ABSTRACT
We report recent progress in the development of RadOptic detectors, radiation to optical converters, that rely upon x-ray absorption induced modulation of the optical refractive index of a semiconductor sensor medium to amplitude modulate an optical probe beam. The sensor temporal response is determined by the dynamics of the electron-hole pair creation and subsequent relaxation in the sensor medium. Response times of a few ps have been demonstrated in a series of experiments conducted at the LLNL Jupiter Laser Facility (JLF). This technology will enable x-ray bang-time and fusion burn-history measurements with â¼ ps resolution.
ABSTRACT
A retrospective analysis of 133 patients who received continuous epidural fentanyl for postoperative analgesia is presented. Using a concentration of 5 micrograms/mL of fentanyl, patients received continuous epidural infusions for 24 to 72 hours postoperatively. The average rate of infusion was 60 micrograms/h. A total of 59.3% of the patients received no additional narcotics; 26.3% required supplemental narcotics during the first 24 hours only. Three percent had the infusion discontinued because it provided poor pain control. Side effects were less than, or comparable to, those of epidural morphine. Respiratory depression, defined as a respiratory rate of less than 8, or apnea did not occur. Urinary retention occurred in one patient. Pruritus occurred in 4% (6 patients). Nausea occurred in 25.5%, a rate comparable to that which occurred with epidural morphine. No side effects occurred in 70.6% of the patients reviewed. These data show that epidural fentanyl provides good to excellent pain relief with minimal side effects.
