Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to P Mahoney.
Postoperative arterial oxygen tension was measured in a group of patients. Unacceptably low levels were found in 32% of the patients and this hypoxaemia persisted in some cases for three days. The results enforce the principle that some patients whould be given prolonged oxygen therapy and this should cease only when blood gas analysis demonstrate the patients ability to maintain a safe PaO2 breathing air.
Radiological total lung capacity (T.L.C.) was measured preoperatively and postoperatively in a group of patients. A decrease in T.L.C. postoperatively in patients who smoke was demonstrated. The use of radiological T.L.C. in the study of postoperative respiratory dysfunction is suggested.
Pulmonary extravascular water content was measured using a double indicator technique and results compared with chest radiography. It is concluded that careful chest radiography is an effective and simple technique for assessing the pulmonary extravascular water content.
Many studies have shown that after uncomplicated abdominal surgery arterial hypoxaemia frequently occurs because of regional underventilation in relation to perfusion. This paper produced evidence that shows a small increase in physiological dead space to tidal volume ratio following general anaesthesia for abdominal surgery. This increase is thought to be due to tachypnoea rather than alteration in pulmonary blood flow.
Right heart catheterization was performed in ten patients with pulmonary oedema. Mean wedge pressures in excess of 12 mmHg above the mid-axillary line were regarded as abnormal and indicating left heart failure. If the wedge pressure was less than 12 mmHg, and pulmonary congestion was present, frusemide was given. Brief descriptions of the ten cases are given.
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