1. Study: Preprocedure Ultrasound Scans Increase Chance of Successful Dural Puncture
According to an ongoing study, preprocedure ultrasound scans significantly increase the chances of successful dural puncture, according to an Anesthesiology News report.
2. Study: Harmful Levels of Methemoglobin Can Be Detected With New Technique
Potentially harmful levels of methemoglobin, which can build in patients receiving certain anesthetics, can be detected using a new, non-invasive monitoring technique called pulse CO-oximetry, according to a study in the Nov. 2010 issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia.
3. Study: Noninvasive Electrical Stimulation Reduces Patient Pain
A noninvasive technique providing low-level electrical stimulation of the brain produces significant pain-reducing effects for patients, according to a study published in the Nov. 2010 issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia and a Medical News Today report.
4. Anesthesiologists Tout Alternate Method to Conventional Intubation
Anesthesiologists can use an alternative anesthetic technique involving a gum elastic bougie device when conventional nasal intubation methods do not work, according to an article published in the Sept. 2010 issue of Anesthesia Progress.
5. Study: Post-Operative Memory Loss Caused by Anesthesia Could Be Prevented
Memory loss after anesthesia could be prevented by blocking a receptor thought to contribute to memory deficits, according to a study published in the Nov. 2010 issue of Anesthesiology.
6. Study: Regional Anesthesia Can Improve Long-Term Survival Rates in Patients With Malignant Melanoma
Regional anesthesia can improve survival rates in patients with malignant melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, according to a study presented at this year’s American Society of Anesthesiologists annual meeting.
7. Studies: Physicians Need to More Effectively Screen for Sleep Apnea Prior to Surgery
The results of two studies presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists reinforce the need for physicians to properly screen patients for obstructive sleep apnea prior to surgery, according to a news release from ASA.
8. Study: Post-Operative Quality Recovery Scale Effectively Assesses Patient Recovery
Researchers have developed and validated a system that could improve post-operative care by measuring patient recovery from surgery with general anesthesia, according to the study abstract published in the October issue of Anesthesiology.
9. Study: Beta Blockers Reduce Postoperative Mortality Rates
Surgical patients with known heart disease risks who are given beta blockers before and after surgery have a significantly reduced chance of postoperative death compared to those not given beta blockers, according to a study by researchers at San Francisco VA Medical Center.
10. First Transcontinental Anesthesia Performed by Montreal, Italy Physicians
A team of physicians from McGill’s Department of Anesthesia in Montreal have performed the first “teleanesthesia,” remotely administering anesthesia to a patient in Italy while they were in Montreal, according to a news release from McGill.
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.