ian J. Deary, Peter J. D. Andrews, and Michael J. Souter

Jugular Bulb Oxyhemoglobin Desaturation, S100ß, and Neurologic and Cognitive Outcomes After Coronary Artery Surgery
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 839-845. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Intraoperative jugular bulb oxyhemoglobin saturation (SjO2) and postoperative SjO2 <50% do not have an important influence on long-term neurologic outcome after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Subtle preoperative neurology is associated with long-term cognitive decline, and aortic atheroma is a risk factor for both cognitive and neurologic decline.

Yuri Nakae, Satoshi Fujita, and Akiyoshi Namiki

Isoproterenol Enhances Myofilament Ca²⁺ Sensitivity During Hypothermia in Isolated Guinea Pig Beating Hearts
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 846-852. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Enhancement of myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity is involved in the improvement of cardiac function by isoproterenol under spontaneous beating during hypothermia.

W. Scott Beattie, Neal H. Badner, and Peter Choi

Epidural Analgesia Reduces Postoperative Myocardial Infarction: A Meta-Analysis
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 853-858. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Postoperative epidural analgesia, especially thoracic epidural analgesia, continued for more than 24 h reduces postoperative myocardial infarctions.

Milo Engoren, Glenn Luther, and Nancy Fenn-Buderer

A Comparison of Fentanyl, Sufentanil, and Remifentanil for Fast-Track Cardiac Anesthesia
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 859-864. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: To conserve resources for cardiac surgery, fentanyl-, sufentanil-, and remifentanil-based anesthetics were compared for duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit length of stay, hospital length of stay, and cost. The shorter-acting anesthetics, sufentanil and remifentanil, produced equally rapid extubation, similar stays, and similar costs to fentanyl; thus, any of these opioids can be recommended for fast-track cardiac surgery.

Meir Gare, Abraham Parail, Douglas Milosavljevic, Judy R. Kersten, David C. Warltier, and Paul S. Pagel

Conscious Sedation with Midazolam or Propofol Does Not Alter Left Ventricular Diastolic Performance in Patients with Preexisting Diastolic Dysfunction: A Transmitral and Tissue Doppler Transthoracic Echocardiography Study
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 865-871. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Sedation with midazolam or propofol does not alter indices of left ventricular diastolic function in healthy patients and those with preexisting left ventricular filling abnormalities as evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography.

Sven Richter, Angela Olinger, Ulrich Hildebrandt, Michael D. Menger, and Brigitte Vollmar

Loss of Physiologic Hepatic Blood Flow Control ("Hepatic Arterial Buffer Response") During CO₂-Pneumoperitoneum in the Rat
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 872-877. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: We investigated the effect of CO2-pneumoperitoneum on liver blood flow, hepatic tissue oxygenation (PO2) and liver enzyme release. CO2-insufflation reduces portal venous flow without a compensatory increase of hepatic arterial flow ("hepatic arterial buffer response"), resulting in reduced hepatic PO2 and increased ratios of serum alanine aminotransferase to serum aspartate aminotransferase.

Jonathan H. Waters, David G. Anthony, Alexandru Gottlieb, and Juraj Sprung

Bleeding in a Patient Receiving Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 878-882. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA:

Dean B. Andropoulos, Sabrina T. Bent, Barbara Skjonsby, and Stephen A. Stayer

The Optimal Length of Insertion of Central Venous Catheters for Pediatric Patients
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 883-886. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: This study assessed central venous catheter placement in 452 infants and children undergoing cardiac surgery. Simple, clinically useful guidelines based on height and weight were developed to prevent malposition of these catheters, which may cause serious complications such as perforation of the heart or great vessels.

Susan M. Goobie, Sulpicio G. Soriano, David Zurakowski, Francis X. McGowan, and Mark A. Rockoff

Hemostatic Changes in Pediatric Neurosurgical Patients as Evaluated by Thrombelastograph^®
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 887-892. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Hypercoagulability in postoperative neurosurgical patients has been demonstrated in the adult population, but few studies have dealt with the pediatric population. We found that children undergoing craniotomy for focal resection, lobectomy, and hemispherectomy are hypercoagulable as detected by thrombelastograph(R) coagulation analysis. Further studies are needed to determine whether this is clinically significant.

Mary Ellen McCann, Navil F. Sethna, Jean-Xavier Mazoit, Masayuki Sakamoto, Nader Rifai, Todd Hope, Lorna Sullivan, Susan G. Auble, and Charles B. Berde

The Pharmacokinetics of Epidural Ropivacaine in Infants and Young Children
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 893-897. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: This study revealed that the pharmacokinetic variables of lumbar epidural bolus ropivacaine in pediatric patients aged 3 to 48 mo are similar to those of adults, except that drug clearance was less in infants compared with older children.

Pietro Scalfaro, Peter D. Sly, Craig Sims, and Walid Habre

Salbutamol Prevents the Increase of Respiratory Resistance Caused by Tracheal Intubation During Sevoflurane Anesthesia in Asthmatic Children
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 898-902. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Tracheal intubation with sevoflurane as the sole anesthetic is now often performed in children. It can induce an increase in respiratory system resistance in children with asthma. This study shows that in children with mild to moderate asthma, a preanesthetic treatment with inhaled salbutamol can prevent the increase of respiratory system resistance.

Berklee Robins and Asish K. Das

Anesthetic Management of Acquired Tracheoesophageal Fistula: A Brief Report (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 903-905. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

AMBULATORY ANESTHESIA:

Xiaoguang Chen, Jun Tang, Paul F. White, Ronald H. Wender, Raymond Quon, Alexander Sloninsky, Robert Naruse, Robert Kariger, Tom Webb, and Eve Norel

The Effect of Timing of Dolasetron Administration on its Efficacy as a Prophylactic Antiemetic in the Ambulatory Setting
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 906-911. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The timing of dolasetron administration appears to have little effect on its efficacy when administered as a prophylactic antiemetic in the ambulatory setting.

Caroline Lepage, Pierre Drolet, Michel Girard, Yvan Grenier, and Richard DeGagné

Music Decreases Sedative Requirements During Spinal Anesthesia
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 912-916. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: It is possible to decrease sedative requirements during surgery under spinal anesthesia by allowing patients to listen to music to reduce their anxiety.

Donald D. Mathes, Mark R. Conaway, and William T. Ross

Ambulatory Surgery: Room Air Versus Nasal Cannula Oxygen During Transport After General Anesthesia
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 917-921. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Most adult patients undergoing ambulatory surgery can be transported safely to the PACU breathing room air after general anesthesia. However, patients whose age was >=60 yr or weight >=100 kg, or for whom transient O2 desaturation on transport may be harmful, should be transported while breathing oxygen via nasal cannula.

ANESTHETIC PHARMACOLOGY:

Edmond I Eger, II, Michael J. Halsey, Donald D. Koblin, Michael J. Laster, Pompiliu Ionescu, Kurt Königsberger, Rulin Fan, Ba V. Nguyen, and Tomas Hudlicky

The Convulsant and Anesthetic Properties of Cis-Trans Isomers of 1,2-Dichlorohexafluorocyclobutane and 1,2-Dichloroethylene
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 922-927. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS:Cis-trans isomerism can influence the convulsant properties of the nonimmobilizer 2N (1,2-dichlorohexafluorocyclobutane) and the anesthetic properties of dichloroethylene. Such isomeric effects may be as useful as those found with optical isomers in defining receptor-anesthetic interactions.

Claudette R. Bethune, Christopher M. Bernards, Tot Bui-Nguyen, Danny D. Shen, and Rodney J. Y. Ho

The Role of Drug-Lipid Interactions on the Disposition of Liposome-Formulated Opioid Analgesics In Vitro and In Vivo
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 928-933. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The degree of interaction between opioids and lipid bilayers in liposome-formulated opioids dictates the rates at which epidurally-administered drugs distribute into the intrathecal compartment and blood in potentiating analgesic effects.

Takehiko Ikeda, Tomiei Kazama, Daniel I. Sessler, Sumiko Toriyama, Kazuya Niwa, Chiaki Shimada, and Shigehito Sato

Induction of Anesthesia with Ketamine Reduces the Magnitude of Redistribution Hypothermia
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 934-938. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Core hypothermia during the first hour of anesthesia was less after induction of anesthesia with ketamine than propofol. Maintaining arteriovenous shunt vasoconstriction during induction of anesthesia reduces the magnitude of redistribution hypothermia.

Leena H. Mildh, Harry Scheinin, and Olli A. Kirvelä

The Concentration-Effect Relationship of the Respiratory Depressant Effects of Alfentanil and Fentanyl
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 939-946. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: This double-blinded, randomized study evaluated the potency ratio of alfentanil and fentanyl-induced respiratory depression. The findings support the notion of parallel analgesic and respiratory depressant effects of alfentanil and fentanyl. Therefore equianalgesic concentrations of both drugs will lead to equally pronounced respiratory depression.

Edmond I Eger, II

Age, Minimum Alveolar Anesthetic Concentration, and Minimum Alveolar Anesthetic Concentration-Awake
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 947-953. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Two defining effects of inhaled anesthetics (immobility in the face of noxious stimulation, and absence of memory) correlate with the end-tidal concentrations of the anesthetics. Thus, these defining effects may be monitored and the results displayed if the concentrations are known and corrected for the effects of age and temperature.

Aaron F. Kopman, Monika M. Klewicka, and George G. Neuman

Reexamined: The Recommended Endotracheal Intubating Dose for Nondepolarizing Neuromuscular Blockers of Rapid Onset
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 954-959. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The dose of muscle relaxant usually recommended for facilitating tracheal intubation approximates at least two times the drug's effective dose (ED95). When the muscle relaxant in question has a rapid onset of action, this intubation dose may be decreased to 1.5 times the ED95.

TECHNOLOGY, COMPUTING, AND SIMULATION:

Steven J. Barker and J. Scott Polson

Fire in the Operating Room: A Case Report and Laboratory Study
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 960-965. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [VIDEO FILE]  [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: A patient was seriously burned in a fire that occurred during surgery. We performed laboratory experiments to re-create the fire, and found some of the key factors that led to this event.

Satoshi Hagihira, Masaki Takashina, Takahiko Mori, Takashi Mashimo, and Ikuto Yoshiya

Practical Issues in Bispectral Analysis of Electroencephalographic Signals (Technical Communication)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 966-970. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Harvey A. Zar and Welby W. Wu

The Inability to Detect Expired Carbon Dioxide After Endotracheal Intubation as a Result of One-Way Valve Obstruction of the Endotracheal Tube (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 971-972. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

W. Scott Jellish, Tom Nolan, and Bruce Kleinman

Hypercapnia Related to a Faulty Adult Co-Axial Breathing Circuit (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 973-974. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

ECONOMICS AND HEALTH SYSTEMS RESEARCH:

James H. Diaz

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Female Nurse Anesthetists Versus Operating Room Nurses: Prevalence, Laterality, and Impact of Handedness
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 975-980. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Repetitive stress injuries have now exceeded back injuries as the most commonly reported workplace injuries in the United States. Female nurse anesthetists may face greater occupational risks for developing left hand and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome than female operating room nurses.

CRITICAL CARE AND TRAUMA:

Bernard Allaouchiche, Richard Debon, Joëlle Goudable, Dominique Chassard, and Frédéric Duflo

Oxidative Stress Status During Exposure to Propofol, Sevoflurane and Desflurane
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 981-985. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Superoxide is an unavoidable byproduct of oxygen metabolism that occurs in various inflammatory reactions. Inhalation of volatile anesthetics under mechanical ventilation induces an inflammatory response. We evaluated the bronchoalveolar and systemic oxidative stress in swine during exposure to propofol and newer volatile anesthetics. Desflurane induces more lipid peroxidation than do the other anesthetics.

OBSTETRIC ANESTHESIA:

Bupesh Kaul, Manuel Vallejo, Sivam Ramanathan, and Gordon Mandell

Epidural Labor Analgesia and Neonatal Sepsis Evaluation Rate: A Quality Improvement Study
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 986-990. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Although it has been suggested that epidural analgesia for labor contributes to an increase in neonatal sepsis work-up (SWU), this retrospective analysis shows that epidural analgesia is not associated with an increase in SWU. The factors that were found to contribute to SWU included low birth weight, low gestational age, meconium aspiration or respiratory distress at birth, hypothermia at birth, maternal group B {beta}-hemolytic colonization, and preeclampsia or hypertension.

Teresa Marino, Leonidas C. Goudas, Valery Steinbok, Sabrina D. Craigo, and Ralph W. Yarnell

The Anesthetic Management of Triplet Cesarean Delivery: A Retrospective Case Series of Maternal Outcomes
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 991-995. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: A large retrospective case series of the effects of spinal and epidural anesthesia on maternal hemodynamic profile during cesarean delivery for triplet gestation was performed. Our findings suggest that spinal anesthesia results in outcomes comparable to epidural anesthesia for both mother and newborns.

Marcel P. Vercauteren, Guy Hans, Koen De Decker, and Hugo A. Adriaensen

Levobupivacaine Combined with Sufentanil and Epinephrine for Intrathecal Labor Analgesia: A Comparison with Racemic Bupivacaine
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 996-1000. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: When used intrathecally and epidurally for labor analgesia, levobupivacaine had the same clinical profile as racemic bupivacaine, but at equal doses it produced less motor block.

Neil Roy Connelly, Robert K. Parker, Tanya Lucas, Mervat El-Mansouri, Venkata Komanduri, Prakash Nayak, Srinivasa Gutta, Charles Gibson, and Steven M. Dunn

The Influence of a Bupivacaine and Fentanyl Epidural Infusion After Epidural Fentanyl in Patients Allowed to Ambulate in Early Labor
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1001-1005. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: A 0.0625% bupivacaine and fentanyl (3 {micro}g/mL) infusion, when added to epidural fentanyl (100 {micro}g), prolongs the analgesic duration without increasing motor block in women in early labor.

David C. Campbell, Celina M. Riben, Michael E. Rooney, Lesley-Ann L. Crone, and Ray W. Yip

Intrathecal Morphine for Postpartum Tubal Ligation Postoperative Analgesia
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1006-1011. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: This investigation documents the extent of the significant postoperative pain experienced by women after routine postpartum tubal ligation surgery and demonstrates the efficacy of a small dose (100 {micro}g) of intrathecal morphine to obviate this pain with minimal adverse effects.

PAIN MEDICINE:

Hiroyasu Kawahara, Atsuhiro Sakamoto, Shinhiro Takeda, Hidetaka Onodera, Junko Imaki, and Ryo Ogawa

A Prostaglandin E₂ Receptor Subtype EP₁ Receptor Antagonist (ONO-8711) Reduces Hyperalgesia, Allodynia, and C-fos Gene Expression in Rats with Chronic Nerve Constriction
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1012-1017. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: We examined whether a prostaglandin E2 receptor subtype EP1 receptor antagonist abrogates neuropathic pain induced by chronic constriction injury model in rats. The EP1 receptor antagonist significantly reduced hyperalgasia, allodynia, and c-fos positive cells. These findings suggested that EP1 receptor antagonists may have a role in treatment of neuropathic pain.

Gyöngyi Horvath, Gabriella Joo, Ildiko Dobos, Walter Klimscha, Geza Toth, and György Benedek

The Synergistic Antinociceptive Interactions of Endomorphin-1 with Dexmedetomidine and/or S(+)-Ketamine in Rats
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1018-1024. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The coadministration of the N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist receptor antagonist, S(+)-ketamine, or the specific {alpha}2-adrenoceptor agonist, dexmedetomidine, significantly enhances the antinociceptive effect of the endogenous {micro}-opioid agonist, endomorphin-1, at the spinal level. The triple combination of the three drugs causes a further improved antinociception.

Tomoki Nishiyama and Kazuo Hanaoka

The Synergistic Interaction Between Midazolam and Clonidine in Spinally-Mediated Analgesia in Two Different Pain Models of Rats
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1025-1031. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Spinally-administered midazolam, a benzodiazepine, and clonidine, an {alpha}2-adrenergic receptor agonist, have significant synergistic effects on thermally-induced acute and formalin-induced inflammatory pain.

Sabine Sator-Katzenschlager, Engelbert Deusch, Petra Maier, Anna Spacek, and Hans G. Kress

The Long-Term Antinociceptive Effect of Intrathecal S(+)-Ketamine in a Patient with Established Morphine Tolerance (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1032-1034. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

REGIONAL ANESTHESIA:

Keiko Hayatsu, Misao Tomita, Hideyoshi Fujihara, Hiroshi Baba, Tomohiro Yamakura, Kiichiro Taga, and Koki Shimoji

The Placement of the Epidural Catheter at the Predicted Site by Electrical Stimulation Test
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1035-1039. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Ideally the epidural catheter tip should be positioned in the posterior epidural space near the midline. We concluded that the electrical stimulation test is effective for verifying the proper placement of the catheter electrode tip.

Pia di Benedetto, Laura Bertini, Andrea Casati, Battista Borghi, Andrea Albertin, and Guido Fanelli

A New Posterior Approach to the Sciatic Nerve Block: A Prospective, Randomized Comparison with the Classic Posterior Approach
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1040-1044. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Evaluating the efficacy and acceptance of a new approach to the sciatic nerve block, this prospective, randomized study demonstrated that the new subgluteus posterior approach is an easy and reliable technique and can be considered an useful alternative to the more traditional Labat's approach in patients undergoing foot surgery, facilitating the performance of the sciatic nerve blocks.

Philippe Cuvillon, Jacques Ripart, Laurent Lalourcey, Eric Veyrat, Joel L’Hermite, Christophe Boisson, Ezzedine Thouabtia, and Jean Jacques Eledjam

The Continuous Femoral Nerve Block Catheter for Postoperative Analgesia: Bacterial Colonization, Infectious Rate and Adverse Effects
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1045-1049. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: In this prospective study, continuous femoral nerve catheters were effective for postoperative analgesia but had a frequent rate of bacterial catheter colonization. We found no serious infections after short-term (2-day) infusion. Side effects were few, but one nerve injury occurred.

Satoe Oka, Mishiya Matsumoto, Kazunobu Ohtake, Takashi Kiyoshima, Kazuhiko Nakakimura, and Takefumi Sakabe

The Addition of Epinephrine to Tetracaine Injected Intrathecally Sustains an Increase in Glutamate Concentrations in the Cerebrospinal Fluid and Worsens Neuronal Injury
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1050-1057. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Sustained increase of glutamate concentrations produced by the addition of epinephrine to intrathecal tetracaine can cause neuronal injury.

GENERAL ARTICLES:

Raphaël Vialle, Claire Pietin-Vialle, Patrick Cronier, Christophe Brillu, Frederic Villapadierna, and Philippe Mercier

Anatomic Relations Between the Cephalic Vein and the Sensory Branches of the Radial Nerve: How Can Nerve Lesions During Vein Puncture Be Prevented?
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1058-1061. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: We attempted to determine the relationship between the cephalic vein and the sensory branch of the radial nerve at the wrist to help prevent lesions of the radial nerve when the cephalic vein is cannulated. We examined the anatomy of 33 postmortem specimens and suggest that puncture of the cephalic vein 12 cm or more proximal to the styloid process can prevent radial nerve lesions.

Jacqueline M. Leung, Samir Dzankic, Kawalpreet Manku, and San Yuan

The Prevalence and Predictors of the Use of Alternative Medicine in Presurgical Patients in Five California Hospitals
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1062-1068. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The use of alternative medicine supplements by presurgical patients is prevalent. Documentation of the use of these products is critical to determine the potential of drug or anesthetic interactions in the perioperative period.

Junichi Ogata, Kouichiro Minami, Mikiko Oishi, Hitomi Tamura, and Akio Shigematsu

The Influence of the Laryngeal Mask Airway on the Shape of the Submandibular Gland
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1069-1072. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The findings in our study show that the submandibular triangle can be easily compressed by the insertion of the laryngeal mask airway (LMA). When inserting the LMA, it is important to consider that the LMA cuff may alter these tissues, which are situated between the lingual root and the submandibular triangle.

BRIEF REPORTS:

Tiberiu Ezri, R. David Warters, Peter Szmuk, Husam Saad-Eddin, Daniel Geva, Jeffrey Katz, and Carin Hagberg

The Incidence of Class "Zero" Airway and the Impact of Mallampati Score, Age, Sex, and Body Mass Index on Prediction of Laryngoscopy Grade
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1073-1075. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

CASE REPORTS:

Jean-Sébastien Roy, François Girard, Daniel Boudreault, Anne-Marie Pinard, and Pasquale Ferraro

The Anesthetic Management of a Case of Tracheogastric Fistula
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1076-1077. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

Gillian M. Stewart, Gareth Kessel, and Richard M. Levitan

Comparing the Articulating Laryngoscope and External Laryngeal Manipulation • Response
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1078-1079. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Herbert N. Chado

Current Perception Thresholds Do Not Vary Significantly
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1079. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Junichi Ogata, Kenji Nakano, Kenichi Sakamoto, and Kouichiro Minami

Preoperative Use of Colforsin Daropate Hydrochloride in a Patient with Severe Cardiac Function Scheduled for Y-Graft Replacement
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1079-1080. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Prakash K. Dubey and Mitchell D. Tobias

Venous Double Cannulation: Avoiding Complications • Response
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1080. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Jacques E. Chelly

How Can We Possibly Prevent Complications Related to Peripheral Nerve Blocks?
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1080-1081. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Andrew O. Amata

Blindness Associated with Severe Preeclampsia/Eclampsia
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1081. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

J. Ponte and Deepak K. Tempe

Neuromuscular Blockers and Awareness • Response
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1081-1082. [Full Text] [Request Permissions]  

Cornelius J. O’Connor, Jr., Sara R. Davies, and Michael S. Stix

"Soap Bubbles" and "Gauze Thread" Drain Tube Tests
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1082. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

BOOK AND MULTIMEDIA REVIEWS:

Steven D. Bell, Stefan Lucas, Ronald S. Litman, Raafat S. Hannallah, Sarah T. Vorghese, and Ossama Hamdu

Preoperative Assessment • Percutaneous Central Venous and Arterial Catheterization, 3rd edition • Manual of Pediatric Anesthesia, 5th edition • Peripheral Nerve Block: A Color Atlas • Books and Multimedia Received
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1083-1084. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

ERRATA:

Erratum
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 822. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

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