Metallic microbeads for hair extensions: Hidden dangers for magnetic resonance imaging.

Metallic foreign objects can cause various thermal injuries in patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We present a case of a 33-year-old woman with numerous metallic microbeads on her head used for attaching hair extensions, who required MRI of her cervical spine under anesthesia. Due to the nature of how these microbeads were attached, as well as the quantity and configuration, these objects were determined to be a significant risk, especially for a patient requiring anesthesia for their scan. To our knowledge, this is the first report in literature of a patient presenting with such objects for MRI. Awareness of the implications of these microbeads on patient safety and recognizing the importance of a thorough safety screening process can enhance care for patients requiring MRI.

Successful Verbal Communication Using Google Translate to Facilitate Awake Intubation of a Patient With a Language Barrier: A Case Report.

Perioperative difficult airway management is one of the most challenging tasks encountered by anesthesiologists. Awake intubation is considered the gold standard in securing the anticipated difficult airway. Effective communication between the anesthesiologist and patient is vital during awake intubation. A language barrier can significantly hinder success and jeopardize patient safety. We report a case of a monolingual Arabic-speaking patient with a difficult airway who required awake intubation to undergo surgery. Google Translate, a free and accessible translation software application, was used during his awake intubation-we recommend such an approach to be considered to reduce anxiety and facilitate success by providing concise, real-time instruction in the patient's preferred language.

Securing the Airway in Pretracheal Dermal Metastases From Oropharyngeal Carcinoma: A Case Report.

Dermal metastases reflect the ominous and aggressive spread of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas. The rampant proliferation of these metastatic tumors to the neck results in respiratory distress and impending airway obstruction. We report a case of a patient with massive neck dermal metastases requiring urgent airway control for intermittent stridor. Awake tracheostomy is generally regarded as the gold standard to manage the compromised airway. However, in this unusual case, after discussion between surgeon and anesthesiologist, because of the anticipated formidable difficulties in performing awake tracheostomy, it was decided that awake fiberoptic intubation would provide the best chance of success.

Orotracheal Intubation Using the Retromolar Space: A Reliable Alternative Intubation Approach to Prevent Dental Injury.

Despite recent advances in airway management, perianesthetic dental injury remains one of the most common anesthesia-related adverse events and cause for malpractice litigation against anesthesia providers. Recommended precautions for prevention of dental damage may not always be effective because these techniques involve contact and pressure exerted on vulnerable teeth. We describe a novel approach using the retromolar space to insert a flexible fiberscope for tracheal tube placement as a reliable method to achieve atraumatic tracheal intubation. Written consent for publication has been obtained from the patient.

Measurement of retromolar space dimensions using dental pantomograms for intubation feasibility.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to measure the dimensions of the retromolar space of a patient population. If the dimensions were found to exceed the outside diameters of commonly used tracheal tubes, the results could increase use of the retromolar approach for oral intubation in patients with trismus. METHODS: We reviewed 311 dental pantomograms. Retromolar space height was measured from the lowest point of the maxillary tuberosity to the mandibular alveolar ridge. Width was measured from the last mandibular molar to the junction of the anterior border of the ramus with the body of the mandible. RESULTS: Mean height and width were 17.87 mm and 17.48 mm for the right space and 18.07 mm and 16.51 mm for the left. CONCLUSION: These dimensions were usually larger than the outside diameters of commonly used tracheal tubes. The retromolar approach can be considered an option for flexible fiberoptic intubation in patients with trismus. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E638-E642, 2016.

Recurrent episodes of asystole from carotid sinus hypersensitivity triggered by positioning for head and neck surgery.

BACKGROUND: We present a case report of a patient with recurrent thyroid carcinoma, previously treated with surgery and radiotherapy, who developed asystolic episodes on 2 occasions as the result of positioning of the neck in hyperextension for head and neck surgery. METHODS AND RESULTS: In carotid sinus hypersensitivity (CSH), the carotid sinus reflex is greatly exaggerated, resulting in profound bradycardia and asystole. Predisposing risk factors for the development of CSH in this patient included history of previously treated head and neck cancer and the presence of tight surgical scars. His negative cardiovascular history, the time sequence between neck positioning and asystole, and the fact that asystole recurred during the second surgery strongly suggest that CSH was precipitated by hyperextension of the neck during positioning. CONCLUSIONS: A heightened awareness of this syndrome, close monitoring, and preparedness for timely diagnosis and management are essential for a successful outcome.

Recurrent intraoperative coronary artery spasm in a patient with coronary artery aneurysm.

Coronary artery spasm (CAS) may result from endothelial dysfunction in nonobstructed arteries. Its complications include myocardial infarction, dysrhythmias, and death. It is difficult to diagnose CAS during general anesthesia because it closely mimics obstructive ischemia. We report the case of a patient who demonstrated intraoperative CAS during two separate surgeries. Angiography after the first surgery showed nonobstructed coronary anatomy. During the second surgery, recurrence of acute ST elevations caused by CAS rapidly responded to nitroglycerin. A high index of suspicion for CAS as a cause of intraoperative ischemia is necessary for an early diagnosis, treatment, and a favorable outcome.