Visual Evaluation of Plethysmographic Waveforms: Introducing the Simple Systolic Ratio as an Indicator of Fluid Responsiveness.

Objective: For patient safety, maintaining hemodynamic stability during surgical procedures is critical. Dynamic indices [such as systolic pressure variation (SPV) and pulse pressure variation (PPV)], have recently seen an increase in use. Given the risks associated with such invasive techniques, there is growing interest in non-invasive monitoring methods-and plethysmographic waveform analysis. However, many such non-invasive methods involve intricate calculations or brand-specific monitors. This study introduces the simple systolic ratio (SSR), derived from pulse oximetry tracings, as a non-invasive method to assess fluid responsiveness. Methods: This prospective observational study included 25 adult patients whose SPV, PPV, and SSR values were collected at 30-min intervals during open abdominal surgery. The SSR was defined as the ratio of the tallest waveform to the shortest waveform within pulse tracings. The correlations among SSR, SPV, and PPV were analyzed. Additionally, anaesthesia specialists visually assessed pulse oximetry tracings to determine fluid responsiveness using the SSR method. Results: Strong correlations were observed between SSR and both SPV (r = 0.715, P < 0.001) and PPV (r = 0.702, P < 0.001). Receiver operator curve analysis identified optimal SSR thresholds for predicting fluid responsiveness at 1.47 for SPV and 1.50 for PPV. A survey of anaesthesia specialists using the SSR method to visually assess fluid responsiveness produced an accuracy rate of 83%. Conclusion: Based on the strong correlations it exhibits with traditional markers, SSR has great potential as a clinical tool, especially in resource-limited settings. However, further research is needed to establish its role, especially as it pertains to its universal applicability across monitoring devices.

[Infraclavicular block for elbow surgery in a patient with pneumonectomy: Case report]. / Pnömonektomili bir hastada dirsek cerrahisi için infraklavikular blok uygulamasi: Olgu sunumu.

Diaphragmatic paralysis is one of the most important complications of upper extremity blocks and therefore limits the use of these blocks in patients with impaired respiratory functions. The appropriate block type should be selected by evaluating the location of the surgery and the risks of diaphragmatic paralysis of various blocks. In this case report, we aimed to evaluate the peripheral nerve blocks associated with diaphragmatic paralysis by presenting the anesthesia management of a patient with pneumonectomy planned for elbow arthroplasty due to elbow luxation.