Radial Arterial Cannulation by Ultrasound-Guided Dynamic Needle-Tip Positioning Using the Short-Axis Out-of-Plane Approach Versus the Long-Axis In-Plane Approach: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Introduction Radial artery cannulation is a commonly performed invasive procedure for assessing a patient's hemodynamic status and collecting blood samples. Ultrasound guidance has shown benefits in improving the success rate of first-attempt cannulation. Two main approaches, short-axis out-of-plane (SAOOP) and long-axis in-plane (LAIP), are commonly used. A modified technique called dynamic needle-tip positioning (DNTP) using the short-axis out-of-plane approach has been reported to enhance arterial catheterization. This study aims to compare the first-attempt success rates of radial artery cannulation using the two techniques, DNTP versus LAIP, along with overall success rates, cannulation time, and number of attempts. Methods This prospective, randomized, controlled, clinical study was conducted after obtaining clearance from the Institute Ethics Committee of AIIMS, Raipur. Ninety-six patients between the ages of 18 and 50 years, undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia, and required radial arterial cannulation were randomized and equally allocated into two groups as the LAIP and DNTP approaches. The first-pass success rate, time to achieve successful cannulation, number of attempts needed, overall success rate within five minutes, and potential complications, such as thrombosis, vasospasm, and hematoma, were recorded. Results A total of 96 patients were included, with 48 in the LAIP group and 48 in the DNTP group. The DNTP group showed statistically significant advantages over the LAIP group, with a higher first-pass success rate (97.9% vs. 83.3%; p = 0.014) and shorter time to achieve successful cannulation (9.29±3.79 vs. 26.16±20.22 seconds; p = 0.001). Conclusion The ultrasound-guided short-axis DNTP technique for radial artery cannulation demonstrated a significant advantage as compared to the LAIP technique. The DNTP technique resulted in higher first-attempt cannulation success and shorter cannulation time.

A Holistic Approach to Managing Secondary Dysphagia Following Prolonged Intubation and Tracheostomy: A Case Report.

The ability to swallow and maintain the airway is a critical rehabilitation milestone for patients with swallowing disorders following prolonged tracheal intubation. Tracheostomy and dysphagia often coexist in critically ill patients and given the medical complexity analyzing the evidence to optimize swallowing assessment and management is challenging. It takes a holistic approach to dealing with issues in a critical care patient as we also need to deal with issues other than medical. We present a case of a 68-year-old gentleman who was admitted to the critical care unit following a double barrel ileostomy and had multiple complications and organ dysfunction requiring prolonged supportive management, tracheostomy, and mechanical ventilation. After recovering from primary illness and complications, he had a swallowing disorder (secondary dysphagia), which was managed successfully over the next month. The case highlights the need for screening, a multidisciplinary team, empathy, and effort as a part of a holistic management approach.

Re: evaluation of the efficacy of erector spinae plane block and intercostal nerve block in the postherpetic neuralgia.

Not applicable.

Anaesthetic management of a patient with deep brain stimulation implant for radical nephrectomy.

A 63-year-old man with severe Parkinson's disease (PD) who had been implanted with deep brain stimulators into both sides underwent radical nephrectomy under general anaesthesia with standard monitoring. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an alternative and effective treatment option for severe and refractory PD and other illnesses such as essential tremor and intractable epilepsy. Anaesthesia in the patients with implanted neurostimulator requires special consideration because of the interaction between neurostimulator and the diathermy. The diathermy can damage the brain tissue at the site of electrode. There are no standard guidelines for the anaesthetic management of a patient with DBS electrode in situ posted for surgery.