Biomedical subjects

Joseph Cravero

Publications and source records attributed to Joseph Cravero.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Voiding ability using propofol sedation in children undergoing voiding cystourethrograms: a retrospective analysis.

PURPOSE: The ability of a child to void during cystourethrography is important in detecting vesicoureteral reflux. The potential effect of sedation on the capacity to void may impair our ability to detect vesicoureteral reflux. Since 2001, most voiding cystourethrograms at our institution have been performed with moderate sedation using propofol. To assess the impact of sedation on the ability of children to void, we retrospectively evaluated a group of patients who underwent sedated voiding cystourethrograms and compared them to a group undergoing nonsedated voiding cystourethrograms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The nonsedated group consisted of children 2 to 8 years old who underwent voiding cystourethrography between 1996 and 2001. The sedated group consisted of children the same age who underwent voiding cystourethrography between 2002 and 2004. Patient characteristics, presenting symptoms, bladder capacity, emptying ability and diagnoses were recorded. Children were categorized as receiving sedation vs not receiving sedation. All sedated children received propofol deep sedation. Statistical analyses were performed using the 2-sided t test and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Of 544 charts reviewed 287 were within the age range defined. Of these children 85% were female. Sex was evenly matched between the sedated and nonsedated groups. Urinary tract infections (65%) and previous vesicoureteral reflux (25%) were the most common factors prompting voiding cystourethrography. Sedation was administered in 146 patients, of whom 80 (55%) were able to void to completion. Of the 141 patients who did not receive sedation 125 (89%) were able to void to completion (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Children who underwent voiding cystourethrography with sedation were less likely to void to completion. This finding may impair our ability to detect vesicoureteral reflux in children accurately. Large prospective studies are needed for better assessment of bladder emptying and sedation when performing voiding cystourethrography.

Child↗

PubMed2005

Sedation in the emergency department.

Pediatric ED patients now have a wide variety of options to help relieve the pain and apprehension associated with an ED visit. Safe and effective management of these children has become a priority in properly staffed and equipped EDs throughout the country.

Child↗

PubMed2003

Single-dose caudal anaesthesia for two infants undergoing diagnostic brain magnetic resonance imaging: high risk and nonhigh risk.

We present a case report of two infants given a bupivacaine caudal anaesthetic as a means of achieving sedation for a diagnostic brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Patient 1 was born at 27 weeks of gestation and presented to our hospital at 39 weeks postconception with a history of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and apnoea/bradycardia spells. He was undergoing a brain MRI for the work up of persistent apnoea and craniofacial abnormalities. Patient 2 was a term infant at 42 weeks postconception undergoing a MRI for the work up of a seizure disorder. Both infants fell asleep shortly after placement of the caudal blocks and the studies were completed successfully without complications. Utilizing this technique, we avoided dealing with a potentially difficult airway (patient 1), exacerbating postoperative apnoea and the negative implications of intravenous sedation during a study where there is limited access to the patient's airway.

Anesthesia, Caudal↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The learning curve associated with a simulated ultrasound-guided interventional task by inexperienced anesthesia residents.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Ultrasound has become an increasingly popular modality in facilitating the performance of peripheral nerve blocks. There exists no literature that examines the learning curve of the ultrasound novice. In this prospective series, we evaluated the learning curve of inexperienced anesthesia residents in performing a simulated ultrasound-guided interventional procedure. In doing so, we hoped to identify reproducible patterns of human errors, which could potentially aid in the prevention of real-life iatrogenic injuries. METHODS: Ten subjects were prospectively enrolled. After a brief introduction to the ultrasound system, the subjects were asked to perform 6 sequential trials of a simulated breast cyst aspiration. For the first 3 trials, each subject attempted to place a 22-gauge b-bevel needle into any aspect of an olive buried inside the turkey breast. After completion of these 3 trials, the subjects were asked to place the needle into the exact midpoint of the olive wall closest to the transducer. Trials were videotaped and analyzed for task performance in terms of speed and accuracy. RESULTS: All subjects successfully completed the 6 interventional trials. The mean time to perform the task was reduced by 38% and 48%, respectively, for the second and third trials. A composite score of accuracy showed an improvement of 36% and 59%, respectively, for the second and third trials. The most common committed error, which occurred in 7 of 10 subjects, was the failure to accurately image the needle while advancing. This resulted in excessive depth of penetration and inadvertent transfixation of the olive in 5 of these subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Anesthesiology residents, with little or no ultrasound experience, can rapidly learn and improve their speed and accuracy in performing a simulated interventional ultrasound procedure. A concerning novice pattern was identified where the subjects advanced the needle even though it was not appropriately visualized in the ultrasound beam. This resulted in needle placement error, which could cause iatrogenic injury in the clinical setting.

Adult↗