[Managing the pandemic-relocation concept for COVID-19 intensive care patients and non-COVID-19 intensive care patients in Baden-Württemberg]. / Die Pandemie bewältigen ­ Verlegungskonzept von COVID-19-Intensivpatienten und Non-COVID-19-Intensivpatienten in Baden-Württemberg.

BACKGROUND: A sharp rise in COVID-19 infections threatened to lead to a local overload of intensive care units in autumn 2020. To prevent this scenario a nationwide relocation concept was developed. METHODS: For the development of the concept publicly available infection rates of the leading infection authority in Germany were used. Within this concept six medical care regions (clusters) were designed around a center of maximum intensive care (ECMO option) based on the number of intensive care beds per 100,000 inhabitants. The concept describes the management structure including a structural chart, the individual tasks, the organization and the cluster assignment of the clinics. The transfers of intensive care patients within and between the clusters were recorded from 11 December 2020 to 31 January 2021. RESULT: In Germany and Baden-Württemberg, 1.5% of patients newly infected with SARS-CoV­2 required intensive care treatment in mid-December 2020. With a 7-day incidence of 192 new infections in Germany, the hospitalization rate was 10% and 28-35% of the intensive care beds were occupied by COVID-19 patients. Only 16.8% of the intensive care beds were still available, in contrast to 35% in June 2020. The developed relocation concept has been in use in Baden-Württemberg starting from 10 December 2020. From then until 7 February 2021, a median of 24 ± 5/54 intensive care patients were transferred within the individual clusters, in total 154 intensive care patients. Between the clusters, a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 15 (median 12.5) patients were transferred, 21 intensive care patients were transferred to other federal states and 21 intensive care patients were admitted from these states. The total number of intensive care patients transferred was 261. CONCLUSION: If the number of infections with SARS-CoV­2 increases, a nationwide relocation concept for COVID-19 intensive care patients and non-COVID-19 intensive care patients should be installed at an early stage in order not to overwhelm the capacities of hospitals. Supply regions around a leading clinic with maximum intensive care options are to be defined with a central management that organizes the necessary relocations in cooperation with regional and superregional rescue service control centers. With this concept and the intensive care transports carried out, it was possible to effectively prevent the overload of individual clinics with COVID-19 patients in Baden-Württemberg. Due to that an almost unchanged number of patients requiring regular intensive care could be treated.

Major incidents and complications in otherwise healthy patients undergoing elective procedures: results based on 1.37 million anaesthetic procedures.

BACKGROUND: Improved anaesthesia safety has made severe anaesthesia-related incidents, complications, and deaths rare events, but concern about morbidity and mortality in anaesthesia continues. This study examines possible severe adverse outcomes or death recorded in a large national surveillance system based on a core data set (CDS). METHODS: Cases from 1999 to 2010 were filtered from the CDS database. Cases were defined as elective patients classified as ASA physical status grades I and II (without relevant risk factors) resulting in death or serious complication. Four experts reviewed the cases to determine anaesthetic involvement. RESULTS: Of 1 374 678 otherwise healthy, ASA I and II patients in the CDS database, 36 met the study inclusion criteria resulting in a death or serious complication rate of 26.2 per million [95% confidence interval (CI), 19.4-34.6] procedures, and for those with possible direct anaesthetic involvement, 7.3 per million cases (95% CI, 3.9-12.3). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study assessing severe incidents and complications from a national outcome-tracking database. Annual identification and review of cases, perhaps with standardized database queries in the respective departments, might provide more detailed information about the cascades that lead to unfortunate outcomes.

Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support during anaesthesia for oesophagectomy.

The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in adults has increased in popularity and importance for the support of patients with cardiac or pulmonary failure. Although it is now quite commonly used in the intensive care unit, its use has rarely been described as a means of support during anaesthesia and surgery. We report the case of a patient who required curative resection of the oesophagus following previous left pneumonectomy where veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was required both during surgery and for the first three days postoperatively. We describe the anaesthetic management of this patient who only had a single lung, review other alternatives and discuss why extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was particularly suited to this case. To the best of our knowledge, the anaesthetic literature to date does not contain a case report of this type.

The unanticipated difficult intubation: rigid or flexible endoscope?

BACKGROUND: Unanticipated difficult intubation occurs with a frequency between 1.5% and 8.5%. The aim of this study was to compare the use of flexible versus rigid endoscopy in such a patient population, with respect to the preparation time and feasibility of each device. METHODS: During a four-year observational period, 116 patients with unanticipated difficult intubation were managed either with the flexible fiberscope (FFI group, n= 57) or the rigid Bonfils endoscope (RBI group, n= 59) on a randomized basis. RESULTS: The time required for preparing and performing the intubation was significantly shorter in the RBI group: median (IQR) 160 s (118-209 s) as opposed to 229 s (162-326 s) in the FFI group (P=0.001). There were no significant differences with respect to endoscopic visibility or quality of the intubation manoeuvre (P>0.1 each). Causes of unanticipated difficult intubation were mainly as follows: restricted movement of the head and neck (39.7%), a Mallampati class > 2 (35.3%), a short neck (31%) or a thyromental distance < or = 5 cm (28.4%). Postoperative complications associated with the intubation maneuver included slight bleeding (FFI = 8.8% vs RBI = 8.5%; NS), technical problems (12.3 vs 10.2%, NS), hoarseness (15.8 vs 15.3%, P=0.946) and dysphagia (5.3 vs 16.9%, P=0.070). CONCLUSION: Both endoscopic techniques enable quick and safe intubation. The Bonfils method could be the method of choice in cases of already relaxed patients with unanticipated difficult conventional laryngoscopy, presuming that the anaesthetist is familiar with this technique. Because the clinical re-evaluation for possible predictors of difficult intubation revealed no unknown new factors, the preoperative examination for anatomical peculiarities and being aware are the best protection against unanticipated intubation problems.

[The positioning of reinforced laryngeal masks (LMA) with the "Zerer-introducer"]. / Die Platzierung von flexiblen Larynxmasken (LMA) mit der "Einführhilfe nach Zerer"

OBJECTIVE: Correct and rapid positioning of reinforced laryngeal masks (LMA) is often a problem in anaesthetics. Although different techniques have been developed, none of them are satisfactory. A newly designed introduction device was used to place reinforced laryngeal masks. These are first results of a clinical observational study. METHODS: A special fork fixed on a handhold was constructed. The introduction of the LMA was possible in an arched movement down to the hypopharynx using appropriate sizes for different sizes of LMA's. RESULTS: The intubation in 500 surgical cases (30 % adult, 70 % children, mostly in ENT-surgery) was easy and rapidly performed. A leading finger for placement was not necessary. There were neither cases of rotation nor retrograde flexion of the top of the mask. Direct vision by the ENT-specialist revealed no evidence of any injuries of the palate or throat. CONCLUSION: A newly designed introduction device allows a fast and efficient placement of reinforced laryngeal masks and contributes to the safety of this mode of application.

[Mechanical autotransfusion also in transurethral resection of prostatic adenoma? Studies of preserved washed erythrocyte concentrates before possible retransfusion]. / Maschinelle Autotransfusion (MAT) auch bei der transurethralen Resektion des Prostata-Adenoms (TUR-P)? Untersuchungen der aufbereiteten gewaschenen Erythrozyten-Konzentrate (AGEK) vor einer möglichen Retransfusion.

AIM: Does cell-saving during transurethral resection of prostatic adenoma (TURP) provide autologous washed erythrocyte concentrates (AWECs) of the same haematological and bacteriological quality as that of established indications of a cell-saving device? Should the cell-saving device be used routinely in TURP? METHODS: 37 patients underwent TURP with written, informed consent. All patients had antibiotic therapy prior to surgery. Shed blood was processed by a cell-saving device. AWECs specimens were analysed for red blood count, electrolytes, LDH, extracellular haemoglobin, osmotic fragility, blood culture and bacterial concentration. In addition, data of urine cultures, adenoma cultures and adenoma histology were analysed. AWEcs were not retransfused. RESULTS: Haematological quality was shown to be comparable to that of established applications of a cell-saving device. However, 82% of the AWECs were contaminated with bacteria. Concentrations were as high as > 10(6) bacteria/ml. Isolated bacteria ranged from e. coli and pseudomonas to staphylococci, streptococci and candidae. Bacteria found in the urine cultures of patients with urinary tract infections could also be isolated in their AWECs. 16% of the patients had prostatic cancer not know preoperatively. Mass of resected adenoma and volume of AWEC did not correlate. CONCLUSIONS: In despite of good haematological quality we considered the rate of 82% bacterial and 16% tumour cell contamination of the AWECs unacceptable and, contrary to some literature data, we no longer use a cell-saving device in TURP.

[Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) after urologic interventions]. / Patientenkontrollierte Analgesie (PCA) nach urologischen Eingriffen.

Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is a well-accepted technique in postoperative pain management. We used PCA in three different protocols to find the optimum application form. Our study compared 100 patients with radical prostatectomy or transperitoneal tumor nephrectomy in three groups using piritramide. Group 1 (n = 16) received 1.2 mg/h continuously and a 3 mg bolus with a lock-out time of 90 min. Group 2 (n = 30) received 0.8 mg/h continuously and a 3 mg bolus with a lock-out time of 60 min. Group 3 (n = 54) received the same continuous infusion, but the lock-out time was only 30 min. After 24 hours we evaluated the quality of analgesia using VAS scale. The quantity of piritramide was equal in all groups (35.1 mg). An average of seven bolus applications were made during the observation period. In 27.6% of the patients (group 1: 30.4%; group 2: 35.0%; group 3: 23.1%) the bolus demand was refused by programme. The analgesia level was satisfactory in each group, with a VAS value of 27. There was no respiratory depression observed. In conclusion, on-demand analgesia proved to be a good and practicable method in postoperative pain management. Although the dosage of piritramide was not different in the three groups, we recommend the protocol of group 3 because of the lower refusal of bolus application. Therefore, this seems to be the best patient-adapted application form. Even though respiratory complications in the group 3 scheme are not expected, monitoring of respiration and vigilance are recommended.

[The modified Magill forceps]. / Die modifizierte Magillzange.

The Magill forceps are used for nasotracheal intubation, endotracheal suctioning, passing gastric tubes, placement of tampons in the nasopharynx and extraction of foreign material from the pharynx. There are several disadvantages of the standard Magill forceps; however: the danger of cuff perforation, the necessity of readjusting the forceps when placing a tube or catheter, and the risk of injury to the mucous membrane. For these reasons the standard Magill forceps have been modified: the jaws of the forceps have been changed to give curved atraumatic parts without any serrations or sharp edges. RESULTS. The resulting benefits are as follows: Reduced risk of injuring the mucous membrane and perforating the cuff. Tubes and catheter are safely guided between the semiround jaws, making it unnecessary to open the forceps repeatedly to advance the tube. Tampons being placed in the throat no longer get caught between the serrations, and even small foreign objects can easily be extracted from the pharynx.

[The effect of blood conservation techniques on the plasma concentration and elimination of midazolam in patients undergoing hip joint surgery]. / Einflüsse fremdblutsparender Verfahren auf Plasmaspiegel und Elimination von Midazolam bei Patienten mit Hüftgelenksoperationen.

OBJECTIVE: The question was to evaluate whether haemodilution or intraoperative autotransfusion have an influence on plasma levels and clearance of midazolam. DESIGN: The study was designed as a prospective evaluation of patients with total hip joint replacement. The patients received neuroleptanalgesia supplemented with enflurane. After induction of anaesthesia with midazolam (0.1 mg/kg body weight) haemodilution procedure was started. During surgery a cell saver was used for blood salvage. In the recovery room drainage blood was also being processed by a cell saver. PATIENTS: The study includes 10 patients belonging to ASA-group II with an average weight of 79.4 kg (53-100 kg), at an average age of 57.9 years (44-68 years). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Midazolam was measured in patient blood and in autologous blood units by gas chromatography. 151 micrograms of midazolam, i.e. 1.8% of the initial dose was retransfused in hemodilution blood. By processing of blood in the cell saver, 99.5% of the amount of midazolam found in the sample unit was eliminated. The maximum quantity was 5.5 micrograms in the washed autologous red cell concentrate. CONCLUSION: Considering the analytic limit of 2 micrograms/l of midazolam in plasma, retransfusion of autologous blood cannot influence the plasma concentration of midazolam. Therefore, there is no risk of re-sedation in retransfusing autologous blood postoperatively.

[Ways of economizing on homologous blood. Concepts of autologous blood transfusion]. / Wege zur Einsparung von Fremdblut. Konzepte der autologen Bluttransfusion.

Transfusion of homologous blood may be associated with various complications. In this review, the authors present concepts of prevention of homologous blood transfusion. Different autotransfusion techniques are discussed, i.e., predeposit of autologous blood, plasmapheresis, normovolaemic haemodilution, blood salvage with/without cell washing, postoperative blood salvage of drainage blood, anaesthesia and surgical techniques as well as drugs for minimizing blood loss. The third part of the essay deals with indications of each technique depending on the surgical field. The authors conclude with unanswered questions and problems of the future.

[The origin of non-emulsified fat during autotransfusions in elective hip surgery]. / Untersuchung zur Herkunft von entemulgiertem Fett bei Autotransfusionen in der elektiven Hüftchirurgie.

In addition to hemodilution and preoperative blood donations, mechanical intraoperative autotransfusion (MAT) is an important method of preventing or minimizing the transfusion of homologous blood in operations with major blood loss. Using cell separators allows most of the problems of MAT to be solved, but the processed red cell concentrates of patients having hip joint replacement contain fat. Due to the high risk of fat embolism during bone surgery, as well as other circulatory problems, it is of interest whether the infusion of up to 15 ml of fat does not expose patients to an even higher risk. This study aimed to research the pathogenesis of fat embolism and possibly support one of the existing theories. METHODS. Semiquantitative oil measurement: in 45 cases with first insertion of hip joint prosthesis and 16 cases with change of prosthesis MAT was used intra- and postoperatively. For comparison, 10 patients with aortic aneurysm repair were checked for fat as well. In these cases MAT was only used intraoperatively. After the red cell concentrate was processed there was a time lag of 10 min to allow better sedimentation of fat. At the end of retransfusion 50 ml of blood were saved. They were then separated into 10-ml plastic tubes, centrifuged, and fat content was measured using a mm-scale. The results were transformed to ml by means of a previously determined calibration. Analogous to hematocrit values, it was thus possible to establish a lipocrit for these patients. In another 16 cases of hip surgery we carried out cholesterol/triglyceride investigations in red cell concentrates, and in 5 cases analysis of the fatty acids by gas chromatography was performed. RESULTS. The lack of an emulsifier causes biochemical analysis of cholesterol-triglyceride levels to be impossible. Therefore, triglycerides and cholesterol in MAT blood were below normal levels although a high quantity of fat could be seen in the blood. No oil was found in any of the patients in the vascular surgical group. There were 61 patients in the orthopedic group; no oil was found in 34.4%, we found 1-2 ml in 16.4%, and in 49.2% there was more than 2 ml of oil. With regard to age, sex, weight, height, and deviation from Broca index no significant difference in lipocrit could be seen. Differences in lipocrit were observed depending on the type of operation (i.e. new insertion/change of hip prosthesis), these were not significant possibly due to the small number of patients undergoing a change of prosthesis. The more MAT blood was transfused, the more significant were the rises in lipocrit level. The rinsing solution itself (1000 ml NaCl 0.9% with heparin 30,000 IU) does not influence the oil concentrations. Gas chromatography revealed that there was more than 40% oleic acid and 20% palmitic acid. Combined with linoleic acid, this comprised 4/5 of the total amount of oil (Table 3)...