Loss of resistance syringes.
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to A P Rubin.
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The currently available local anaesthetic agents are capable of providing high quality nerve blockade in a wide variety of clinical circumstances. Our understanding of the mechanisms and consequences of toxicity is increasing rapidly. Knowledge of the chemistry of local anaesthetics has enabled clinicians to exploit the increased safety of single isomer agents. However, the extent, if any, of this improvement in toxicity has yet to be proven. Established toxicity may be very difficult to treat and no specific reversing therapy is yet available. Until this occurs it is essential that practitioners of regional anaesthesia maintain their knowledge base and skill in techniques of administration of local anaesthetic, are able to recognise impending disaster, and constantly update their skills in resuscitation.
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In a single centre, randomised, double-blind study, 54 patients underwent intraocular surgery under peribulbar anaesthesia with either ropivacaine 1% or a mixture of bupivacaine 0.75% and lignocaine 2%, both with hyaluronidase 7.5 iu.ml-1. There were no significant differences in volume of anaesthetic required, time to onset of block, peri-operative pain scores or frequency of adverse events between the ropivacaine group and the lignocaine and bupivacaine group.
In a single centre, randomised, double-blind study 50 patients scheduled for intra-ocular surgery received 0.75% levobupivacaine or 0.75% racemic bupivacaine for peribulbar anaesthesia. There were no significant differences in the mean (SD) volume of levobupivacaine (11 (2.7) ml) or racemic bupivacaine (10 (2.6) ml) required, time to satisfactory block (levobupivacaine-13 (5.6) min; racemic bupivacaine-11 (4.4) min), peri-operative pain scores or frequency of adverse events between levobupivacaine and racemic bupivacaine. The safer side-effect profile of levobupivacaine may offer significant advantages in the elderly population undergoing cataract extraction in whom intercurrent disease is common.
Reports on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths and the Obstetric Anaesthetists' Association have made recommendations about the provision of staff and facilities in consultant obstetric units. We have carried out a postal survey of all units in the UK concerning provision of recovery facilities, high dependency and intensive care, and anaesthetic staffing. Replies were received from 232 units (89%). The results show that although many units had achieved recommended standards, this was not universal. In particular, only 62% had a designated and staffed recovery area, only 41% had specific obstetric high dependency beds and there were a number of units with no consultant anaesthetic sessions or trained anaesthetic assistants available around the clock. Despite the practical and financial difficulties in achieving recommended standards, it should be noted that purchasers of health care have been encouraged to ensure that the recommendations are implemented.
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This study of 20 patients undergoing elective cataract surgery was performed to investigate the change in intraocular pressure that accompanies extraconal peribulbar anaesthesia. We have demonstrated that each injection during peribulbar anaesthesia causes a small rise in intraocular pressure. The routine use of conventional external ocular compression overcomes this pressure rise and safely provides a satisfactory and progressive reduction in intraocular pressure prior to surgery. Our findings suggest that the volumes of anaesthetic solutions used in fractional peribulbar anaesthesia, if used in conjunction with external compression devices, result in intraocular pressures acceptable for intraocular surgery.
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We performed a double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the different methods of administering droperidol in patients using patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with morphine. Eighty patients undergoing major orthopedic procedures received temazepam 0.2 mg/kg orally followed by induction of general anesthesia with propofol 2.5 mg/kg, fentanyl 2 micrograms/kg, and vecuronium 0.1 mg/kg. Anesthesia was maintained with nitrous oxide, oxygen, and enflurane. At the end of surgery, all patients received PCA with morphine (0.5 mg/mL, bolus dose 1 mg, and lockout interval 5 min. Before commencement of PCA, patients were randomized to receive droperidol 1.25 mg immediately and, in addition, droperidol 0.16 mg with each PCA dose (Group 1), droperidol 1.25 mg immediately (Group 2), droperidol 0.16 mg with each PCA dose (Group 3), and no droperidol (Group 4). Incidence of nausea and vomiting, request for rescue antiemetics, sedation score, and side effects were recorded every 4 h. Droperidol significantly reduced the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) (P < 0.01) and request for rescue antiemetic (P < 0.01) compared to placebo. However, there was no difference in the incidence of PONV between droperidol given either as a single dose at the end of surgery (Group 2) or mixed in morphine PCA (Group 3). The addition of droperidol in PCA after an initial dose (Group 1) should be avoided, as it resulted in more sedation and no further reduction in the incidence of PONV compared to Groups 2 and 3.
In a randomized, double-blind study in children undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery, we have assessed the clinical value of combining clonidine with bupivacaine for caudal analgesia. Forty-six children, aged 1-10 yr, were allocated randomly to two equal groups to receive 0.25% bupivacaine 1 ml kg-1 combined with either normal saline 1 ml (group A) or clonidine 2 micrograms kg-1 in normal saline 1 ml (group B). Mean (SD) duration of caudal analgesia for groups A and B were 5.2 (1.2) h and 9.8 (2.1) h, respectively (P < 0.0001). Group B required significantly less supplementary analgesia after operation (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the incidence of side effects between the two groups. The longer duration of sedation in group B (9.1 (2.5) h) resulted partly from the sedative effect of clonidine and partly from the longer duration of analgesia provided by clonidine. We conclude that, when added to bupivacaine, clonidine improves the efficacy of caudal analgesia in children.
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Anaesthetists require a good knowledge of the excretion of drugs in breast milk and the potential hazards to suckling infants of drug ingestion via breast milk. A brief account of the physiology of lactation is given. The mechanisms of drug passage into breast milk are discussed followed by a review of the excretion in breast milk of drugs used in anaesthetic practice. Suggestions for the management of anaesthesia in breast feeding mothers are offered.
A randomized double-blind study was performed to compare ropivacaine and bupivacaine in epidural anesthesia for intraperitoneal surgery. Forty-four patients undergoing epidural anesthesia for intraperitoneal lower abdominal gynecologic surgery received 20 mL of either 1% ropivacaine or 0.75% bupivacaine via an epidural catheter. There was no difference between the two drugs in the onset, extent, and duration of sensory and motor block. Satisfactory conditions for surgery were produced in the same number of patients in each group. The cardiovascular changes and the overall incidence of adverse reactions were similar for both drugs. It is concluded that ropivacaine is an effective and safe alternative to bupivacaine when used in epidural anesthesia for lower abdominal, intraperitoneal surgery.
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