Educational Blog about Anesthesia, Intensive care and Pain management

Angioneurotic Edema

Angioneurotic Edema -A general term applied to the development of acute edema in the subcutaneous or submucous tissues.-Anesthetic help may be sought during an attack, when edema of the lips, tongue, or larynx may cause respiratory problems. Causes: -Angioedema may be secondary to the release of histamine, or many other vasoactive substances such as bradykinins, prostaglandins,...

Acquired C1 Esterase Inhibitor Deficiency

Acquired C1 Esterase Inhibitor Deficiency -This may be a familial or, more rarely, an acquired disorder involving the complement system.-The acquired form is mostly associated with a B-lymphocyte malignancy, and antibodies have been detected against abnormal immunoglobulins present on the malignant B-cells. The reaction between the two causes C1 activation, which in...

Ebstein’s Anomaly

Ebstein’s Anomaly -A rare congenital cardiac abnormality. -The septal and posterior cusps of the tricuspid valve are displaced downwards and are elongated, such that a varying amount of the right ventricle effectively forms part of the atrium. Its wall is thin and it contracts poorly. The remaining functional part of the right ventricle is therefore small. -The foramen...

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)- It is a complication of some forms of fertility medication. Most cases are mild, but small proportions are severe.Causative Medications:- Associated with the injection of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) which is used for inducing final oocyte maturation and/or triggering oocyte release.- The risk is further increased...

Oculo-cardiac Reflex and Oculo-respiratory Reflex

Oculo-cardiac Reflex and Oculo-respiratory Reflex 1-Oculo-cardiac Reflex Definition: Bradycardia following traction on the extraocular muscles, especially the medial rectus. The reflex is particularly active in children. Bradycardia may be severe and may lead to asystole. Other arrhythmias may occur, e.g. ventricular ectopics or junctional rhythm. Bradycardia may also...

Jugular Venous Oximetry

Jugular Venous Oximetry (JVO) -It provides insight into the metabolic and oxygenation state of the brain. -It provides information about the balance of oxygen supply and demand, for a larger portion, if not the complete brain. Indications: -During cardiopulmonary bypass -Neurosurgery -After traumatic brain injury.Figure 1: JVO Catheterization Technique Technique: -A...

Cell (Blood) Salvage

Cell (Blood) Salvage Definition: -Cell (blood) salvage is a process in which a patient’s own (lost) blood is collected, processed, and transfused back (‘Autologous’ blood transfusion), which is done by a cell saver machine. Principle: 1-Collection of blood: blood is suctioned from the operative field, and then heparinized saline is added, filtered, and centrifuged to separate...

Dexmedetomidine

Dexmedetomidine Mechanism of Action: -It is an imidazole derivative and is a specific alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist that acts via post-synaptic alpha-2 receptors primarily in the locus ceruleus to increase conductance through K+ channels. Uses and Dose: -Its main actions are sedation, anxiolysis, and analgesia -It is a clear, colorless isotonic solution containing 100...