[Efficacy of Go-rei-san for Pain Management in Four Patients with Intractable Trigeminal Neuralgia].

Go-rei-san is a Japanese traditional medicine that is used to treat motion sickness, nausea, and vomiting. We report here four patients for whom Go-rei-san was effective in treating pain associated with intractable trigeminal neuralgia. Three patients could not continue carbamazepine due to drug-induced rash, liver damage, and gastrointestinal injury, and suffered from pain. One patient experienced severe dizziness upon combination treatment with pregabalin and carbamazepine. All patients exhibited symptoms of water poisoning on their tongues. All patients experienced significant pain relief without major complications after daily adminis- tration of 7.5 g Go-rei-san. Our findings suggest that Go-rei-san can effectively alleviate pain associated with intractable trigeminal neuralgia without major compli- cations.

Needle guides for venous catheter insertion during chest compressions: a crossover simulation trial.

PURPOSE: Recent guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation emphasize that all rescuers should minimize the interruption of chest compressions, even for intravenous access. We assessed the utility of needle guides during ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization (US-CVC) with chest compressions via simulation. METHODS: Twenty-five anesthesiologists with more than 2years of experience performed US-CVC on a manikin with or without a needle guide and with or without chest compressions. Insertion success rate within 2minutes, insertion time, and subjective difficulty of venous puncture or guide wire insertion were measured. RESULTS: In normal trials, 1 participant failed US-CVC without compressions, whereas 6 failed with compressions (P=.04). In needle-guided trials, all participants succeeded without compressions, whereas only 1 failed with compressions (P=.31). Insertion time was significantly longer with chest compressions in both normal and needle-guided trials (P<.001, each). Ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization insertion time in normal trials was significantly longer than in needle-guided trials with compressions (P<.001). Difficulty of operation on a visual analog scale for venous puncture or guide wire insertion was significantly higher in normal trials than in needle-guided trials with compressions. CONCLUSION: Needle guides shortened the insertion time and improved the success rate of US-CVC during chest compressions by anesthesiologists in simulations.

[Significance of Multi-center Obstetrics Perioperative Team Training Including Various Medical Staffs].

We report the development of a multi-center/multispecialist obstetrics perioperative team training program. Participants were members of the team, including anesthesiologists, obstetricians, and operation nurses. A questionnaire survey was conducted prior to course participation to clarify any questions team members had. The courses included a lecture and simulation training with scenario-based discussions or the use of a simulator. Scenarios included massive bleeding during cesarean section, massive bleeding after vaginal delivery, and emergency cesarean section for premature placental abruption. After each course, participants discussed problems associated with obstetrics medical safety in the context of each theme. Simulation-based perioperative team training with anesthesiologists, obstetricians, and operation nurses may serve as a vehicle to promote perioperative obstetrics patient safety.

[Efficacy of a Bronchofiberscope in Combination with the GlideScopee in a Difficult Airway Patient].

We present a case of securing a difficult airway in which intubation with a fiberoptic bronchoscope (FOB) assisted by the GlideScope® (GS) was effective. A 69-year-old man was scheduled to undergo laparoscopic hernia repair under general anesthesia. He had a small jaw and Grade 3 upper lip bite test in the preoperative assessment. Mask ventilation was possible following the induction of general anesthesia. Given that the glottis was not observable with the Macintosh laryngoscope (Cormack-Lehane Grade 4), laryngoscopy was per- formed with the GS, which allowed visualization of the tip of the epiglottis. Under GS monitoring, we inserted the FOB under the epiglottis and bent the tip upward to observe the lower edge of the glottis, which allowed for successful tracheal intubation. We conclude that use of the GS in combination with a FOB allows for secur- ing difficult airways that would otherwise be impossi- ble to intubate with the GS or FOB alone.

[Anesthetic Management of Acute Pulmonary Thrombus Trapped in a Patent Foramen Ovale Detected by Transesophageal Echocardiography].

We report a case of intracardiac thrombus detected by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). A 61-year-old man with pulmonary embolism was trans- ferred to our hospital presenting with severe respira- tory distress. Emergency surgery was scheduled to remove the thrombus identified in the right atrium by transthoracic echocardiography (TEE). Four-chamber view TEE confirmed penetration of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) to the left atrium by a thrombus ; there was no thrombus in the right ventricle or pulmonary artery. Cardiopulmonary bypass was safely established without deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and the thrombus was removed uneventfully. Subsequent TEE confirmed the absence of the thrombus. In the present case, preoperative TEE was unable to reveal the thrombus trapped in the PFO. TEE is more sensitive in identifying precise information regarding the exis- tence of thrombi. Moreover, contrast echocardiography may help detect right-to-left shunting through a PFO.

[Ultrasound-guided Sciatic Nerve Block (Pulsed Radiofrequency) for Intractable Cancer Pain Caused by Sacral Bone Metastasis].

We report a case of successful pulsed radiofrequency stimulation of the sciatic nerve for intractable cancer pain caused by sacral bone metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer. A 57-year-old man who suffered from intractable left femoral pain was diagnosed with cancer metastasis to the sacral bone and lumbar spine. Oral oxycodone relieved the pain at rest but he could not walk or remain sitting due to the pain during exercise. Oxycodone rescue or increase did not relieve the pain, but induced drowsiness. Given that sciatic nerve block with mepivacaine was effective, we performed pulsed radiofrequency with ultrasound guidance twice. Pulsed radiofrequency relieved the left femoral pain and he could sit for hours and walk uneventfully. Our finding suggest that ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency of the sciatic nerve effectively relieves intractable left femoral pain caused by sacral bone metastasis.

[Simulation-based Perioperative Team Training in the Operating Room].

Here, we report the development of a simulation-based perioperative training course. Participants were anesthesiologists and operating room nurses. Three different courses were held with different themes, such as airway management, circulation management and central venous management. The courses included a lecture and simulation training with scenario-based discussions or a simulator. At the end of each course, participants discussed problems associated with medical safety in the context of each theme. Participants commented not only on changes in their views regarding individual technical or non-technical improvements, but also on general medical safety in the operating room. Our findings suggest that simulation-based perioperative team training may serve as a vehicle to promote operating room safety.

[Successful Airway Management Using the air-Q Intubating Laryngeal Airway under Dexmedetomidine and Laryngeus Superior Nerve Block for Severe Tracheal Stenosis due to Thyroid Cancer Invasion].

A 75-year-old woman suffering from respiratory difficulty was diagnosed with severe tracheal stenosis due o malignant thyroid cancer. She was scheduled for an mergent tracheotomy, but preoperative computed omography revealed severe tracheal stenosis below he glottis due to thyroid cancer invasion. Anticipating lifficult tracheal intubation and risk of obstruction from hemorrhage, intubation preserving spontaneous ventiation was performed to avoid a 'can't ventilate, can't intubate' situation. A size 3.5 air-Q intubating laryngeal airway was inserted using a bronchofiberscope to perform tracheal intubation in a semi-sitting position. Successful tracheal intubation which avoided damage to the tumor was achieved while maintaining spontaneous ventilation. The air-Q intubating laryngeal airway was useful in this setting of severe tracheal stenosis due to thyroid cancer just under the glottis.

[Anesthetic Management Using Frontal Nerve, Greater Occipital Nerve, and Superficial Cervical Plexus Block for Posterior Cervical Spinal Fusion in a Patient with Athetoid Cerebral Palsy].

Here, we report successful anesthetic management of posterior cervical spinal fusion utilizing block of the frontal nerve, the greater occipital nerve, and the superficial cervical plexus in a patient with athetoid cerebral palsy. A 69-year-old woman (height 157 cm; weight 33 kg) with athetoid cerebral palsy was scheduled to undergo posterior cervical spinal fusion for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. After induction of general anesthesia, we performed tracheal intubation using the Pentax-AWS Airwayscope with a thin Intlock. After tracheal intubation, we used ropivacaine for the frontal nerve, greater occipital nerve, and superficial cervical plexus block. Anesthetic maintenance was performed with total intravenous anesthesia utilizing propofol and remifentanil. Continuous administration of dexmedetomidine was started during operation. Following surgery, smooth spontaneous ventilation was observed following uneventful extubation. No significant pain and no athetoid movement were observed under continuous administration of dexmedetomidine.

[Development and Hosting of a Perioperative Advanced Life Support Training Course for Anesthesiologists].

Participation in the American Heart Association advanced cardiac life support provider course is a prerequisite for taking the anesthesiology specialist examination in Japan. The course teaches fundamental resuscitation methods for different types of cardiac arrest. However, crisis in the perioperative period can result from airway trouble, central venous catheter displacement, or massive hemorrhage. We report our experience of holding a problem- and learning-based perioperative advanced life support training course, Advanced Life Support for Operation (ALS-OP). Main contents of the course included circulation management, airway management central venous catheters, and pain clinic-related complications. ALS-OP simulation training may be beneficial for educating anesthesiologist and promoting perioperative patient safety.

[Laryngeal Tube Position Shift after Chest Compression: Comparison of Fixation Methods Using Durapore Tape, Multipore Tape, or a Neck Tape].

BACKGROUND: The laryngeal tube (LT ; Smiths Medical, Minnesota, U. S. A) is an inflatable supraglottic device for emergency airway management such as during chest compression, the instability after insertion remains a problem. METHODS: We investigated the effectiveness of three fixation methods of LT using a manikin and automated chest compressor. RESULTS: After 10-minute chest compression, LT without fixation was shifted by 0.4 ± 0.1 cm, which was greater than with Durapore tape (0.2 ± 0.1 cm), Multipore tape (0.2 ± 0.1 cm), or a neck tape (0.1 ± 0.1 cm). The shift of the position was smaller with neck tape fixation compared to Durapore or Multipore tape fixation. CONCLUSIONS: A fixation neck tape may be useful in stabilizing the inserted position of LT during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

[New Insights into Maternal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation--Significance of Simulation Research and Training].

Pregnancy-related mortality, estimated to occur in approximately 1: 50,000 deliveries, is rare in developed countries. The 2010 American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines for Resuscitation emphasize the importance of high-quality chest compression as a key determinant of successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation. During pregnancy, the uterus can compress the inferior vena cava, impeding venous return and thereby reducing stroke volume and cardiac output. To maximize the effectiveness of chest compressions in pregnancy, the AHA guidelines recommend the 27-30 degrees left-lateral tilt (LLT) position. When CPR is performed on parturients in the LLT position, chest compressions will probably be more effective if performed with the operator standing on the left side of the patient. The videolaryngoscope Pentax-AWS Airwayscope (AWS) was found to be an effective tool for airway management during chest compressions in 27 LLT simulations, suggesting that the AWS may be a useful device for airway management during maternal resuscitation.

[Evaluation of Knowledge on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Pregnant Woman among G2010 AHA-BLS-HCP Participants].

Cardiac arrest during pregnancy is a rare event but it needs rapid and effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation to prevent loss of two lives. In this questionnaire survey, G2010 AHA-BLS Healthcare Provider Course participants answered four questions about CPR caveats which should be considered during pregnancy. The correct answer ratio is generally low among the four questions. Special situation explanation addition such as left uterine displacement in the AHA-BLS healthcare provider course may be needed for the empowerment of knowledge about cardiopulmonary resuscitation during pregnancy.

Comparison of Pentax-AWS Airwayscope and Glidescope for Infant Tracheal Intubation by Anesthesiologists during Cardiopulmonary Arrest Simulation: A Randomized Crossover Trial.

BACKGROUND: Recent guidelines for infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation emphasize that all rescuers should minimize interruption of chest compressions, even for endotracheal intubation. We compared the utility of the Pentax-AWS Airwayscope (AWS) with the Glidescope (GS) during chest compressions on an infant manikin. METHODS: Twenty-four anesthesiologists with more than two years of experience performed tracheal intubation on an infant manikin using the AWS and GS, with or without chest compressions. RESULTS: In GS trials, none of the participants failed without compressions, while three failed with compressions. In AWS trials, all participants succeeded regardless of chest compressions. Intubation time was significantly longer with chest compressions with the GS (P < 0.05), but not with the AWS. Difficulty of operation on a visual analog scale (VAS) for laryngoscopy did not increase significantly with chest compressions with either the GS or the AWS, while the VAS for tube passage through the glottis increased with compressions with the GS, but not with the AWS. CONCLUSION: We conclude that in infant simulations managed by anesthesiologists, the AWS performed better than the GS for endotracheal intubation with chest compressions.

[Successful sedation with landiolol and dexmedetomidine during spinal anesthesia in a patient with active dementia].

We report a successful case of sedation during spinal anesthesia using continuous administration of landiolol and dexmedetomidine in a patient with severe dementia. An 86-year-old man weighing 63 kg with severe dementia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was scheduled for emergent open reduction of fracture under spinal anesthesia. On admission, he presented with delirium as a result of pain and environmental change. He also suffered from herpes zoster infection and we decided to perform the operation under spina anesthesia. To alleviate his anxiety and state of panic we continuously administered landiolol 10 µg x g kg(-1). min(-1) and dexmedetomidine 0.4 µg x kg(-1) x hr(-1). After 10 minutes, he was sedated and agreed to undergo spinal anesthesia. Spinal anesthesia was successful with isobaric bupivacaine 3.0 mI. The patient showed no untoward behavior during anesthesia and the operation.