Utility of Intraoperative Ultrasound in Neurosurgery

Objective The purpose of the present study is to demonstrate the usefulness of intraoperative ultrasound guidance as a technique for the assessment, in real time, of tumor resection and as a navigation aid during intra-axial brain lesion removal on patients admitted in the Neurosurgical Department at the Hospital Universitario de Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela, in 2018. Methods A total of 10 patients were enrolled, each with intra-axial brain lesions with no previous neurosurgical procedures and a mean age of 49 years old, ranging from 29 to 59 years old. Results A male predominance was observed with 7 cases (70%) over 3 female cases (30%). Six patients had lesions in the dominant hemisphere. The frontal lobe was the most commonly affected,with 5 cases, followed by the parietal lobe,with 4 cases. After craniotomy, ultrasound evaluation was performed previously to dural opening, during tumor resection and after tumor removal. The mean tumor size in axial, coronal and sagittal views was 3.72 cm, 3.08 cm and 3.00 cm, respectively, previously to dural opening with intraoperative ultrasound. The average tumor depth was 1.73 cm from the cerebral cortex. The location and removal duration from the beginning of the approach (ultrasound usage time) was 83.60 minutes, and the average surgery duration was 201 minutes. Navigation with intraoperative ultrasound served to resect intra-axial tumors more precisely and safely. There was no postoperative complication associated with the surgery in this series of cases. Conclusions Intraoperative ultrasound guidance for intra-axial subcortical tumor resection is a technique that serves as a surgical and anatomical orientation tool.

Facial Nerve Intraoperative Monitoring in Otologic Surgeries under Sedation and Local Anesthesia - A Case Series and Literature Review

Abstract Introduction Local anesthesia with sedation has been employed for an increasingly number of otolaryngology procedures, and might be associated with lower surgical morbidity and costs. Facial nerve monitoring is often advisable in otology to minimize the risks of injuries to this cranial nerve, but the principles, techniques and parameters involved have only been studied for procedures under general anesthesia. Objective To report the preliminary outcomes of intraoperative facial nerve moni- toring during otologic procedures under sedation and local anesthesia. Methods A total of five procedures and their respective intraoperative electrophysi- ological main findings were described. Facial neuromonitoring was performed using the same device by an electrophysiologist. The monitor sensitivity was set at 100 mV, and a stimulating probe was used whenever needed. Results Progressively decreasing low-amplitude baseline values were usually obtained as the level of anesthesia increased, with isolated oscillations possibly related to some degree of voluntary muscular activity. These oscillations could be easily distinguished from those of the surgical manipulation or electrical stimulation of the nerve, which tended to be of much greater amplitude and shorter latency, occurring during specific surgical steps. Conclusion With a surgical team with proper procedural knowledge and broad expertise regarding the technique, intraoperative facial nerve monitoring under local anesthesia with sedation seemed both feasible and reliable. Thus, the need for intraoperative neuromonitoring should not be an obstacle for otologic procedures under less aggressive anesthetic management.

Evaluation of Bispectral Index time delay in response to anesthesia induction: an observational study / Avaliação do tempo de atraso do índice bispectral na resposta à indução da anestesia: estudo observacional

Abstract Background and objectives According to the manufacturer, the Bispectral Index (BIS) has a processing time delay of 5-10 s. Studies addressing this have suggested longer delays. We evaluated the time delay in the Bispectral Index response. Methods Based on clinical data from 45 patients, using the difference between the predicted and the real BIS, calculated during a fixed 3 minutes period after the moment the Bispectral Index dropped below 80 during the induction of general anesthesia with propofol and remifentanil. Results The difference between the predicted and the real BIS was in average 30.09 ± 18.73 s. Conclusion Our results may be another indication that the delay in BIS processing may be much longer than stated by the manufacture, a fact with clinical implications.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos De acordo com o fabricante, o índice bispectral (BIS) tem um tempo de processamento de cinco a dez segundos. Estudos que avaliaram esse tempo de processamento sugeriram atrasos mais longos. Nós avaliamos o tempo de atraso na resposta do BIS. Métodos Com base em dados clínicos de 45 pacientes, calculamos a diferença entre o tempo de atraso previsto e real do índice bispectral durante um período fixo de três minutos após o momento em que o BIS caiu abaixo de 80 durante a indução da anestesia geral com propofol e remifentanil. Resultados A diferença entre o BIS previsto e real foi em média 30,09 ± 18,73 segundos. Conclusão Nossos resultados sugerem que o atraso no processamento do índice bispectral pode ser muito maior do que o declarado pelo fabricante, um fato com implicações clínicas.

Ecocardiograma transesofágico intraoperatorio: utilidad en reparación de cardiopatías congénitas / Intraoperative transesophagel echocardiogram: Usefulness in congenital heart defects repair

El control ecocardiográfico al momento de la reparación de las cardiopatías congénitas es una estrategia cardiológica para mejorar los resultados quirúrgicos de nuestros pacientes. En este artículo les contamos cómo es el método, qué información nos brinda y cómo influye en la toma de decisiones en el quirófano y en el manejo posoperatorio (AU)

Echocardiographic monitoring at the time of congenital heart defects repair is a strategy to improve the surgical outcomes of our patients. In this article we discuss the method, what information it provides, and how it influences decision-making in the operating room and postoperative management (AU)

Monitoring of coagulation by intraoperative thromboelastometry of liver transplantation in a patient using warfarin - case report / Monitoração da coagulação pela tromboelastometria no intraoperatório de transplante hepático em um paciente usando varfarina - relato de caso

Abstract Introduction: Advanced hepatic disease may - in addition to the widely recognized hemorrhagic complications - occur with thrombotic events. We describe the case of a cirrhotic patient taking warfarin and whose coagulation management during liver transplantation was guided by thromboelastometry (ROTEM®). Case report: A 56 year-old male patient diagnosed with alcohol cirrhosis using warfarin (2.5 mg.day−1) for partial portal vein thrombosis with the International Normalized Ratio (INR) of 2.14. At the beginning of surgery, the ROTEM® parameters were all normal. In the anhepatic phase, EXTEM and INTEM remained normal, but FIBTEM showed reduction of amplitude after 10 min and maximum clot firmness. Finally, in the neohepatic phase, there was a slight alteration in the hypocoagulability of most of the parameters of the EXTEM, INTEM and FIBTEM, besides a notable correction of the Coagulation Time (CT) in HEPTEM compared to the CT of the INTEM. Therefore, the patient did not receive any transfusion of blood products during surgery and in the postoperative period, being discharged on the 8th postoperative day. Discussion: Coagulation deficit resulting from cirrhosis distorts INR as a parameter of anticoagulation adequacy and as a determinant of the need for blood transfusion. Thus, thromboelastometry can provide important information for patient management.

Resumo Introdução: A doença hepática avançada pode, além das complicações hemorrágicas amplamente reconhecidas, ocorrer com eventos trombóticos. Descrevemos o caso de um paciente cirrótico em uso de varfarina, cujo manejo da coagulação durante o transplante de fígado foi guiado por tromboelastometria (ROTEM®). Relato de caso: Paciente do sexo masculino, 56 anos, diagnosticado com cirrose alcoólica, recebendo varfarina (2,5 mg.dia−1) para trombose parcial da veia porta, com razão normalizada internacional (INR) de 2,14. No início da cirurgia, os parâmetros ROTEM® estavam todos normais. Na fase não hepática, EXTEM e INTEM permaneceram normais, mas FIBTEM mostrou redução da amplitude após 10 min e firmeza máxima do coágulo. Por fim, na fase neo-hepática houve uma ligeira alteração da hipocoagulabilidade na maioria dos parâmetros de EXTEM, INTEM e FIBTEM, além de uma correção notável do tempo de coagulação (CT) de HEPTEM em comparação com o CT de INTEM. Portanto, o paciente não recebeu transfusão de hemoderivados durante a cirurgia e no período pós-operatório, obteve alta no oitavo dia de pós-operatório. Discussão: O déficit de coagulação resultante da cirrose distorce o INR como um parâmetro da adequação da anticoagulação e como um determinante da necessidade de transfusão de sangue. Portanto, a tromboelastometria pode fornecer informações importantes para o manejo do paciente.

Differences in perioperative femoral and radial arterial blood pressure in neonates and infants undergoing cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass / Diferenças na pressão arterial femoral e radial no perioperatório em neonatos e bebês submetidos a cirurgia cardíaca com bypass cardiopulmonar

Abstract Objective: Several reports claim that blood pressure (BP) in the radial artery may underestimate the accurate BP in critically ill patients. Here, the authors evaluated differences in mean blood pressure (MBP) between the radial and femoral artery during pediatric cardiac surgery to determine the effectiveness of femoral arterial BP monitoring. Method: The medical records of children under 1 year of age who underwent open-heart surgery between 2007 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Radial and femoral BP were measured simultaneously, and the differences between these values were analyzed at various times: after catheter insertion, after the initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB-on), after aortic cross clamping (ACC), after the release of ACC, after weaning from CPB, at arrival in the intensive care unit (ICU), and every 6 h during the first day in the ICU. Results: A total of 121 patients who underwent open-heart surgery met the inclusion criteria. During the intraoperative period, from the beginning to the end of CPB, radial MBPs were significantly lower than femoral MBPs at each time-point measured (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that longer CPB time (>60 min, odds ratio: 7.47) was a risk factor for lower radial pressure. However, discrepancies between these two values disappeared after arrival in the ICU. There was no incidence of ischemic complications associated with the catheterization of both arteries. Conclusion: The authors suggest that femoral arterial pressure monitoring can be safely performed, even in neonates, and provides more accurate BP values during CPB-on periods, and immediately after weaning from CPB, especially when CPB time was greater than 60 min.

Resumo Objetivo: Diversos relatos alegam que a pressão arterial (PA) na artéria radial poderá subestimar a PA precisa em pacientes gravemente doentes. Aqui, avaliamos diferenças na pressão arterial média (PAM) entre a artéria radial e femoral durante cirurgia cardíaca pediátrica para determinar a eficácia do monitoramento da PA da artéria femoral. Método: Realizamos uma análise retrospectiva de prontuários médicos de crianças com menos de 1 ano de idade submetidas a cirurgia de coração aberto entre 2007 e 2013. As PAs radial e femoral foram auferidas simultaneamente, as diferenças entre esses valores foram analisadas diversas vezes: após a inserção do cateter, após o início do bypass cardiopulmonar (CPB-on), após pinçamento cruzado da aorta (ACC), após a liberação do ACC, após desmame do CPB, na entrada na unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) e a cada 6 horas durante o primeiro dia na unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI). Resultados: Um total de 121 pacientes submetidos a cirurgia de coração aberto atenderam aos nossos critérios de inclusão. Durante o transoperatório, do início ao término do CPB, as PAMs da artéria radial foram significativamente menores do que as PAMs da artéria femoral em cada ponto de medição (p < 0,05). A análise multivariada mostrou que a duração mais longa do CPB (> 60 minutos, Razão de Chance = 7,47) representou um fator de risco de pressão radial mais baixa. Contudo, as diferenças entre esses dois valores desapareceram após a entrada na UTI. Não houve incidência de complicações isquêmicas associadas à cateterização de ambas as artérias. Conclusão: Sugerimos que o monitoramento da pressão arterial femoral pode ser realizado com segurança, mesmo em neonatos, e fornece valores da PA mais precisos durante períodos de CPBon e imediatamente após o desmame do CPB, principalmente nos casos em que a duração do CPB foi superior a 60 minutos.

Evaluation of radiofrequency electronic system in intraoperative monitoring of surgical textiles / Avaliação de sistema eletrônico por radiofrequência para monitoramento intraoperatório de têxteis cirúrgicos

ABSTRACT Objective To test performance of SurgiSafe®, a radiofrequency electronic device to detect surgical textiles during operations as compared to manual counting. Methods Surgical sponges with radiofrequency TAGs were placed in the abdominal cavity of a pig submitted to laparotomy, in randomly distributed sites. The TAGs were counted manually and also using SurgiSafe®. Positive and negative predictive values, sensitivity, specificity and time required for counting were analyzed for both methods. Results Through the analysis of 35 surgical cycles, SurgiSafe® immediately identified all sponges, with specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative predictive values of 100%. Although not statistically significant, the manual count had sensitivity of 99.72% and specificity of 99.90%. Conclusion SurgiSafe® proved to be an effective device to identify surgical sponges in vivo, in real time; and its use as an adjuvant to manual counting is very helpful to increase patient's safety.

RESUMO Objetivo Testar o desempenho do SurgiSafe®, dispositivo eletrônico de detecção de têxteis cirúrgicos por radiofrequência no intraoperatório, comparado à contagem manual. Métodos Gazes com etiquetas de radiofrequência (TAGs) foram alocadas na cavidade abdominal de um suíno submetido à laparotomia, em locais distribuídos aleatoriamente. As TAGs foram contadas manualmente e com uso do SurgiSafe®. Valores preditivos positivos e negativos, sensibilidade, especificidade e tempo de contagem foram analisados para ambos os métodos. Resultados Por meio da análise de 35 ciclos cirúrgicos, o SurgiSafe® fez a identificação instantânea de todas as gazes, com especificidade, sensibilidade, valores preditivos negativo e positivo de 100%. Apesar de não apresentar significância estatística, a contagem manual apresentou sensibilidade de 99,72% e especificidade de 99,90%. Conclusão O SurgiSafe® mostrou-se eficaz para contabilização de têxteis cirúrgicos em tempo real in vivo, e seu uso como adjuvante na contagem manual é de grande valor para o aumento de segurança do paciente.

¿Es útil la monitorización con espectroscopia de infrarojo cercano en la cirugía artroscópica de hombro con anestesia regional y sedación? / Is near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) monitoring useful for patients undergoing shoulder surgery under regional anaesthesia and sedation?

BACKGROUND: Shoulder surgery in beach chair position is a very common procedure in our daily practice. It has been associated to regional cerebral saturation impairment detected by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) under general anaesthesia. Severe neurological complications were previously reported, even in previously healthy patients. An anaesthetic protocol under regional anaesthesia and biespectral index (BIS) guided sedation seems to be a safer strategy in order to prevent complications. OBJECTIVE: To find out, in a group of patients undergoing shoulder surgery in beach chair position under regional anaesthesia and sedation, the prevalence of cerebral desaturation events detected by NIRS (defined as a decrease ≥ 20% from baseline or absolute value < 55%). MATERIAL AND METHOD: In this descriptive study, 30 patients undergoing shoulder surgery in beach chair position under regional anaesthesia (ultrasound guided interescalene brachial plexus block) and propofol infusion BIS guided sedation were enrolled to assess the prevalence of cerebral desaturation events. The baseline data for regional cerebral oxygen saturation and bispectral index and non invasive blood pressure measured at heart level were taken prior to surgery after beach chair positioning and thereafter all 5 min until discharge. RESULTS: No cerebral desaturation events were detected during this study. CONCLUSIONS: Although monitoring regional cerebral saturation with NIRS detects decreased cerebral perfusion allowing a rapid intervention, we consider it is not essential under this anaesthesia regimen, considering that no cerebral desaturation events were reported.

La cirugía de hombro en posición de sentado constituye un procedimiento frecuente en la práctica diaria. Bajo anestesia general, se ha asociado con caída de la saturación regional cerebral de oxígeno (Src02) detectada por espectrospcopia infraroja (NIRS), reportándose complicaciones neurológicas severas, incluso en pacientes previamente sanos. El empleo de una técnica de anestesia regional más sedación titulada con índice biespectral (BIS) parecería ser una estrategia más segura a fin de evitar dichos eventos. OBJETIVO: Conocer, en pacientes sometidos a artroscopia de hombro en posición de sentado bajo anestesia regional más sedación, la prevalencia de episodios de desaturación cerebral (ECDs) determinada por NIRS (SrcO2 inferior a 55% o disminución del 20% respecto al basal). MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en 30 pacientes sometidos a artroscopía de hombro en posición de sentado bajo anestesia regional (bloqueo interescalénico ecoguiado) más sedación titulada (infusión de propofol guiada por BIS). Se tomaron valores de referencia de Src02, BIS y presión no invasiva a nivel del corazón luego del posicionamiento y, consecutivamente en forma continua para las primeras dos variables y cada 5 minutos hasta el final para la última. Se ocultaron a los anestesiólogos los valores de Src02. RESULTADOS: No se ha detectado ningún EDC en la población estudiada. CONCLUSIÓN: Consideramos que el monitoreo de la perfusión cerebral con tecnología NIRS resulta útil aunque no imprescindible bajo este protocolo anestésico, dada la incidencia casi nula de eventos.

Anesthesia recovery comparison between remifentanil-propofol and remifentanil-desflurane guided by Bispectral Index® monitoring / Comparação da recuperação pós-anestésica entre remifentanil-propofol e remifentanil-desflurano guiada pela monitoração do Índice Bispectral®

Abstract Background and objectives There is a strong demand for fast and predictable anesthesia recovery with few side effects. Choice of the hypnotic agent could impact on that. This study investigated the differences between recoveries after remifentanil-propofol and remifentanil-desflurane anesthesias guided by bispectral index (BIS®). Methods Forty patients were randomly assigned into 2 groups according to the anesthesia technique applied: remifentanil-propofol (REM-PRO) and remifentanil-desflurane (REM-DES). After the discontinuation of the anesthetics, the times to extubation, to obey commands and to recover the airway protection reflex were recorted. In the post-anesthetic recovery room (PACU) it was recorded the occurrence of nausea and vomiting (PONV), scores of Ramsay sedation scale and of numeric pain scale (NPS), morphine dose and length of stay in the unit. Results Data from 38 patients were analyzed: 18 from REM-PRO and 20 from REM-DES group. Anesthesia times were similar (REM-PRO = 193 min, SD 79.9 vs. 175.7 min, SD 87.9 REM-DES; p = 0.5). REM-DES had shorter times than REM-PRO group: time to follow command (8.5 min; SD 3.0 vs. 5.6 min; SD 2.5; p = 0.0) and extubation time (6.2 min; 3.1-8.5 vs. 9.5 min; 4.9-14.4; p = 0.0). Times to recover airway protective reflex were similar: 16 patients from REM-PRO (88.9%) restored the airway protective reflex 2 min after extubation vs. 17 from REM-DES (89.5%); and 2 patients from REM-PRO (11.1%) vs. 2 from REM-DES (10.5%) 6 min after extubation, p = 1. Ramsay sedation score, NPS, PONV incidents, morphine dose and PACU stay of length PACU were also similar. Conclusion Remifentanil-desflurane-based anesthesia has a faster extubation time and to follow command than remifentanil-propofol-based anesthesia when both guided by BIS®.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos Há uma forte demanda por recuperação pós-anestésica rápida e previsível com poucos efeitos adversos. A escolha do agente hipnótico pode influenciar isso. Este estudo investigou as diferenças da recuperação no pós-operatório entre as técnicas anestésicas com remifentanil-propofol e com remifentanil-desflurano ambas com monitoração guiada pelo índice bispectral (BIS ®). Métodos Foram randomicamente distribuídos 40 pacientes em dois grupos de acordo com a técnica anestésica aplicada: remifentanil-propofol (REM-PRO) e remifentanil-desflurano (REM-DES). Após a descontinuação dos anestésicos foram registrados os tempos para extubação, obedecer a comandos e recuperar o reflexo de proteção das vias aéreas. Na sala de recuperação pós-anestésica (SRPA) foi registrado a ocorrência de náuseas e vômitos (NVPO), os escores na escala de sedação de Ramsay e na escala numérica de dor (END), a dose de morfina utilizada e o tempo de permanência nesta unidade. Resultados Os dados de 38 pacientes foram analisados: 18 do grupo REM-PRO e 20 do grupo REM-DES. Os tempos de anestesia foram semelhantes (REM-PRO = 193 minutos, DP 79,9 vs. 175,7 minutos, DP 87,9 REM-DES; p = 0,5). O grupo REM-DES apresentou tempos mais curtos do que o grupo REM-PRO: tempo para obedecer a comandos (8,5 minutos; DP 3,0 vs. 5,6 minutos; DP 2,5; p = 0,0) e tempo de extubação (6,2 minutos; 3,1-8,5 vs. 9,5 minutos; 4,9-14,4; p = 0,0). Os tempos para recuperação do reflexo de proteção das vias aéreas foram semelhantes: 16 pacientes do grupo REM-PRO (88,9%) recuperaram o reflexo de proteção das vias aéreas dois minutos após a extubação vs. 17 do grupo REM-DES (89,5%) e dois pacientes do grupo REM-PRO (11,1%) vs. dois do REM-DES (10,5%) seis minutos após a extubação, p = 1. Os escores de Ramsay, NPS, a incidência de NVPO, a dose de morfina e o tempo de permanência na SRPA também foram semelhantes. Conclusão A anestesia com remifentanil-desflurano tem um perfil de recuperação da anestesia pós-anestésica mais rápido do que o da anestesia com remifentanil-propofol quando ambas guiadas pelo BIS®.

Intraoperative echocardiography guidelines in Brazil - Is it time for a task force? / Diretrizes da ecocardiografia intraoperatória no Brasil - Chegou a hora de uma força-tarefa?

Abstract Background and objectives: The Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology (SBA) has been promoting continuing education in intraoperative echocardiography in Brazil since 2011, with the implementation of an Intraoperative Echocardiography Course (ETI/SBA). Although echocardiography is a reality of anesthesiology practice in Brazil, we still do not have an established policy on the area of expertise, job training, and recognition by the other societies, such as the Brazilian Society of Cardiology (SBC). The aim of this paper is to contextualize the anesthesiology in the intraoperative echocardiography in Brazil and promote a discussion on the formation of a Task Force along with the SBC to begin drawing up the Brazilian Guidelines on Intraoperative Echocardiography. Case report: The first reports on the involvement of anesthesiology in Brazil with intraoperative echocardiography are from the 80s and 90s. However, this technique implementation in routine practice in the Brazilian anesthesiology occurred in 2011 with the formation of the ETI/SBA Course. Since then, the SBA has been promoting a continuing education of its members and disseminating the ETI/SBA Course throughout Brazil. More than 200 associates have taken this course, and the vast majority works with cardiac surgery. Conclusion: Intraoperative echocardiography is a reality in the practice of the Brazilian anesthesiology, and the ETI/SBA Course has been promoting its continuing education, however, we still do not have a grounded guideline. As occurred in major worldwide centers, we have to promote a Task Force along with the SBC in order to begin the drawing up of the Brazilian Guidelines on Intraoperative Echocardiography.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: A Sociedade Brasileira de Anestesiologia (SBA) vem promovendo a educação continuada em ecocardiografia intraoperatória no Brasil desde 2011, com a implantação do Curso de Ecocardiografia Intraoperatória (ETI/SBA). Apesar de a ecocardiografia ser uma realidade do anestesiologista brasileiro, ainda não temos uma diretriz estabelecida no que diz respeito à área de atuação, capacitação profissional e ao reconhecimento junto às demais sociedades, como, por exemplo, a Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia (SBC). O objetivo deste artigo é contextualizar a anestesiologia na ecocardiografia intraoperatória no Brasil e promover uma discussão sobre a formação de uma força-tarefa junto à SBC para iniciarmos a formação das Diretrizes Brasileiras em Ecocardiografia Intraoperatória. Relato do caso: Os primeiros relatos do envolvimento da anestesiologia no Brasil com a ecocardiografia intraoperatória são da década de 1980 e 90. Contudo, a implantação dessa técnica na prática rotineira na anestesiologia brasileira ocorreu em 2011, com a formação do Curso ETI/SBA. Desde então, a SBA vem promovendo a educação continuada de seus associados e divulgando o Curso ETI/SBA em todo o Brasil. Já fizeram esse curso mais de 200 associados. A grande maioria trabalha com cirurgia cardíaca. Conclusão: A ecocardiografia intraoperatória é uma realidade na anestesiologia brasileira e o Curso ETI/SBA vem promovendo a sua educação continuada. Contudo, ainda não temos uma diretriz fundamentada. Como ocorreu nos grandes centros mundiais, temos de promover uma força-tarefa junto à SBC a fim de iniciarmos a formulação das Diretrizes Brasileiras em Ecocardiografia Intraoperatória.

Functional residual capacity increase during laparoscopic surgery with abdominal wall lift / Aumento da capacidade residual funcional durante cirurgia laparoscópica com elevação da parede abdominal

Abstract Background and objectives: The number of laparoscopic surgeries performed is increasing every year and in most cases the pneumoperitoneum method is used. One alternative is the abdominal wall lifting method and this study was undertaken to evaluate changes of functional residual capacity during the abdominal wall lift procedure. Methods: From January to April 2013, 20 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy at a single institution. All patients were anesthetized using propofol, remifentanil and rocuronium. FRC was measured automatically by Engstrom Carestation before the abdominal wall lift and again 15 minutes after the start of the procedure. Results: After abdominal wall lift, there was a significant increase in functional residual capacity values (before abdominal wall lift 1.48 × 103 mL, after abdominal wall lift 1.64 × 103 mL) (p < 0.0001). No complications such as desaturation were observed in any patient during this study. Conclusions: Laparoscopic surgery with abdominal wall lift may be appropriate for patients who have risk factors such as obesity and respiratory disease.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: O número de cirurgias laparoscópicas feitas tem aumentado a cada ano e, na maioria dos casos, o método com pneumoperitônio é o escolhido. Uma opção é o método de elevação da parede abdominal. Este estudo foi feito para avaliar as alterações da capacidade residual funcional durante o procedimento de elevação da parede abdominal. Métodos: De janeiro a abril de 2013, 20 pacientes foram submetidos à colecistectomia laparoscópica em uma única instituição. Todos foram anestesiados com propofol, remifentanil e rocurônio. A CRF foi medida automaticamente com o Engström Carestation antes da elevação da parede abdominal e, novamente, 15 minutos após o início do procedimento. Resultados: Após elevar a parede abdominal, um aumento significativo foi observado nos valores da capacidade residual funcional (antes da elevação da parede abdominal: 1,48 × 103 mL: após a elevação da parede abdominal: 1,64 × 103 mL) (p <0,0001). Não houve complicações, como dessaturação, em nenhum paciente durante este estudo. Conclusões: A cirurgia laparoscópica com elevador da parede abdominal pode ser apropriada para pacientes com fatores de risco como obesidade e doenças respiratórias.

Coronary perfusion pressure during antegrade cardioplegia in on-pump CABG patients

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether aortic tension estimated by palpation and cardioplegia infusion line pressure provide results equivalent to those obtained with direct aortic intraluminal pressure measurement. Methods: Sixty consecutive patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgeries with extracorporeal circulation were analyzed. Sanguineous cardioplegic solution in a ratio of 4:1 was administered using a triple lumen antegrade cannula. After crossclamping, cardioplegia was infused and aortic root pressure was recorded by surgeon (A) considering the aortic tension he felt in his fingertips. At the same time, another surgeon (B) recorded his results for the same measurement. Concomitantly, the anesthesiologist recorded intraluminal pressure in the aortic root and the perfusionist recorded delta pressure in cardioplegia infusion line. None of the participants involved in these measurements was allowed to be informed about the values provided by the other examiners. Results: The Bland-Altman test showed that a considerable variation between aortic wall tension was found as measured by palpation and by intraluminal pressure, with a bias of -9.911±18.75% (95% limits of agreement: -46.7 to 26.9). No strong correlation was observed between intraluminal pressure and cardioplegia line pressure (Spearman's r=0.61, 95% confidence interval 0.5-0.7; P<0.0001). Conclusion: These findings reinforce that cardioplegia infusion should be controlled by measuring intraluminal pressure, and that palpation and cardioplegia line pressure are inaccurate methods, the latter should always be used to complement intraluminal measurement to ensure greater safety in handling the cardioplegia circuit.

Maintenance of balance between airway pressure and intracranial pressure in a patient with tracheal stenosis undergoing craniotomy: a case report / Manutenção do equilíbrio entre a pressão das vias aéreas e a pressão intracraniana em paciente com estenose traqueal submetido à craniotomia: relato de caso

Abstract Background and objectives: Tracheal stenosis is a rare but a life-threatening condition and anesthesia of a patient with tracheal stenosis is challenging for anesthesiologists. Maintaining stable hemodynamics and ventilation parameters are important issues in neuroanesthesia. Any increase in airway peak pressure and ETCO2 will result in increase in intracranial pressure which must be avoided during craniotomies. Tracheal stenosis could be a reason for increased airway pressure. Case report: We described a patient undergoing craniotomy with tracheal stenosis. Conclusion: Detailed preparation for intubation, to stabilize airway dynamics and to make the right decision for the surgery were important points. To maintain of a good balance between cerebral dynamics and airway dynamics were the pearls of this case.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: Estenose traqueal é uma doença rara, mas de risco, e a anestesia em paciente com estenose traqueal é um desafio para os anestesiologistas. Manter os parâmetros hemodinâmicos estáveis e a ventilação são questões importantes em neuroanestesia. Qualquer aumento da pressão de pico das vias aéreas e da ETCO2 resultará em aumento da pressão intracraniana, o que deve ser evitado durante craniotomias. A estenose traqueal pode ser uma razão para o aumento da pressão das vias aéreas. Relato de caso: Descrevemos o caso de um paciente submetido à craniotomia com estenose traqueal. Conclusão: A preparação detalhada para a intubação, estabilizar a dinâmica das vias aéreas e tomar a decisão certa para a cirurgia foram pontos importantes. Manter um bom equilíbrio entre a dinâmica cerebral e a dinâmica das vias aéreas foi a pérola deste caso.

Benefit of general anesthesia monitored by bispectral index compared with monitoring guided only by clinical parameters. Systematic review and meta-analysis / Benefício da anestesia geral com monitoração do índice bispectral em comparação com o monitoramento guiado apenas por parâmetros clínicos. Revisão sistemática e metanálise

Abstract Background: The bispectral index parameter is used to guide the titration of general anesthesia; however, many studies have shown conflicting results regarding the benefits of bispectral index monitoring. The objective of this systematic review with meta-analysis is to evaluate the clinical impact of monitoring with the bispectral index parameter. Methods: The search for evidence in scientific information sources was conducted during December 2013 to January 2015, the following primary databases: Medline/PubMed, LILACS, Cochrane, CINAHL, Ovid, SCOPUS and TESES. The criteria for inclusion in the study were randomized controlled trials, comparing general anesthesia monitored, with bispectral index parameter with anesthesia guided solely by clinical parameters, and patients aged over 18 years. The criteria for exclusion were studies involving anesthesia or sedation for diagnostic procedures, and intraoperative wake-up test for surgery of the spine. Results: The use of monitoring with the bispectral index has shown benefits reducing time to extubation, orientation in time and place, and discharge from both the operating room and post anesthetic care unit. The risk of nausea and vomiting after surgery was reduced by 12% in patients monitored with bispectral index. Occurred a reduction of 3% in the risk of cognitive impairment postoperatively at 3 months postoperatively and 6% reduction in the risk of postoperative delirium in patients monitored with bispectral index. Furthermore, the risk of intraoperative memory has been reduced by 1%. Conclusion: Clinically, anesthesia monitoring with the BIS can be justified because it allows advantages from reducing the recovery time after waking, mainly by reducing the administration of general anesthetics as well as the risk of adverse events.

Resumo Justificativa: O parâmetro índice bispectral (BIS) é usado para guiar a titulação da anestesia geral; no entanto, muitos estudos têm mostrado resultados conflitantes quanto aos benefícios da monitoração do BIS. O objetivo desta revisão sistemática com metanálise foi avaliar o impacto clínico da monitoração do parâmetro BIS. Métodos: A busca por evidências em fontes de informação científicas foi conduzida de dezembro de 2013 a janeiro de 2015 nas seguintes bases de dados: Medline/PubMed, Lilacs, Cochrane, Cinahl, Ovid, Scopus e Teses. Os critérios de inclusão foram estudos randomizados e controlados, que compararam anestesia geral monitorada com o parâmetro BIS com anestesia guiada apenas por parâmetros clínicos em pacientes com mais de 18 anos. Os critérios de exclusão foram estudos que envolveram anestesia ou sedação para procedimentos de diagnóstico e teste de despertar no intraoperatório de cirurgia da coluna vertebral. Resultados: O uso de monitoração com o BIS mostrou benefícios como a redução do tempo de extubação, orientação no tempo e no espaço, alta da sala de cirurgia e da sala de recuperação pós-anestesia. O risco de náuseas e vômitos no pós-operatório foi reduzido em 12% em pacientes monitorados com o BIS. Ocorreu uma redução de 3% no risco de disfunção cognitiva em três meses do pós-operatório e 6% no risco de delírio pós-operatório em pacientes monitorados com o BIS. Além disso, o risco de despertar com memória intraoperatória foi reduzido em 1%. Conclusão: Clinicamente, a monitoração com o BIS pode ser justificada, pois permite vantagens como reduzir o tempo de recuperação, principalmente, a administração de anestésicos gerais e o risco de eventos adversos.

Tibial and fibular nerves evaluation using intraoperative electromyography in rats

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To evaluate a new model of intraoperative electromyographic (EMG) assessment of the tibial and fibular nerves, and its respectives motor units in rats. METHODS: Eight Wistar rats underwent intraoperative EMG on both hind limbs at two different moments: week 0 and week 12. Supramaximal electrical stimulation applied on sciatic nerve, and compound muscle action potential recorded on the gastrocnemius muscle (GM) and the extensor digitorum longus muscle (EDLM) through electrodes at specifics points. Motor function assessment was performaced through Walking Track Test. RESULTS: Exposing the muscles and nerves for examination did not alter tibial (p=0.918) or fibular (p=0.877) function between the evaluation moments. Electromyography of the GM, innervated by the tibial nerve, revealed similar amplitude (p=0.069) and latency (p=0.256) at week 0 and at 12 weeks, creating a standard of normality. Meanwhile, electromyography of the EDLM, innervated by the fibular nerve, showed significant differences between the amplitudes (p=0.003) and latencies (p=0.021) at the two different moments of observation. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative electromyography determined and quantified gastrocnemius muscle motor unit integrity, innervated by tibial nerve. Although this study was not useful to, objectively, assess extensor digitorum longus muscle motor unit, innervated by fibular nerve.

Bispectral index monitoring in patients undergoing open heart surgery

Abstract Introduction: To obtain the optimal anesthesia depth is not easy in cardiovascular surgery patients where the haemodynamic reserve is limited, due to reasons such as not being able to give the desired dose of anesthetic agent, or the change in the pharmacokinetics of the agent in the heart-lung machine. This study was planned to assess the contribution of bispectral index (BIS) monitoring in the depth of anesthesia. Methods: The patients were divided into 2 groups, and BIS monitoring was used for each patient. Group 1 (G1 n=35): keeping the BIS monitor screen open, the anesthesia need was set. Group 2 (G2 n=35): BIS monitor was tied to the patient and the monitor screen was closed in such a way that the anaesthesist couldn't see the BIS value. When the recording time came, the data on the monitor was recorded. The need for the anesthetic agent was set according to the parameters such as haemodynamics or follow up of pupils, instead of BIS value, by titrating the anesthetic infusion doses. Results: BIS values were similar in both groups before the induction, BIS values in both groups showed a decrease, showing no significant statistical difference (P>0.05). One patient in each group said that he dreamt, and one patient in G2 said that he had heard a noise and felt that he was taken from one place to another. Conclusion: The management should be done with clinical evaluation, haemodynamics and other monitorization methods and BIS monitoring findings together.

Contact force-guided catheter ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials

Contact force (CF) sensing technology allows real-time monitoring during catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the effect of CF sensing technology on procedural parameters and clinical outcomes still needs clarification. Because of the inconsistent results thus far in this area, we performed a meta-analysis to determine whether CF sensing technology can improve procedural parameters and clinical outcomes for the treatment of AF. Studies examining the benefits of CF sensing technology were identified in English-language articles by searching the MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases (inception to May 2015). Ten randomized, controlled trials involving 1834 patients (1263 males, 571 females) were included in the meta-analysis (681 in the CF group, 1153 in the control group). Overall, the ablation time was significantly decreased by 7.34 min (95%CI=-12.21 to -2.46; P=0.003, Z test) in the CF group compared with the control group. CF sensing technology was associated with significantly improved freedom from AF after 12 months (OR=1.55, 95%CI=1.20 to 1.99; P=0.0007) and complications were significantly lower in the CF group than in the control group (OR=0.50, 95%CI=0.29 to 0.87; P=0.01). However, fluoroscopy time analysis showed no significantly decreased trend associated with CF-guided catheter ablation (weighted mean difference: -2.59; 95%CI=-9.06 to 3.88; P=0.43). The present meta-analysis shows improvement in ablation time and freedom from AF after 12 months in AF patients treated with CF-guided catheter ablation. However, CF-guided catheter ablation does not decrease fluoroscopy time.