Comparison of hemodynamic responses and QTc intervals to tracheal intubation with the McGRATH MAC videolaryngoscope and the Macintosh direct laryngoscope in elderly patients.

Our hypothesis was that intubations with the McGRATH MAC videolaryngoscope in elderly patients would produce less hemodynamic responses and ECG changes than the Macintosh direct laryngoscope. The patients were divided into two groups: patients who were intubated using the McGRATH MAC (Group V, n = 45) and patients who were intubated using the Macintosh direct laryngoscope (Group L, n = 45). Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) were recorded before induction with anesthesia (baseline), immediately after induction and at 1 min, 3 min, and 5 min after intubation, with simultaneous ECG. When Group L was compared to Group V, there was an increase in the first, third and fitth minutes after intubation in terms of HR. SBP, MAP increased only at 1 min after intubation and DBP increased in the first and third minutes after intubation in Group L. In Group L, there was a significant difference in the HR values immediately after induction and the first minute after intubation compared with the baseline values. There was a difference in the SBP values immediately after induction and at 3 min and 5 min after intubation compared with the baseline values. There was a difference in DBP and MAP values immediately after induction and at 5 min after intubation. When the McGRATH MAC videolaryngoscope was compared with the Macintosh direct laryngoscope in elderly patients, the McGRATH MAC videolaryngoscope decreased the hemodynamic fluctuations due to tracheal intubation.

Comparison of videolaryngoscope-guided versus standard digital insertion techniques of the ProSeal™ laryngeal mask airway: a prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: This study were designed to investigate the usefulness of the videolaryngoscope-guided insertion technique compared with the standard digital technique for the insertion success rate and insertion conditions of the Proseal™ laryngeal mask airway (PLMA). METHODS: Prospective, one hundred and nineteen patients (ASA I-II, aged 18-65 yr) were randomly divided for PLMA insertion using the videolaryngoscope-guided technique or the standard digital technique. The PLMA was inserted according to the manufacturer's instructions in the standard digital technique group. The videolaryngoscope-guided technique was performed a C-MAC® videolaryngoscope with D-Blade, under gentle videolaryngoscope guidance, the epiglottis was lifted, and the PLMA was advanced until the tip of the distal cuff reached the oesophagus inlet. The number of insertion attempts, insertion time, oropharyngeal leak pressure, leak volume, fiberoptic bronchoscopic view, peak inspiratory pressure, ease of gastric tube placement, hemodynamic changes, visible blood on PLMA and postoperative airway morbidity were recorded. RESULTS: The first-attempt success rate (the primary outcome) was higher in the videolaryngoscope-guided technique than in the standard digital technique (p = 0.029). The effect size values with 95% confidence interval were 0.19 (0.01-0.36) for the first and second attempts, 0.09 (- 0.08-0.27) for the first and third attempts, and not computed for the second and third attempts by the groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: Videolaryngoscope-guided insertion technique can be a help in case of difficult positioning of a PLMA and can improve the PLMA performance in some conditions. We suggest that the videolaryngoscope-guided technique may be a useful technique if the digital technique fails. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03852589 date of registration: February 22th 2019.

The Effects of Remifentanil on Hemodynamic Response Attenuation After Electroconvulsive Therapy Under Sevoflurane Anesthesia.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the effects of a single loading dose of remifentanil (1 µg/kg) administered as an adjunct to sevoflurane, on the duration of seizure activity, recovery times, and hemodynamic profiles, during electroconvulsive therapy. METHODS: The patients were randomly allocated to receive sevoflurane-saline (Group SS) or sevoflurane-remifentanil (Group SR). Sevoflurane (8%) was initiated for anesthesia induction in both groups until loss of consciousness was achieved. Remifentanil was then administered to Group SR via a 1-µg/kg intravenous bolus. Patients in Group SS received saline in the same manner. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded before anesthetic induction (T1), at the loss of consciousness (T2), and at 0, 1, 3, and 10 minutes after the electrical stimuli were completed (T3, T4, T5, and T6, respectively). RESULTS: Compared with the baseline values, HR increased significantly in Group SS at times T2 and T4 to T6 and decreased significantly in Group SR at time T2. When the groups were compared, we found that HR decreased significantly in Group SR at T2 and T4 to T6. Compared with baseline, MAP increased in Group SS between T3 and T6, and MAP decreased in Group SR at T2 and increased at T3 to T4. Mean arterial pressure decreased to a greater extent in Group SR than in Group SS during the T2 to T6 period. There were no group differences in seizure duration or recovery time. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of 1-µg/kg remifentanil to anesthetic induction with sevoflurane attenuated the acute hemodynamic response to electroconvulsive therapy under sevoflurane anesthesia without adversely affecting the duration of seizure activity or the recovery profile.

The effects of pulmonary hypertension on early outcomes inpatients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To investigate the effects of pulmonary hypertension on early clinical variables in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The preoperative echocardiographic data of patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass surgery were evaluated retrospectively. A total of 1244 patients were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups: one group consisted of patients with systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) values equal to or greater than 30 mmHg (Group 1, n = 184), while the other group consisted of patients with SPAP values below 30 mmHg (Group 2, n = 1060). RESULTS: Early mortality was similar in both groups (0% in Group 1 and 1.2% in Group 2; P > 0.05). Comparison of postoperative data indicated that Group 1 had a higher need for inotropic agent treatment, a longer average duration of ventilation, and a longer average duration of stay in the intensive care unit (P < 0.05). For the other variables, no significant differences were identified between patients with and without pulmonary hypertension (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Mild pulmonary hypertension (mean SPAP = 37.7 ± 8.4 mmHg) was not associated with a significant difference in the mortality of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. For patients undergoing this type of coronary bypass surgery, lower morbidity and mortality rates can be achieved through comprehensive preoperative examinations and effective perioperative medical procedures.

Anesthesia Management in Aortic Dissection in Patients Undergoing Kidney Transplant.

Kidney transplant is a last resort to increase the life expectancy and quality of life in patients with renal failure. Aortic dissection is a disease that requires emergency intervention; it is characterized by sudden life-threatening back or abdominal pain. In the case described, constant chest pain that increased with respiration was present on examination of a 28-year-old man (85 kg, 173 cm) who presented at our emergency department complaining of severe back pain. He had undergone a kidney transplant in 2004 from his mother (live donor). He was diagnosed with acute Type II aortic dissection and was scheduled for emergent surgery. Because there were no surgical or anesthetic complications, the patient with 79 and 89 minutes aortic cross-clamping and cardiopulmonary bypass durations was sent, intubated, to intensive care unit. When nephrotoxic agents are avoided and blood flow is stabilized, cardiovascular surgery with cardio-pulmonary bypass may be performed seamlessly in patients who have undergone a kidney transplant.

Coronary Bypass Surgery in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension: Assessment of Early and Long Term Results.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the effects of preoperative pulmonary hypertension (PH) on early and long term results in patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery and the effects of coronary bypass surgery on PH. METHODS: Among 2325 patients who underwent elective isolated coronary artery bypass surgery between March 2003 and March 2012, 287 patients with high preoperative pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) ≥30 mmHg were examined. Patients' data were obtained by retrospective examination of our clinic's database. 69 patients who had complete parameters included in the study. RESULTS: There was no increase in the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification 84% of cases. Preoperative and postoperative values of the mean ejection fraction and mean PAP of patients was respectively 45.28 ± 9.67 (25-65), 46.03 ±12.4 (20-65) (p = 0.447), 36.67 ± 6.81 (30-60) mmHg, 37.81 ± 10.07 (20-70) mmHg (p = 0.378). The late mortality of cases was 5.79%. In our study, during 33.9 ± 17 (9-100) months follow up period, life expectancy was calculated as 94.7 months. CONCLUSION: Preoperative evaluation of these patients for appropriate medical treatment at peroperative and postoperative period, coronary bypass can be performed with low morbidity and mortality rates. In the late period after surgical revascularization PH showed no significant change and had no adverse effect on quality of life.

Effect of the Addition of Ketamine to Sevoflurane Anesthesia on Seizure Duration in Electroconvulsive Therapy.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the effects of a subanesthetic dose of ketamine, which was administered as an adjunct to sevoflurane, on duration of seizure activity, hemodynamic profile, and recovery times during electroconvulsive therapy in patients with major depression. METHODS: Patients were randomly allocated to a group receiving either sevoflurane-ketamine (group SK) or sevoflurane-saline (group SS). Sevoflurane was initiated in both groups at 8% for anesthesia induction until loss of consciousness was achieved, at which point it was discontinued. After loss of consciousness, ketamine was administered to the group SK in the form of a 0.5-mg/kg intravenous bolus. Patients in the group SS received saline in the same manner. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate were recorded before anesthetic induction (T1); after anesthetic induction (T2); as well as 0, 1, 3, and 10 minutes after the seizure had ended (T3, T4, T5, and T6, respectively). Motor and electroencephalogram seizure durations were recorded. RESULTS: Motor and electroencephalogram seizure durations in the group SS were similar to those observed for the group SK. The heart rate increased significantly during T2 to T6 in both group SS and group SK compared with the baseline. The MAP increased in the group SS during the period between T3 and T6 as well as in the group SK during the same period compared with the baseline. The MAP increased more in the group SK, in comparison with the group SS, during T2 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of ketamine at subanesthetic doses, for the purposes of anesthetic induction with sevoflurane, yielded results similar to those in the control group in terms of both seizure duration and hemodynamic stability.

Effects of sevoflurane or ketamine on the QTc interval during electroconvulsive therapy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of sevoflurane or ketamine on the corrected QT (QTc) interval and the interval from the peak to the end of the T wave (Tp-e) during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in patients with major depression. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, double-blinded study included 24 patients that were randomly allocated to receive sevoflurane (group S) or ketamine (group K) for ECT session. Group S patients received 8 % sevoflurane for anesthesia induction, which was maintained at 2-4 % until delivery of the electrical stimulus. Group K patients received a bolus of ketamine (1 mg/kg). The mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) and the electrocardiogram (ECG) were recorded before (T1) and after induction of anesthesia (T2) and 0, 1, 3, and 10 min after the electrical stimuli ended (T3, T4, T5, and T6, respectively). RESULTS: In both groups, the QTc interval was significantly longer at T2, T4, T5, and T6 than at baseline. The QTc interval was longer at T4, T5, and T6 in group S compared to that in group K, the Tp-e interval was significantly longer at T4 in group K both baseline and group S. The HR in group S was increased at T4 compared with group K. MAP was significantly higher after induction of anesthesia in group K compared to those in group S at all time points. CONCLUSIONS: Although group S showed a prolonged QTc interval after ECT compared to group K, the Tp-e interval in both groups was not significantly affected clinically. Sevoflurane blunted MAP and peak HR.

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction in living liver transplant donors.

OBJECTIVES: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction is a serious complication that may be associated with increased mortality. Living-donor liver transplant includes major surgery for the donor. The purpose of this study was to evaluate preoperative and postoperative cognitive function of liver donors in living-donor liver transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 102 patients who had hepatectomy for liver transplant donation, preoperative and postoperative (1 week) neuropsychologic tests were performed including the Trail Making Test, the Stroop effect, score on the Beck Depression Inventory, and the mini-mental state examination. RESULTS: Liver transplant donors had significantly lower mean Trail Making A Test duration and greater mean Trail Making B Test error number after than before surgery. The mean Stroop effect reading durations (black and white reading; reading colored words) were significantly greater after than before surgery; the mean time difference between naming the colors of colored words minus reading colored words, and the error number, were smaller after than before surgery. The mean score on the Beck Depression Inventory and mini-mental state examination score were similar before and after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Mild frontal lobe dysfunction may be present in liver donors at 1 week after surgery, and postoperative attention problems may be experienced by these patients.

Predictors of postoperative atrial fibrillation after on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: is duration of mechanical ventilation time a risk factor?

PURPOSE: This study aimed to establish the role of risk factors in the etiology of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: Between September 2001 and March 2008, 1040 patients underwent isolated CABG at our clinic. Nine hundred and eleven of these patients did not have any AF(Non-AF Group) and the other one hundred and twenty-nine had AF (AF Group). A retrospective study was performed for patient, disease and treatment related factors and multivariate analysis was used to identify independent clinical predictors of postoperative AF. RESULTS: Postoperative AF was identified in 129 (12.4%) of the patients, and those were significantly older and had significantly higher additive EuroSCORE score as compared with patients without AF. During the postoperative course, patients with postoperative AF also had significantly higher and prolonged (≥6 hours) mechanical ventilation time, longer and prolonged intensive care unit stay and longer hospital stay. Logistic regression analysis revealed that postoperative AF development ratio was 1.690 times higher when the ventilation time was over 6 hours (OR 1.690, 95% CI 1.092-2.615, p = 0.018); 1.240 times higher in the presence of elevated additive EuroSCORE score (OR 1.240, 95% CI1.109-1.385, p = 0.0001); 1.052 times higher in the presence of advanced age (OR 1.052,95% CI 1.031-1.0741, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Analysis of our data reveals that, patient's age, additive EuroSCORE score, and prolonged ventilation are predictors of postoperative AF. Identification of risk factors might lead to better prevention of this problem and its potential consequences. However, to support our investigation and obtain more reliable evidence, prospective randomized controlled trials are needed.

Anaesthetic Management in Electroconvulsive Therapy During Early Pregnancy.

The management of major psychiatric conditions during pregnancy is exceptionally difficult. Pharmacoresistant, life-threatening and severe symptoms such as catatonia and suicidal behavior affect the health and safety of both mother and child. In such cases, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be considered as an alternative to pharmacologic treatment. In this report, we aimed to present anaesthetic management of a patient, who was 13 weeks pregnant and needed ECT due to major depression.

The effects of cognitive impairment on anaesthetic requirement in the elderly.

CONTEXT: Patients with dementia have a lower bispectral index score (BIS) when awake than age-matched healthy controls. OBJECTIVES: The primary aim was to compare the BIS and the dose of propofol required for induction in patients suffering from cognitive impairment with that in those who had normal cognitive function. This study also evaluated the effects of cognitive impairment in the elderly on anaesthetic agent consumption during surgery and on emergence from anaesthesia. DESIGN AND SETTING: This randomised controlled study was carried out in a university hospital. Patients over 65 years of age, ASA I-II and scheduled for elective orthopaedic procedures were allocated to one of two groups. INTERVENTIONS: Patients (n = 92) were allocated according to their Mini Mental State Examination score: 25 or higher (group 1) or 21 or less (group 2). All patients received propofol 0.5 mg kg(-1) following the commencement of a remifentanil infusion at 0.5 µg kg(-1) min(-1). After incremental doses of propofol up to loss of consciousness, a propofol infusion was started at 75 µg kg(-1) min(-1). Propofol and remifentanil infusion doses were adjusted to keep the BIS value between 45 and 60 during surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: MMSE score was evaluated 24 h before and after surgery. The anaesthetic consumption, mean arterial pressure, HR and BIS values of the patients were recorded. RESULTS: Before surgery, mean Mini Mental State Examination scores were 26.8 ± 1.6 and 16.6 ± 4.2 in group 1 and 2, respectively. These returned to baseline value 24 h after surgery in group 1 (26.6 ± 1.5) and group 2 (15.6 ± 4.3). Before induction, four of 45 patients (8.9%) in group 1 had a BIS value less than 93 compared with 13 of 47 (27.7%) in group 2 (P = 0.02). The mean BIS value was significantly lower in group 2 than in group 1 before induction, during loss of consciousness, 3 and 5 min after discontinuation of the anaesthetic agents and before extubation (P < 0.05). The induction dose of propofol was lower in group 2 than in group 1 (P = 0.02). The eye opening time was significantly longer in group 2 than in group 1 (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: The baseline BIS value was lower in patients with cognitive impairment than in those with normal cognitive function. The former received less propofol during induction and eye opening time was longer. On the basis of our findings from the recovery period, we suggest that the recommended target BIS value for adequate anaesthesia in the general population is inappropriate for patients with cognitive impairment.

Effects of propofol or etomidate on QT interval during electroconvulsive therapy.

BACKGROUND: Because patients with major depression have an altered autonomic nervous system activity, the risk of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death may be increased. In addition, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may cause an acute rise in QT dispersion, which may predispose to arrhythmias. In this study, we investigated the effects of propofol or etomidate on the corrected QT (QTc) interval during ECT in patients with major depression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen unpremedicated American Society of Anesthesiologists I patients, each scheduled for 6 ECT sessions for major depression, were included in a prospective, randomized crossover study. The patients randomly received either 1-mg/kg propofol (propofol group) or 0.2-mg/kg etomidate (etomidate group). The mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and electrocardiogram were recorded before anesthetic induction, 0 and 1 minute after the seizure ended, and 3 and 10 minutes after the seizure ended (T3 and T4, respectively). RESULTS: In the propofol group, the QTc interval was shorter than the baseline at 0 minute after the seizure ended. The QTc interval increased from the baseline at T3 and T4 in the etomidate group. In the etomidate group, the QTc interval was longer at T3 and T4 than that in the propofol group (P < 0.05). In the etomidate group, the HR increased at T3 and T4, but the MAP increased at all measurement times from the baseline value. The HR and the MAP were lower at T3 and T4 in the propofol group than in the etomidate group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Propofol did not induce prolongation of the QT interval and controlled the hemodynamic response better than etomidate during ECT. Therefore, propofol may be more suitable than etomidate for ECT treatments.

Remifentanil and propofol for tracheal intubation without muscle relaxant in children: the effects of ketamine.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Remifentanil and propofol have been proposed for intubation without muscle relaxant to avoid the adverse effects of muscle relaxants in children. We hypothesized that the addition of ketamine to remifentanil and propofol would improve intubating conditions and provide haemodynamic stability. METHODS: We studied 88 children (3-12 years) undergoing elective surgery. Group K received ketamine 0.5mgkg(-1), remifentanil 3microgkg(-1) and propofol 3mgkg(-1). Group C received isotonic saline instead of ketamine, all other study drugs were same as in group K. Sixty seconds after administration of propofol, laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation were performed. Intubating conditions were graded. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and SpO(2) were recorded. RESULTS: The intubating conditions were regarded as clinically acceptable in 39 out of 44 (89%) children in group K and in 36 out of 44 (82%) children in group C. Although there was no failed intubation in group K, the intubation failed in six children in group C (P<0.05). Tracheal intubation failed in 4/6 children because of severe coughing and/or limb movement, and in 2/6 children because of closed vocal cords. Scores for limb movement were significantly lower in group K than in group C. When compared with baseline, HR and MAP significantly decreased in both groups during the study (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The addition of ketamine to remifentanil and propofol prevented failed intubation and slightly increased the percentage of acceptable intubating conditions. Ketamine had no influence on haemodynamic changes following remifentanil and propofol administration in given doses.

Lornoxicam and ondansetron for the prevention of intrathecal fentanyl-induced pruritus.

PURPOSE: In this randomized, double-blind study, we aimed to compare the effectiveness of lornoxicam and ondansetron for the prevention of intrathecal fentanyl-induced pruritus in patients undergoing cesarean section. METHODS: One hundred and eight parturients (American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] I-II status) requesting neuraxial analgesia by a combined spinal-epidural (CSE) technique were recruited for this study. A CSE technique was performed and anesthesia was achieved with fentanyl 25 microg and hyperbaric bupivacaine 12 mg. Patients were randomly allocated to three groups, each with 36 participants. Immediately following delivery, patients received either lornoxicam 8 mg IV (group L; n = 36), ondansetron 8 mg IV (group O; n = 36), or normal saline 2 ml IV (group P; n = 36). Pruritus, pain, and nausea and vomiting scores were recorded during the initial 24 h postoperatively. RESULTS: The incidence of pruritus was significantly lower in group O from 4 to 12 h postoperatively when compared to that in group L and group P. According to the pruritus grading system we used, the number of patients without pruritus was significantly higher in group O when compared to that in group L and group P. The number of patients experiencing moderate pruritus was significantly lower in group O when compared to that in group P. CONCLUSION: We observed that the administration of 8 mg IV lornoxicam failed to prevent intrathecal fentanyl-induced pruritus in parturients. Also, our data confirmed that ondansetron is likely to attenuate intrathecal fentanyl-induced pruritus.

Effect of posterior pericardiotomy on early and late pericardial effusion after valve replacement.

OBJECTIVE: Pericardial effusion (PE) after cardiac surgery is frequent. It is more frequently seen after valve replacement or other types of heart surgery. Oral anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents may induce effusion development after open heart surgery. Our objective was to determine the efficiency of posterior pericardiotomy (PP) after cardiac valve operation for reducing the incidence of early and late PE and tamponade. METHODS: This prospective randomized study was carried out in 100 consecutive patients undergoing mechanical valve replacement between August 2001 and May 2003 in our institution. Patients were divided into two groups; each group consisted of 50 patients. Longitudinal incision was made parallel and posterior to the left phrenic nerve, extending from the left inferior pulmonary vein to the diaphragm in Group 1. Posterior pericardiotomy was not done in Group 2. RESULTS: Early PE was detected in four patients (8%) and in 19 patients (38%) in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively (p < 0.001). No late PE effusion was developed in Group 1 despite nine (18%) late PE developing in Group 2 (p < 0.003). The rate of delayed pericardial tamponade was lower in Group 1, but this difference was not statistically significant (0% vs 10%; p < 0.056). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that PP is an easy, feasible, and beneficial technique for reducing both the occurrence of early and late PE or pericardial tamponade in patients undergoing valve replacement.

Arterial myocardial revascularization using bilateral radial artery 17 years after right pneumonectomy.

We report the case of a 51-year-old man who underwent arterial myocardial revascularization with the use of bilateral radial arteries, 17 years after undergoing a right pneumonectomy. We used a fast-track anesthesia protocol for the procedure. There was no perioperative complication, and postoperative recovery was uneventful. The patient was discharged from the hospital 5 days after the operation.