Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to A C Enright.
A case of intra-operative pulmonary embolism is reported. Though this is evidently a rare occurrence, the diagnosis should be seriously considered when unexplained hypoxia occurs during operation. Appropriate investigation and treatment can then be initiated promptly.
In a double blind study, seven volunteers were given lidocaine 0.75 per cent and bupivacaine 0.25 per cent in two trials to compare the agents for use in intravenous regional analgesia. There was no significant difference between the two agents in the duration of analgesia after removal of the tourniquet. Bupivacaine produced fewer side effects. It also consistently produced persistent analgesia on the posterolateral aspect of the forearm.
Forty-one patients undergoing outpatient anaesthesia and operation were studied. Nineteen received inhalation agents. Twenty-two received narcotics. Up to one hour post-operatively, patients who received inhalation anaesthesia performed significantly better than did those who received narcotics. After 60 minutes there was no significant difference between the two groups. It is suggested that narcotics be avoided in patients who will be discharged within one hour of anaesthesia. A small number of patients exhibited slow recovery. It is suggested that these may be patients at risk and that special care be exercised.
Fifty Bain circuits were tested for contamination following single patient use. A contamination rate of 8 per cent was found. Two methods of resterilization were examined. Sterilization by activated glutaraldehyde proved unsatisfactory, while ethylene oxide sterilization was found to be an effective method which produced no detectable adverse physical or chemical alterations of the circuits.