EDITORIALS:

Cecilia M. Borghese and R. Adron Harris

Anesthetic-Induced Immobility: Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Are No Longer in the Picture
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 509-511. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

CARDIOVASCULAR ANESTHESIA:

Peter B. Morgan, Gregory E. Panomitros, Ana C. Nelson, Douglas F. Smith, Daneshvari R. Solanki, and Mark H. Zornow

Low Utility of Dobutamine Stress Echocardiograms in the Preoperative Evaluation of Patients Scheduled for Noncardiac Surgery
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 512-516. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: This study was a retrospective review of 85 patient charts that found a low cost-effectiveness of using American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines for obtaining preoperative dobutamine stress echocardiograms. Suggested modifications of these guidelines should improve their specificity with no loss in sensitivity.

Frank W. Dupont, Roberto M. Lang, Melinda L. Drum, and Solomon Aronson

Is There a Long-Term Predictive Value of Intraoperative Low-Dose Dobutamine Echocardiography in Patients Who Have Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass?
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 517-523. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: In patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery, intraoperative low-dose dobutamine echocardiography has only limited value for the prediction of regional myocardial function at 1 yr. Small-dose dobutamine echocardiography predicts regional myocardial function at 1 yr when baseline regional wall motion abnormalities improve with dobutamine; however, the test cannot be used to predict which segment will not recover at 1 yr.

George N. Djaiani, Brian J. McCreath, Lian K. Ti, Burkhard G. Mackensen, Mihai Podgoreanu, Barbara Phillips-Bute, and Joseph P. Mathew

Mitral Flow Propagation Velocity Identifies Patients with Abnormal Diastolic Function During Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 524-530. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Mitral propagation velocity (Vp) is a simple, reproducible measure of diastolic function during coronary artery bypass graft surgery that correlates with standard Doppler echocardiographic techniques to identify dysfunction in the setting of a rapid heart rate or variable preload. Vp <50 cm/s identifies abnormal diastolic function in this patient population.

Genadi Zilberstein, Rachel Levy, Maxim Rachinsky, Allan Fisher, Lev Greemberg, Yoram Shapira, Azai Appelbaum, and Leonid Roytblat

Ketamine Attenuates Neutrophil Activation After Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 531-536. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: In a randomized, double-blinded, prospective clinical study, we compared the effect of adding small-dose ketamine to opioids during general anesthesia on superoxide production and showed that ketamine suppressed the increase of superoxide anion production by neutrophils after coronary artery bypass grafting.

David Amar, Hao Zhang, and Nancy Roistacher

The Incidence and Outcome of Ventricular Arrhythmias After Noncardiac Thoracic Surgery
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 537-543. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: In 412 patients, we determined that the incidence of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia after major thoracic surgery is 15% and is not associated with poor outcome.

Cornelius Jungheinrich, Roland Scharpf, Manfred Wargenau, Frank Bepperling, and Jean-François Baron

The Pharmacokinetics and Tolerability of an Intravenous Infusion of the New Hydroxyethyl Starch 130/0.4 (6%, 500 mL) in Mild-to-Severe Renal Impairment
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 544-551. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Dependency of the pharmacokinetics of hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 on renal function was studied. The area under the time concentration curve increased moderately with more severe renal dysfunction; however, small plasma concentrations were observed after 24 h. Terminal half-life and peak concentration remained unaffected by renal impairment.

Michael J. Brown and Daniel R. Brown

Thoracic Cavity Irrigation: An Unusual Cause of Acute ST Segment Increase (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 552-554. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: We describe an unusual case of acute ST segment increase secondary to warm saline thoracic cavity irrigation during thoracotomy. Temperature-mediated alteration of myocyte repolarization should be considered in addition to myocardial ischemia when ST segment changes occur.

Rhona I.P. Dornan

Anesthesia for a Patient with Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 555-557. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS:A patient with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia required anesthesia for implantation of a defibrillator. The diagnostic criteria, treatment, and anesthetic considerations for this rare, familial dysrhythmia are described.

Hajime Arima, Kazuya Sobue, Sayuki Tanaka, Tetsuro Morishima, Hiroshi Ando, and Hirotada Katsuya

Airway Obstruction Associated with Transesophageal Echocardiography in a Patient with a Giant Aortic Pseudoaneurysm (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 558-560. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Airway compression from insertion of a transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probe has been mostly limited to pediatric patients. We present a case of TEE-associated airway obstruction in an adult patient undergoing surgery for repair of a giant ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm.

Toshiya Shiga, Tetsuo Inoue, Zen’ichiro Wajima, and Ryo Ogawa

Insertion of the Transesophageal Echocardiography Probe via Endoscopy Mask (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 561-563. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has not been used during airway manipulation to assess the occasional occurrence of hemodynamic instability that occurs especially in cardiac patients. We describe a new technique using an endoscopy mask to perform TEE monitoring during airway manipulation with a large concentration of supplemented oxygen.

Narong Kulvatunyou, Stephen O. Heard, and Paul E. Bankey

A Subclavian Artery Injury, Secondary to Internal Jugular Vein Cannulation, Is a Predictable Right-Sided Phenomenon (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 564-566. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Internal jugular vein cannulation is a frequently performed procedure. We present a case with a review of the literatures of subclavian artery injury secondary to this procedure, recognizing that this complication may be a right-sided phenomenon secondary to its unique anatomical layout.

Edward Gologorsky, Angela Gologorsky, David L. Galbut, and Abraham Wolfenson

Left Atrial Compression by a Pericardial Hematoma Presenting as an Obstructing Intracavitary Mass: A Difficult Differential Diagnosis (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 567-569. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The differential diagnosis of extracavitary, intramural and intracavitary disease may be difficult. An extrinsic compression of the left atrium by a dissecting pericardial hematoma was misdiagnosed as an intracavitary mass, by echocadiography and computer tomography. This case emphasizes the importance of patient history and clinical setting.

Sundeep Malik, William A. Shapiro, David Jablons, and Jeffrey A. Katz

Contralateral Tension Pneumothorax During One-Lung Ventilation for Lobectomy: Diagnosis Aided by Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 570-572. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Tension pneumothorax during one-lung ventilation can be a life threatening emergency. Clinical diagnosis may be confusing in the operative setting. We present a case in which fiberoptic bronchoscopy excluded tube malpositioning and lead us to the diagnosis of a tension pneumothorax.

ANESTHETIC PHARMACOLOGY:

Douglas E. Raines, Robert J. Claycomb, and Stuart A. Forman

Nonhalogenated Anesthetic Alkanes and Perhalogenated Nonimmobilizing Alkanes Inhibit ₄ß₂ Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 573-577. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The results of this study suggest that the immobilizing actions of general anesthetics do not result from the inhibition of {alpha}4ß2 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. However, the inhibition of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors may account for the amnestic activities of general anesthetics and nonimmobilizers.

Joseph J. Quinlan, Carolyn Ferguson, Katherine Jester, Leonard L. Firestone, and Gregg E. Homanics

Mice with Glycine Receptor Subunit Mutations Are Both Sensitive and Resistant to Volatile Anesthetics
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 578-582. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: We tested two mouse lines with glycine receptor mutations to determine whether glycine receptors might play an important role in anesthetic responses in vivo. Both sensitivity and resistance to common anesthetics were observed in mutant mice, depending on the behavioral end-point evaluated.

Lothar W. de Rossi, Nicola A. Horn, Wolfgang Buhre, Florian Gass, Gabriele Hutschenreuter, and Rolf Rossaint

The Effect of Isoflurane on Neutrophil Selectin and ß₂-Integrin Activation In Vitro
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 583-587. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Adhesion of neutrophils to endothelial cells in reperfusion injury is mediated by different adhesion molecules. This study indicates that the inhibiting effect of isoflurane on neutrophil recruitment may be mediated by a decreased activation of the L-selectin and by attenuation of the activation of the ß2-integrins CD11a and CD11b.

Ann De Haes, Johannes H. Proost, Jan B. M. Kuks, David C. van den Tol, and J. Mark K. H. Wierda

Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Modeling of Rocuronium in Myasthenic Patients Is Improved by Taking into Account the Number of Unbound Acetylcholine Receptors
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 588-596. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: We performed a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling study in myasthenic patients and control patients. The unbound receptor model, which takes into account the number of unbound acetylcholine receptors in the biophase, was introduced and compared with the model proposed by Sheiner.

Elisabeth Hentgen, Malik Houfani, Valérie Billard, Florent Capron, Jean-Marc Ropars, and Jean Paul Travagli

Propofol-Sufentanil Anesthesia for Thyroid Surgery: Optimal Concentrations for Hemodynamic and Electroencephalogram Stability, and Recovery Features
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 597-605. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Given as a target-controlled infusion for thyroid surgery, sufentanil 0.3 ng/mL for intubation and 0.2 ng/mL during surgery, combined with propofol 4 {micro}g/mL (corresponding to a maintenance infusion rate of approximately 7-10 mg {middle dot} kg-1 {middle dot} h-1), is recommended to ensure both optimal intraoperative stability and fast recovery.

Dilek Memis, Alparslan Turan, Beyhan Karamanlioglu, Necdet Süt, and Zafer Pamukçu

The Use of Magnesium Sulfate to Prevent Pain on Injection of Propofol (Brief Report)
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 606-608. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Magnesium sulfate, 2.48 mmol, injected 20 s before the administration of propofol significantly reduced the incidence of pain caused by a propofol injection and may be useful in minimizing this common side effect.

James M. Sonner

Issues in the Design and Interpretation of Minimum Alveolar Anesthetic Concentration (MAC) Studies (Medical Intelligence)
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 609-614. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The two experimental designs (quantal and bracketing) used for population minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration studies give equivalent results. An expression relating variability in terms of Hill coefficients and SD is presented. Evolutionary implications of low population variability in anesthetic phenotypes is discussed.

PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA:

George D. Politis, Michael J. Frankland, Robert L. James, Jacland F. ReVille, Michael P. Rieker, and Betty C. Petree

Factors Associated with Successful Tracheal Intubation of Children with Sevoflurane and No Muscle Relaxant
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 615-620. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: To successfully intubate 80% of children by using sevoflurane and no muscle relaxant, induction times of 137 and 187 s were needed in children of 1-4 yr and 4-8 yr, respectively.

Holger K. Eltzschig, Greta Palmer, and Robert Brustowicz

Colobronchial Fistula in a Pediatric Patient: Diagnostic Value of Isolated Single-Lung Ventilation and Intraoperative Use of High Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 621-623. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: We describe the anesthetic management of a pediatric patient who underwent thoracotomy repair of a colobronchial fistula. Single-lung ventilation confirmed the diagnosis and the position of the fistula. In addition, the intraoperative use of high frequency oscillatory ventilation in combination with conventional ventilation of the nonoperative side is described.

Krishna Boddu, Monica S. Vavilala, J. Geoffrey Stevenson, and Arthur M. Lam

The Use of Transesophageal Echocardiography to Facilitate Removal of a Thoracic Nail (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 624-626. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Transesophageal echocardiography may be useful in guiding detection and removal of thorax penetrating objects and for the monitoring of complications after removal of such objects.

AMBULATORY ANESTHESIA:

D. Janet Pavlin, C. Chen, D. A. Penaloza, Nayak L. Polissar, and F. Peter Buckley

Pain as a Factor Complicating Recovery and Discharge After Ambulatory Surgery
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 627-634. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Moderate to severe pain is common after ambulatory surgery and is a frequent cause of delayed discharge. Postoperative pain, opioid-related side effects, and time to discharge were less when nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs or local anesthetics were used intraoperatively to prevent pain before patient awakening.

Moeen K. Panni, Mark Fernandes, Nazif Mohdazhar, Todd Taylor, Anthony Tomasi, and Stephen B. Corn

A Novel Ambulatory Intravenous Holder: Preliminary Findings (Technical Communication)
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 635-638. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Many devices serve as portable systems for IV equipment but are expensive and use complex electronic controls. We present a novel device to facilitate safe ambulation of IV-dependent patients. This device was effective in delivering required therapeutic flow rates over time periods desired for unattended operation.

TECHNOLOGY, COMPUTING, AND SIMULATION:

Andreas Lehmann, Joachim Boldt, Elfi Thaler, Swen Piper, and Udo Weisse

Bispectral Index in Patients with Target-Controlled or Manually-Controlled Infusion of Propofol
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 639-644. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: In this prospective, randomized study, bispectral index (BIS), hemodynamics, time to extubation, and costs of target-controlled infusion (TCI) and manually-controlled infusion of propofol were compared. TCI increased the amount of propofol used. BIS failed to predict the adequacy of anesthesia for the next painful stimulus.

E. Andrew Ochroch and David M. Eckmann

Clinical Application of Acoustic Reflectometry in Predicting the Difficult Airway
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 645-649. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Acoustic reflectometry, a noninvasive test that uses sound to produce a length versus cross-sectional area map of the airway, was not able to predict inability to intubate, poor glottic visualization, and multiple laryngoscopies.

Erich Knolle, Georg Heinze, and Hermann Gilly

Small Carbon Monoxide Formation in Absorbents Does Not Correlate with Small Carbon Dioxide Absorption
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 650-655. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: In an in vitrostudy, carbon dioxide (CO2) absorption capacity and possible carbon monoxide (CO) formation were tested in different absorbent brands. Absorbents with very small CO formation are not necessarily poor CO2 absorbents.

Moeen K. Panni and Stephen B. Corn

The Use of a Uniquely Designed Anesthetic Scavenging Hood to Reduce Operating Room Anesthetic Gas Contamination During General Anesthesia
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 656-660. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Chronic exposure to trace levels of anesthetic gas is harmful to operating room personnel, especially in the delivery of pediatric general anesthesia via an uncuffed endotracheal tube. The anesthetic scavenging hood is a cost-effective and efficient method to reduce these waste anesthetic gases, and it offers patient heat conservation.

PAIN MEDICINE:

Asokumar Buvanendran, Robert J. McCarthy, Jeffrey S. Kroin, Warren Leong, Patricia Perry, and Kenneth J. Tuman

Intrathecal Magnesium Prolongs Fentanyl Analgesia: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 661-666. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Magnesium occurs naturally in the spinal cord and blocks the NMDA glutamate channel. In animal studies, intrathecal magnesium sulfate improves spinal morphine analgesia. For patients receiving spinal analgesia for labor, the addition of magnesium sulfate to the opioid fentanyl prolonged analgesia with no increase of side effects.

Andra Ibrahim, Aziz Karim, Jennifer Feldman, and Evan Kharasch

The Influence of Parecoxib, a Parenteral Cyclooxygenase-2 Specific Inhibitor, on the Pharmacokinetics and Clinical Effects of Midazolam
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 667-673. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Parecoxib, a parenteral cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor intended for perioperative use as an analgesic/antiinflammatory drug, is a substrate for hepatic cytochrome P450 3A4. The potential for a drug interaction with midazolam, an in vivo CYP3A4 probe, was tested in healthy volunteers. Single-bolus parecoxib does not alter the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of midazolam.

Suellen M. Walker, Leonidas C. Goudas, Michael J. Cousins, and Daniel B. Carr

Combination Spinal Analgesic Chemotherapy: A Systematic Review (Review Article)
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 674-715. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

CRITICAL CARE AND TRAUMA:

Anton Amann, Klaus Rheinberger, Ulrich Achleitner, Anette C. Krismer, Werner Lingnau, Karl H. Lindner, and Volker Wenzel

The Prediction of Defibrillation Outcome Using a New Combination of Mean Frequency and Amplitude in Porcine Models of Cardiac Arrest
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 716-722. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: We present a retrospective data analysis to evaluate the predictive power of different ventricular fibrillation electrocardiogram variables in pigs with respect to defibrillation outcome. We showed that our combination of variables leads to an improved forecast, which may help to reduce harmful unsuccessful defibrillation attempts.

Alexander Kober, Thomas Scheck, Manfred Greher, Frank Lieba, Roman Fleischhackl, Sabine Fleischhackl, Frederick Randunsky, and Klaus Hoerauf

Prehospital Analgesia with Acupressure in Victims of Minor Trauma: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blinded Trial
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 723-727. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: We tested, in a double-blinded manner, the hypothesis that acupressure could be an effective pain therapy in minor-trauma patients. Our results show that acupressure is an effective and simple-to-learn treatment of pain in emergency medical care and can improve the quality of care.

OBSTETRIC ANESTHESIA:

Ruth Landau, Eduardo Schiffer, Michel Morales, Georges Savoldelli, and Christian Kern

The Dose-Sparing Effect of Clonidine Added to Ropivacaine for Labor Epidural Analgesia
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 728-734. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The effect of adding 75 {micro}g of clonidine to ropivacaine for epidural labor analgesia was studied. Clonidine increased analgesia duration and produced dose sparing compared with ropivacaine alone. Despite a tendency for hypotension in women receiving clonidine, there was no apparent effect on delivery mode or neonatal outcome.

Chritophe Aveline, Sonia El Metaoua, Anis Masmoudi, Pierre-Yves Boelle, and Francis Bonnet

The Effect of Clonidine on the Minimum Local Analgesic Concentration of Epidural Ropivacaine During Labor
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 735-740. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Epidural ropivacaine potency in labor can be increased by the addition of epidural clonidine. This study demonstrates that 60 {micro}g of epidural clonidine significantly decreases the minimum local analgesic concentration of ropivacaine during the first stage of labor but is associated with sedation.

Pamela J. Angle, Stephen H. Halpern, Barbara L. Leighton, J. P. Szalai, K. Gnanendran, and Jean E. Kronberg

A Randomized Controlled Trial Examining the Effect of Naproxen on Analgesia During the Second Day After Cesarean Delivery
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 741-745. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: This randomized trial suggests that adding regular doses of naproxen to conventional "on request" acetaminophen and codeine therapy provides small reductions in pain on the second day after cesarean delivery. The greatest effects occur at 36 h, when pain peaks.

REGIONAL ANESTHESIA:

Sophie Aunac, Marianne Carlier, Francois Singelyn, and Marc De Kock

The Analgesic Efficacy of Bilateral Combined Superficial and Deep Cervical Plexus Block Administered Before Thyroid Surgery Under General Anesthesia
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 746-750. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Combined deep and superficial cervical plexus block is an effective technique to reduce opioid requirements during and after thyroid surgery.

Kohki Nishikawa, Michiaki Yamakage, Keiichi Omote, and Akiyoshi Namiki

Prophylactic IM Small-Dose Phenylephrine Blunts Spinal Anesthesia-Induced Hypotensive Response During Surgical Repair of Hip Fracture in the Elderly
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 751-756. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of small-dose IM phenylephrine for prophylaxis against spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension in normotensive and hypertensive elderly patients. Phenylephrine 1.5 mg IM was effective for reducing the incidence of hypotension and avoided adverse effects.

Elizabeth A. Alley and Julia E. Pollock

Transient Neurologic Syndrome in a Patient Receiving Hypobaric Lidocaine in the Prone Jack-Knife Position (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 757-759. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The occurrence of transient neurologic symptoms after hypobaric lidocaine spinal anesthesia has not been reported, and may suggest sciatic stretch with neural ischemia rather than maldistribution as the cause of this syndrome.

Bernard H.S. Lee and C. Roger Goucke

Shearing of a Peripheral Nerve Catheter (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 760-761. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: We report a previously undescribed complication of peripheral nerve catheter placement. The catheter was sheared when its stylet was removed with the placement needle still in the tissues. The lost distal fragment was identified with computed tomography scanning.

Michael F. Mulroy and Blake Mitchell

Unsolicited Paresthesias with Nerve Stimulator: Case Reports of Four Patients (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 762-763. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Unsolicited paresthesias may occur when a nerve stimulator is used and may indicate valid proximity to the nerve. This phenomenon suggests that nerve stimulator use does not protect against unplanned direct contact with peripheral nerves during performance of a nerve block on an obtunded patient.

GENERAL ARTICLES:

Alexander Ng, William C. Russell, Nicholas Harvey, and Jonathan P. Thompson

Comparing Methods of Administering High-Frequency Jet Ventilation in a Model of Laryngotracheal Stenosis
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 764-769. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Ventilatory driving pressure during supraglottic high-frequency jet ventilation may be reduced to minimize high airway pressures and hence the potential for pulmonary barotrauma in patients with laryngotracheal stenosis.

Joseph Brimacombe, Christian Keller, and Lawrence Brimacombe

A Comparison of the Laryngeal Mask Airway ProSeal^TM and the Laryngeal Tube Airway in Paralyzed Anesthetized Adult Patients Undergoing Pressure-Controlled Ventilation
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 770-776. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The laryngeal mask airway ProSealTM offers advantages over the laryngeal tube airway in most technical aspects of airway management in paralyzed patients undergoing pressure-controlled ventilation.

Su-Man Lin, Mei-Yung Tsou, Kwok-Hon Chan, Young-Chen Yin, Shih-Tai Hsin, Wen-Wei Liao, Martin S. Mok, and Shen-Kou Tsai

Myoclonic Seizure in the Postanesthesia Care Unit After Thoracic Laminectomy (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 777-779. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: We report a patient who developed myoclonic seizure in the postanesthesia care unit after thoracic laminectomy. Expeditious diagnostic evaluation of unrecognized dura tear during surgery must be instituted immediately to avoid untoward sequelae. Specific treatment in addition to supportive care is required if the diagnosis is to be clearly identified.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

Craig Noonan and Nicholas B. Scott

Is Beta-Blockade a Confounding Variable? • Response
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 780. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Ashok Kumar, Andrea Casati, and Pia di Benedetto

Evaluation of a New Posterior Subgluteus Approach to Sciatic Nerve • Response
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 780-781. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Jonathan P. Thompson and David J. Rowbotham

Pharmacokinetics of Transdermal Fentanyl
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 781. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Hideaki Ishii, Hideyoshi Fujihara, Toyofumi Ataka, Hiroshi Baba, Tomohiro Yamakura, Toshiyuki Tobita, Kiichiro Taga, and Koki Shimoji

Successful Use of Laryngeal Mask Airway for a Patient with Tracheal Stenosis with Tracheobronchopathia Osteochondroplastica
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 781-782. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Paul Jefferson and David R. Ball

Central Venous Access in Morbidly Obese Patients
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 782. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Rafael Ortega, Sundara K. Rengasamy, and Keith P. Lewis

Infection After Radial Artery Catheterization
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 782-783. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Hsiu-chin Chou, Tzu-lang Wu, Tiberiu Ezri, Robert D. Warters, and Peter Szmuk

A Further Consideration on Mallampati Class and Laryngoscopy Grade • Response
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 783. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

M. Shamir and O. Hadash

Intra-Aircraft Patient Transport
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 783-784. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Brian M. Ilfeld, F. Kayser Enneking, Georgios Ekatodramis, and Alain Borgeat

Brachial Plexus Infraclavicular Block Success Rate and Appropriate Endpoints • Response
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 784-785. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Huey-Ping Ng and Kwong-Fah Koh

Precipitation of Protamine by Cefazolin
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 785. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Glen Atlas

A High-Risk Endotracheal Tube Exchanger
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 785. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Alexander Reich, Michael Booke, Dean B. Andropoulos, and Stephen A. Stayer

Placing Central Venous Catheters: Gold Standard for Adult and Silver Standard for Pediatric Patients? • Response
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 785-786. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

William D. Grant

Addition of Anesthesia Patient Simulator Is an Improvement to Evaluation Process
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 786-787. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Mats Enlund

B Vitamins and Nitrous Oxide
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 787. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

BOOK AND MULTIMEDIA REVIEWS:

Lipi Ramchandani and Kumar G. Belani

New Concepts and Techniques in Pediatric Anesthesia: Vol. 20, No. 1 (March 2002) of Anesthesiology Clinics of North America • Books and Multimedia Received
Anesth Analg 2002 95: 788. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

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