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Biomedical subjects

V I Callanan

Publications and source records attributed to V I Callanan.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1990

Fatal arterial gas embolism: detection by chest radiography and imaging before autopsy.

Two recent cases are reported from north Queensland of deaths from massive arterial gas embolism occurring in tourists scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. The diagnosis was established in each case by an external examination of the body, followed by a plain erect chest radiograph soon after death and before autopsy; in one of the cases it was further confirmed before autopsy by computed tomography (CT) of the head, neck and thorax. The diagnosis was also supported by analysis of a diving profile, inspection and investigation of diving equipment, and autopsy. In the light of previously published advice and reports, the experience gained from these two cases now dictates that investigation of an unexplained death occurring after exposure to, and change from, hyperbaric or hypobaric conditions, should begin with plain erect chest radiography on the body before autopsy. Combining this with a pre-autopsy supine chest film before standing the body erect, and CT scanning of the head, neck and chest, is also recommended.

Barotrauma↗
PubMed1990

Verapamil potentiation of Chironex (box-jellyfish) antivenom.

'Rescue' experiments were performed on mice to compare the efficacy of i.v. verapamil, box-jellyfish antivenom, and a combination of both agents to counter the effects of toxic material extracted from the tentacles of Chironex fleckeri. In each of three series of experiments, four sets of mice were injected with doses of Chironex tentacle extracts containing approximately 4 mg/ml protein which were equivalent to twice the LD50. Three of these groups also received verapamil alone, antivenom alone, or a combination of both treatments. The combination therapy of drug and antivenom was superior to either agent alone. Treatment of verapamil alone appeared to be equivalent to that with only antivenom.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Percutaneous dilational tracheostomy technique and experience.

A technique for percutaneous insertion of an adult tracheostomy tube in the Intensive Care Unit is described. Experience with twenty-one insertions over an eight-month period is reviewed. No major complication was noted at insertion, during cannulation or after removal in any patient. We have found the percutaneous dilational technique to be an effective and safe procedure which can be used routinely for elective tracheostomy in intubated adult patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1980

Serious envenomation by the Northern Australian box-jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri).

Serious envenomation of an adult pregnant woman by a box-jellyfish (Chironex flecteri) in North Queensland is reported. Quick thinking and resuscitation by bystanders which was followed by early hospital treatment resulted in a successful outcome both for mother and for fetus. A brief review of the historic background of box-jellyfish envenomation is given, and some specific problems concerning the management and prevention of envenomation from this unique animal are described. On-the-spot resuscitation takes absolute priority, and the advent of specific antivenom is a major advance. Avoidance of fetal stings in the future is possible by simple preventive measures. The role of the Surf Life Saving Association of Australia in the prevention and treatment of such problems is highlighted, and, as a result of recent research, possible changes in the management of box-jellyfish envenomations are predicted.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Continuous lumbar plexus block--analgesia for femoral neck fractures.

In a series of 21 patients with fractures of the neck of the femur, continuous lumbar plexus block provided effective pain relief in 17 cases. The technique for continuous lumbar plexus block is described. The technique has advantages over conventional methods of analgesia.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Further understanding of, and a new treatment for, "Irukandji" (Carukia barnesi) stings.

A brief analysis is presented of the large recorded numbers of swimmers who have been stung by the "Irukandji" (Carukia barnesi) jellyfish during the 1985-1986 summer season in north Queensland, and the results are discussed. Many of the victims may suffer from symptoms of overstimulation of the sympathetic system, and hypertension is shown to be another complication of this syndrome. This hypertension seems to respond well to intravenously-administered phentolamine, an alpha-adrenergic receptor blocking drug. Phentolamine also reduces the excessive shaking and sweating that appears to be part of the "Irukandji syndrome". Diazepam relieves the anxiety which is part of the syndrome, but antihistamine agents and hydrocortisone seem to have no beneficial effect.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Severe envenomation by the taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus)

We describe cases of five patients with taipan envenomation which indicate that patients with paresis benefit from repeated doses of antivenom, even if given long after the bite, and that fresh frozen plasma should be given to correct coagulopathy that persists after reversal of neuromuscular blockade. We reiterate the importance of compression bandages.

Adult↗