Measurement of S1 foramen depth for ultrasound-guided S1 transforaminal epidural injection

Background@#Ultrasound-guided first sacral transforaminal epidural steroid injection (S1 TFESI) is a useful and easily applicable alternative to fluoroscopy or computed tomography (CT) in lumbosacral radiculopathy. When a needle approach is used, poor visualization of the needle tip reduces the accuracy of the procedure, increasing its difficulty. This study aimed to improve ultrasound-guided S1 TFESI by evaluating radiological S1 posterior foramen data obtained using three-dimensional CT (3D-CT). @*Methods@#Axial 3D-CT images of the pelvis were retrospectively analyzed. The radiological measurements obtained from the images included 1st posterior sacral foramen depth (S1D, mm), 1st posterior sacral foramen width (S1W, mm), the angle of the 1st posterior sacral foramen (S1A, °), and 1st posterior sacral foramen distance (S1ds, mm). The relationship between the demographic factors and measured values were then analyzed. @*Results@#A total of 632 patients (287 male and 345 female) were examined. The mean S1D values for males and females were 11.9 ± 1.9 mm and 10.6 ± 1.8 mm, respectively (P < 0.001); the mean S1A 28.2 ± 4.8° and 30.1 ± 4.9°, respectively (P < 0.001); and the mean S1ds, 24.1 ± 2.9 mm and 22.9 ± 2.6 mm, respectively (P < 0.001); however, the mean S1W values were not significantly different. Height was the only significant predictor of S1D (β =0.318, P = 0.004). @*Conclusions@#Ultrasound-guided S1 TFESI performance and safety may be improved with adjustment of needle insertion depth congruent with the patient’s height.

A comparison of the temperature difference according to the placement of a nasopharyngeal temperature probe / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare temperatures measured at three different sites where a nasopharyngeal temperature probe is commonly placed. METHODS: Eighty elective abdominal surgical patients were enrolled. After anesthesia induction, four temperature probes were placed at the nasal cavity, upper portion of the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and the esophagus. The placement of the nasopharyngeal temperature probes was evaluated using a flexible nasendoscope, and the depth from the nares was measured. The four temperatures were simultaneously recorded at 10-minute intervals for 60 minutes. RESULTS: The average depths of the probes that were placed in the nasal cavity, upper nasopharynx, and the oropharynx were respectively 5.7 ± 0.9 cm, 9.9 ± 0.7 cm, and 13.6 ± 1.7 cm from the nares. In the baseline temperatures, the temperature differences were significantly greater in the nasal cavity 0.32 (95% CI; 0.27-0.37)℃ than in the nasopharynx 0.02 (0.01-0.04)℃, and oropharynx 0.02 (−0.01 to 0.05)℃ compared with the esophagus (P < 0.001). These differences were maintained for 60 minutes. Twenty patients showed a 0.5℃ or greater temperature difference between the nasal cavity and the esophagus, but no patient showed such a difference at the nasopharynx and oropharynx. CONCLUSIONS: During general anesthesia, the temperatures measured at the upper nasopharynx and the oropharynx, but not the nasal cavity, reflected the core temperature. Therefore, the authors recommend that a probe should be placed at the nasopharynx (≈ 10 cm) or oropharynx (≈ 14 cm) with mucosal attachment for accurate core temperature measurement.

Anesthesia machine breathing tube holder / 대한마취과학회지

No abstract available.

Respiration apparatus comprising fixing string: a new design of double (head and neck) straps for patient face mask / 대한마취과학회지

No abstract available.

Lee fiberoptic intubating airway for facilitating orotracheal fiberoptic intubation / 대한마취과학회지

No abstract available.

Bilateral vocal cord paralysis detected incidentally during direct laryngoscopy on general anesthesia / 대한마취과학회지

No abstract available.

The preanesthetic interview by anesthesiology residents: analysis of time and content / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: A preanesthetic visit can increase a patient's satisfaction. However, it is uncertain whether a preanesthetic visit by an anesthesiology resident can achieve the goal. We studied the time distribution for content of preanesthetic interviews (PI) and evaluated the patient's satisfaction with the PI. METHODS: We recorded the PI duration of 200 patients by a voice recorder. The degrees of patient satisfaction with the PI and the changes of anxiety level after the PI were quantified by a questionnaire. We analyzed the time distribution for content of the PI and the correlation between patient characteristics and PI duration or a patient's satisfaction. RESULTS: The total PI duration was 184 (134-286) sec (median, 25-75%), and the time distributions for content of the PI were 8 (5-10) of greeting, 45 (23-70) of history taking, 15 (10-20) of physical examination, 50 (25-98) for obtainingan informed consent, 20 (10-30) of explanation for anesthetic planning, 15 (5-28) for explanation of patient controlled analgesia, and 10 (0-4) sec for questions and answers. Age, ASA physical status, and educational level were correlated with PI duration (P < 0.001). The patient's level of satisfaction was "very satisfied" in 39%, "satisfied" in 50%, and "moderate" in 11% of interviews. The anxiety level was "decreased" in 50%, "increased" in 8%, and "not changed" in 42% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although the duration of a PI given by residents was a relatively short, 89% of patients of were satisfied with the interview. The PI took a longer time to complete in patients of older age, higher ASA physical status, or lower educational levels.

Lymphangiomyomatosis discovered by massive hemoptysis during general anesthesia: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Lymphangiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare lung disease that is characterized by the progressive proliferation of atypical smooth muscle-like cells, which leads to severe respiratory impairment and death. Dyspnea, cough, recurrent pneumothorax, and hemoptysis are the most common clinical symptoms of LAM. We report a 29-year-old female patient with massive hemoptysis during laparoscopic gynecologic surgery under general anesthesia, who was diagnosed with pulmonary LAM.

Isoflurane cracks the polycarbonate connector of extra-corporeal circuit: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is widely used for cardiac surgery by virtue of its proven safety over the course of its use during the past half century. Even though perfusion is safer, incidents still occur. During the repair of a ventricular-septal defect in an 11-month-old infant, we experienced a critical incident related to the potential hazardous effect of volatile anesthetics on the polycarbonate connector of extra-corporeal circuit. The damage to the polycarbonate connector had occurred after spillage of isoflurane during the filling of the vaporizer, causing it to crack and leak. The incident was managed by replacement of the cracked connector during a temporary circulatory arrest. The patient was hypothermic and the time off bypass was less than 1.5 min. There were no neurologic sequelae, the patient made an uneventful recovery. In conclusion, the spillage of volatile anesthetics can cause cracks in the polycarbonate connector of the extra-corporeal circuit, leading to potentially interruption of CPB.

Desflurane-induced hemodynamic changes in patients with diabetic cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Diabetic cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) causes perioperative cardiovascular instability. A rapid increase in the desflurane concentration induces tachycardia and hypertension (HTN). This study examined the effects of the cardiovascular response to desflurane on patients with diabetic CAN. METHODS: Forty diabetes mellitus (DM) patients with CAN were divided two groups: one with HTN (DM+HTN group, n = 17) and one without HTN (DM group, n = 23). The control group (n = 20) was composed of healthy patients without DM or HTN. In each group, the concentration of desflurane inspired was increased abruptly to 12.0 vol% 2 minutes after a thiopental injection. The target was to produce an end-tidal concentration of desflurane of 10.0 vol%, which was maintained until the end of the study by adjusting the vaporizer dial setting. The heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and cardiac index (CI) were measured. RESULTS: The HR, MAP and CI increased significantly in all three groups when compared with the baseline (P<0.05). Additionally, the HR and MAP showed did not differ among the three groups at any of sampling times. However, the CI of the DM group and the DM+HTN group differed when compared with the control group at 90 and 120 seconds after intubation (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In diabetic patients with CAN, the hemodynamic responses to a rapid increase in desflurane concentration are similar to those in non-diabetic patients before endotracheal intubation. However, after endotracheal intubation, increments in CI are blunted in diabetic patients with CAN.

A comparison of the consumption of inhaled anesthetics according to fresh gas flow and anesthetic circuits / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: In the Korean National Health Insurance Corporation (KNHIC), payment for inhaled anesthetics are made according to the simulated dose and not the consumed dose. We compare the consumption of inhaled anesthetics according to fresh gas flow (FGF) and anesthetic circuits to compare the consumption of anesthetics and the guidelines for KNHIC payments. METHODS: 161 patients were randomized into six groups who received isoflurane using a closed circuit (group I-C), a semi-closed circuit with FGF 3 L/min (group I-3), or 4 L/min (group I-4), as for the sevoflurane group (group S-C, S-3, and S-4). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were maintained within +/- 20% of baseline. Minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) and consumption of inhaled anesthetics were recorded by a new anesthetic machine. RESULTS: There were no significant differences among the groups for MAP, HR, and MAC. During anesthesia maintenance, the mean consumption per 15 minutes of inhaled anesthetics was significantly lower in group I-C (1.0 +/- 0.3 ml) than in group I-3 (3.5 +/- 0.7 ml) and than group I-4 (4.9 +/- 0.9 ml) and similar to the sevoflurane groups (group S-C [1.3 +/- 0.4 ml] vs group S-3 [5.3 +/- 1.0 ml] vs group S-4 [6.9 +/- 1.3 ml], respectively; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In sevoflurane groups, inhaled anesthetics were consumed more than in isoflurane groups. The KNHIC payment guidelines were close to the actual consumption of inhaled anesthetics under using a semi-closed circuit with FGF 3 L/min in sevoflurane and FGF 4 L/min in isoflurane.

Comparison between the index finger insertion and catheter-guided insertion techniques for airway placement of a ProSeal(TM) laryngeal mask by inexperienced personnel / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Insertion of a ProSeal(TM) laryngeal mask airway (PLMA(TM)) by experienced users was more successful with using a catheter-guided (CG) technique than a digital technique. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of the CG insertion technique for a PLMA(TM) by inexperienced personnel. METHODS: Forty patients aged 18-65 yr and who were undergoing general anesthesia were randomly allocated to the index finger (IF) or CG insertion techniques for PLMA(TM) insertion. The IF technique was performed with the routine insertion technique. The CG technique was performed using a catheter inserted PLMA(TM), which was primed into the drain tube of the PLMA(TM) with using a soft flexible catheter. Successful insertion was primarily judged by the clinical function of the airway. The number of insertion attempts and the insertion time were recorded. Postoperative airway morbidity (sore throat, dysphonia, dysphagia) was assessed at 24 hr postoperatively. RESULTS: The success rate was similar between the groups (IF, 18/20; CG, 15/20). The successful insertion time (the time to provide an effective airway) was similar between the groups but the insertion time at the first attempt was shorter for the IF technique (IF, 21.6 +/- 5.3 s; CG, 27.4 +/- 10.3 s). There were no differences between the groups for the postoperative airway morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the CG insertion technique is not a useful alternative technique for inexperienced personnel.

A management of a pulmonary thromboembolism patient under monitoring of VigileoTM monitor (pulse contour cardiac output monitor) : A case report

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is an uncommon but, highly lethal condition that is a leading cause of death. However, prompt diagnosis and treatment can dramatically reduce the mortality rate and morbidity of PE. Unfortunately, the diagnosis is often missed because of vague and nonspecific symptoms. We report a case of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) which was developed during surgical preparation for pelvic bone and sacro-iliac joint reduction surgery after induction of general anesthesia. We monitored and treated efficiently the PTE patient under monitoring of VigileoTM monitor (pulse contour cardiac output monitor) in operating room and intensive care unit. After complete resolving of PTE, the surgery was reperformed with VigileoTM monitoring without any complications. We suggest that the VigileoTM monitor is simple and minimal invasive method to monitor the hemodynamic status in management of PTE patient.

The effect of ephedrine on blood pressure and heart rate during propofol-alfentanil anesthesia; compare to the awake patients / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Hypotension and bradycardia in the propofol and alfentanil anesthesia are common during induction and maintenance. Ephedrine has been used to attenuate hypotension and bradycardia in the propofol and alfentanil anesthesia. We designed this study to determine whether propofol and alfentanil anesthesia could affect the blood pressure and heart rate response to intravenous ephedrine when compared with the awake state. METHODS: Forty patients of ASA physical status 1 or 2 were assigned to one of two groups (Awake vs Propofol-alfentanil [P-A] group). Each patients received ephedrine 0.15 mg/kg after assessment of baseline hemodynamic values. In the awake patients, ephedrine were administered after hemodynamic parameters are stabilized. If hemodynamic parameters are stabilized after intubation, ephedrine were administered in the propofol-alfentanil anesthesia patients. The changes in systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP), mean blood pressure (MBP), and heart rate (HR) were recorded every one minute for 10 minutes. RESULTS: Ephedrine increased the heart rate significantly in Awake group but not in P-A group. In the P-A group, 3 min after the administration of ephedrine, MBP increased 25.3%. In Awake group, 2 min after the administration of ephedrine, MBP increased only 6.3%. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that propofol and alfentanil anesthesia augments the BP response to intravenous ephedrine but not HR.

The effect of ephedrine on blood pressure and heart rate during propofol-alfentanil anesthesia; compare to the awake patients / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Hypotension and bradycardia in the propofol and alfentanil anesthesia are common during induction and maintenance. Ephedrine has been used to attenuate hypotension and bradycardia in the propofol and alfentanil anesthesia. We designed this study to determine whether propofol and alfentanil anesthesia could affect the blood pressure and heart rate response to intravenous ephedrine when compared with the awake state. METHODS: Forty patients of ASA physical status 1 or 2 were assigned to one of two groups (Awake vs Propofol-alfentanil [P-A] group). Each patients received ephedrine 0.15 mg/kg after assessment of baseline hemodynamic values. In the awake patients, ephedrine were administered after hemodynamic parameters are stabilized. If hemodynamic parameters are stabilized after intubation, ephedrine were administered in the propofol-alfentanil anesthesia patients. The changes in systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP), mean blood pressure (MBP), and heart rate (HR) were recorded every one minute for 10 minutes. RESULTS: Ephedrine increased the heart rate significantly in Awake group but not in P-A group. In the P-A group, 3 min after the administration of ephedrine, MBP increased 25.3%. In Awake group, 2 min after the administration of ephedrine, MBP increased only 6.3%. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that propofol and alfentanil anesthesia augments the BP response to intravenous ephedrine but not HR.

The Effect of Ondansetron on the Corrected QT Interval of Electrocardiography during General Anesthesia / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGOUND: Prolongation of the corrected QT interval (QTc) has a potential risk of inducing life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmia. Although 5-HT3 antagonists are useful antiemetics, several cases of cardiac dysrhythmia after administration of 5-HT3 antagonists have been reported. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the changes in QTc interval that occur after administration of a clinical dose of ondansetron during general anesthesia. METHODS: Seventy-five patients, who underwent elective surgery under standardized general anesthesia were evaluated. After anesthetic induction, the patients were given either normal saline, 2 mg or 4 mg of iv ondansetron. The QTc on the electrocardiogram was measured immediately prior to administration of the treatment drug and then every minute after injection of the study drug for 10 minutes, 12 and 15 minutes. RESULTS: There were no differences observed in the baseline QTc of the different treatment groups. In addition, there were no significant changes in the QTc interval of the control group, however, the QTc interval was prolonged significantly in both the ondansetron 2 mg and 4 mg groups. Further, DeltaQTc (the difference in QTc interval from the baseline value) was significantly prolonged in the ondansetron 2 mg and 4 mg groups when compared with the control group. There were no differences in the number of patients who showed abnormal QTc and there were no incidences of dysrhythmia in any of the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Ondansetron administration for emesis prophylaxis during general anesthesia was associated with statistically significant prolongation of the QTc interval. The authors recommend that caution be used when ondansetron is administered to prevent and/or treat postoperative nausea and vomiting, particularly in patients who have a prolonged QTc interval.

What Is an Optimal Dose of Sufentanil for Attenuating the Hemodynamic Response to Tracheal Intubation?

BACKGROUND: Laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation often cause hemodynamic changes such as hypertension and tachycardia. This study was carried out to determine the optimal dose of sufentanil for attenuating the hemodynamic changes that occur during the induction of anesthesia with propofol. METHODS: The authors examined 100 ASA class 1-2 patients, who were scheduled for elective surgery anddivided randomly into 4 groups. Anesthesia was induced with propofol (5.0microg/kg target controlled infusion). Three minutes later, rocuronium 1.2 mg/kg was administered. Group 1 (CON group) received no sufentanil, and groups 2, 3 and 4 (SO3, SO5, SO7 groups) received 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 microg/kg, sufentanil, respectively. The hemodynamic changes and BIS were measured at preinduction, 1 and 3 minutes after propofol infusion, and 1 and 3 minutes after sufentanil infusion, intubation, and post-intubation period for 10 minutes. RESULTS: In the SO3, SO5, SO7 groups, the systolic and diastolic and mean arterial pressure did notincrease compared with that at preinduction. However, in the SO7 group, the systolic and diastolic and mean arterial pressure decreased significantly 1 minute after intubation. In the SO3 group, the heart rate increased significantly after intubation compared with preinduction. On the other hand, the heart rate did not increase after intubation in the SO5 and SO7 groups. CONCLUSIONS: When anesthesia is induced with propofol TCI (5.0 microg/ml, the authors suggest that the recommended dosage of sufentanil for attenuating the hemodynamic changes accompanying a laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation be approximately 0.5microg/kg.

Pulmonary Edema following Phenylephrine Intranasal Spray Administration during the Induction of General Anesthesia in a Child

Topical phenylephrine, an agent used to facilitate nasotracheal intubation and prevent nasal mucosal bleeding, can cause severe hypertension in some patients, secondary to its stimulation of alpha-adrenergic receptors. Moreover, a high incidence of pulmonary edema is found in patients whose phenylephrine administration is followed by treatment with beta-blocking agents. We report a case of acute pulmonary edema in a pediatric patient who developed severe hypertension after the inadvertent administration of a large dose of topical nasal phenylephrine, followed by beta-adrenergic antagonists (esmolol).

Utility of an Imaginary Line between the Both Posterior Superior Iliac Spines for Judgement of L4-5 Interspinous Space / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Tuffier's line is often used as a landmark for lumbar puncture. When attempting to identify lumbar interspaces using Tuffier's line, the actual level often turns out to be higher or lower than presumed. The imaginary line that joins both posterior superior iliac spines on the sacrum (posterior superior iliac spine line; PSIS line) can be physically constructed. The purpose of this study was to assess the posibility that the PSIS line could be used as a marker of lumbar spine level. METHODS: After informed consent had been obtained, sixty-seven patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery were examined. The identification of the L4-5 interspinous space was performed in the prone position using a radioluscent wilson frame (RWF-1000 Model 5323, OSI, USA) after general anesthesia. In the same patients, Tuffier's line and the PSIS line were used to determine the level of needle insertion into the L4-5 interspinous space. At first, the L4-5 interspinous space was identified by palpating the interspinous space, two levels above the PSIS line, and then a mark was drawn on the skin. Second, the L4-5 interspinous space was identified and marked by streching a silk between the two iliac crests to construct Tuffier's line. Needles were inserted into the accounted spaces at each marking level. Using a radiologic imaging method, the actual levels were confirmed. RESULTS: By using the Tuffier's line method of identifying the L4-5 interspinous space, 73.1% of needles were inserted correctly, whereas using the PSIS line method of identifying the L4-5 interspinous space, 74.6% of needles were inserted into the correct space. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the PSIS line may be as useful as Tuffier's line for determing the lumbar spine level.

Comparison of Desflurane-induced Circulatory Responses by the Rate of Increase in Inhaled Desflurane Concentration / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: A rapid increase in desflurane concentration induces tachycardia and hypertension and increases plasma catecholamine concentration. No clinical study is available as to whether the desflurane-induced circulatory responses is blunted by the rate of increase in inhaled desflurane concentration although there were many studies about methods to blunt the circulatory responses. The current study examined to compare desflurane-induced circulatory responses by the rate of increase in inhaled desflurane concentration. METHODS: Unpremedicated sixty ASA physical status 1 patients, aged 20-60 years, scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia were randomly allocated into one of two groups. The inspired concentration of desflurane via mask was increased to 12.0 vol% abruptly (group 1), or during 120 seconds (group 2). The target was to produce an end-tidal concentration of desflurane (ETdesf) of 10.0 vol% which was maintained until the end of the study by adjusting the vaporizer setting, when necessary. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac index (CI), systemic vascular resistance (SVR), ETdesf, end-tidal concentration of carbon dioxide, and peripheral oxygen saturation were measured at baseline and every 30 seconds for 5 minutes after inhalation of desflurane and for 2 minutes after intubation. RESULTS: HR, blood pressure, and CI were significantly increased in two groups compared with baseline, but significant differences in maximum values were not observed between two groups. There were no significant differences between groups of the ETdesf at the maximal HR and MAP. Incidences of hypertension and tachycardia were lesser in slowly increased inhaled desflurane concentration (group 2) than abruptly increased group (group 1). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates that increasing inhaled desflurane concentration slowly for mask ventilation is partially effective in attenuating desflurane-induced circulatory responses.