Anaesthetic problem registers.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to T E Loughnan.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
The divided nasal cannula is a device recently released in Australia that couples oxygen delivery and end-tidal carbon dioxide (PETCO2) monitoring. This study compares the accuracy of PETCO2 measurements by the divided nasal cannula and those measured by a modified facemask (as currently used in this institution), with arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2). In this crossover study, 30 patients who had arterial lines as part of their routine monitoring were given oxygen via nasal cannula and facemask preoperatively. The PETCO2 was measured with each device and a simultaneous PaCO2 and PaO2 measured after equilibration. The results demonstrate a significant difference between the PETCO2 as measured by each technique. The divided nasal cannula more accurately reflects PaCO2 (mean arterial to end expired gradient of 5 mmHg) and provides a more representative trace when compared to a traditional facemask system. Both methods provided adequate oxygenation.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Ten cases of Ludwig's angina that required surgical decompression in addition to intravenous antibiotic therapy are reviewed. The vocal cords were visualized in all ten patients following deep inhalational anesthesia to relieve trismus. Only one case required tracheostomy, which has previously been recommended as the treatment of choice for airway management; the other nine were intubated under direct vision.
We reviewed nine patients with Ludwig's angina who required surgical drainage over a 24-month period. This represents the largest series reported in world literature. All of these patients were managed successfully by a combination of tracheal intubation and early surgical intervention. None required tracheostomy, which is the previously recommended procedure of choice for airway management.