Mitral valve repair complicated by left circumflex coronary artery occlusion: The vital role of the anesthesiologist.

The anatomical relationship between the mitral valve and the left circumflex coronary artery places this vessel at risk for occlusion during mitral valve repair or replacement. In view of the potential high morbidity and mortality of this complication, the anesthesiologist has a vital role in its prompt diagnosis. We present the case of a 47-year-old man who underwent a minimally invasive mitral valve repair, which was complicated by left circumflex coronary artery occlusion.

Right ventricular outflow tract obstruction due to a leiomyosarcoma.

A 65-year-old female presenting with worsening dyspnea and notable weight loss were found to have a systolic murmur on physical examination. On workup with computed tomography (CT) angiogram, a solid mass was found extending from the inferior vena cava into the right ventricle. Transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated this mass extension causing right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. After surgical removal, the pathology of the mass was endometrial leiomyosarcoma.

Improving labour progression among women with epidural anesthesia following use of a birthing ball: a review of recent literature.

Epidural anaesthesia is an effective form of pain relief during vaginal deliveries. However, neuraxial anaesthesia may slow the progression of labour. The assumption that epidurals lead to increased caesarean sections is also a topic of current debate. A holistic approach with the use of a birthing ball has been advocated as a potential modality to decrease labouring times and, therefore, reduce progression to caesarean section. Birthing balls aim to increase pelvic outlet opening, which facilitates labouring. Our aim is to review recent literature pertaining to birthing balls and their role in improving quality and outcomes of vaginal deliveries in patients with epidurals.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on the subject? Epidural anaesthesia may slow the progression of labour. It has been hypothesised that slowing progression of labour is associated with increased rates of vacuum and forceps delivery. Most common clinical indication for caesarean section is failure to progress during labour. Birthing Balls have been shown to quicken the progression of labour, theoretically reducing caesarean sections with those with epidurals.What do the results of the study add? Several studies have demonstrated a reduced duration of first and second stage of labour among women with epidural anaesthesia, but the existing literature is limited, and interpretation of results may be restricted by generalizability and inherent study biases. The objective of this article is to review existing literature and highlight the potential clinical utility of birthing balls in current obstetric practice.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and further research? Use of birthing balls has been advocated to decrease labouring time and therefore reduce progression to caesarean section. Larger studies or meta-analysis would be required to confirm potential benefits of birthing ball use.

Perioperative Management of an Airway Fire: A Case Report.

Accidental fire can occur with upper airway injury and can be fatal if inappropriately managed. Effective communication between the anesthetic and the surgical teams can reduce the risk of such an adverse event. Understanding the interaction between fuel, oxidizer, and ignition source in an airway fire may also reduce the incidence. The literature on upper airway thermal injury has focused on prevention and intraoperative management, but few studies have described postburn management. In this report, we describe the intraoperative occurrence of an airway fire during a surgical tracheostomy and subsequent patient management.