Introduction Surgery on a pregnant woman raises several concerns. These include the effect of surgery and anesthesia on the developing fetus and the potential to trigger preterm labor. The hazards…
Introduction The resting 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is the one of the most widely used diagnostic tests in medicine, and preoperative ECG is the most commonly obtained cardiovascular diagnostic test before…
Introduction Each year, between $11 and $30 million are spent on preoperative testing; this includes the cost of laboratory tests and related consultations. For an anesthesiologist, the preoperative evaluation is…
Introduction High-quality preprocedure assessment requires evidence-based risk assessment and management in a setting of efficiency and cost containment. Preprocedure testing should be targeted such that the results will enable the…
Practice parameters developed by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) have been an important resource for physicians and other health-care workers for more than 20 years. The intention of the…
Invasive arterial pressure monitoring Invasive arterial pressure monitoring provides beat-to-beat real-time information with sustained accuracy. Components 1. An indwelling Teflon arterial cannula (20G or 22G) is used ( Fig. 11.1…
Clinical observation provides vital information regarding the patient. Observations gained from the use of the various monitors should augment that information; skin perfusion, capillary refill, cyanosis, pallor, skin temperature and…
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) CPAP is a spontaneous breathing mode used in the intensive care unit, during anaesthesia and for patients requiring respiratory support at home. It increases the…
Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) PCA represents one of the most significant advances in the treatment of postoperative pain. Improved technology enables pumps to accurately deliver boluses of opioid when a demand…
The electrical equipment used in the operating theatre and intensive care unit is designed to improve patient care and safety. At the same time, however, there is the potential of…
