Komplexe Rettung aus exponierter Lage bei prolongiertem Kreislaufstillstand

Notfall + Rettungsmedizin - Patientenrettungen aus exponierter Lage stellen eine medizinisch wie technische Herausforderung dar. Die Arbeitssicherheit der beteiligten Einsatzkräfte steht...     

Einsätze des innerklinischen Notfallteams eines überregionalen Maximalversorgers

Die Anaesthesiologie - Bei etwa 10 % aller hospitalisierten Patienten kommt es zu unerwarteten Zwischenfällen, die mit einer erhöhten Letalität einhergehen. Die Etablierung von...     

„Rapid sequence induction and intubation“ beim aspirationsgefährdeten Patienten

Die Anaesthesiologie - Die Abweichung von der Standard-Anästhesieeinleitung bei aspirationsgefährdeten Patienten führt potenziell zu einem Anstieg des Risikos für...     

Anaesthesia in patients with Parkinson's disease

The neurodegenerative death of dopaminergic neurons of the pars compacta of the substantia nigra leads to the classical triad of resting tremor, muscle rigidity, and bradykinesia of Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is a common disease of elderly patients requiring perioperative anaesthesia. Particular anaesthetic problems are neurological, respiratory, and cardiovascular. The clinical features and the interaction of common anaesthetics with the drug therapy of the patient present an anaesthetic challenge and directly influence perioperative morbidity and mortality.     

A multicenter study of the Ambu laryngeal mask in nonparalyzed, anesthetized patients

We designed this multicenter trial to evaluate the performance and safety of the Ambu laryngeal mask, a new disposable supraglottic airway device, in patients scheduled for elective surgery. One-hundred-eighteen nonparalyzed, anesthetized patients (ASA physical status I-II, age, 18-65 yr, body mass index, 18-30 kg/m(-2)) receiving total IV anesthesia were included in this study. After device insertion, fiberoptic position and oropharyngeal leak pressure were determined at an intracuff pressure of 60 cm H2O. Ease of ventilation was determined by controlling ventilation at 6 mL/kg tidal volume. Any complications were noted and recorded. Device placement was successful in all patients on the first or second attempt (92.4% or 7.6%, respectively) with an insertion time (removal of face mask until first tidal volume) of 44.9 +/- 37.91 s. Adequate ventilation was achieved in all patients and the vocal cords could be visualized by fiberoptic endoscopy in 91.5% of patients. Oropharyngeal leak pressures were 24.1 +/- 5.44 cm H2O. Blood was detected on the device in 8.5% of patients. Complications and patient complaints were minor and quickly resolved. The Ambu laryngeal mask is easy and quick to insert and provides a safe and efficient seal during positive pressure ventilation in nonparalyzed patients scheduled for elective surgery.     

Proton or photon irradiation for hemangiomas of the choroid? A retrospective comparison

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare, on a retrospective basis, the results of therapy in patients with uveal hemangioma treated with photon or proton irradiation at a single center. METHODS: From 1993 to 2002 a total of 44 patients were treated. Until 1998 radiotherapy was given with 6 MV photons in standard fractionation of 2.0 Gy 5 times per week. In 1998 proton therapy became available and was used since then. A dose of 20 to 22.5 Cobalt Gray Equivalent (CGE) 68 MeV protons was given on 4 consecutive days. Progressive symptoms or deterioration of vision were the indications for therapy. RESULTS: Of the 44 patients treated, 36 had circumscribed choroidal hemangiomas and 8 had diffuse choroidal hemangiomas (DCH) and Sturge-Weber syndrome. Of the patients, 19 were treated with photons with a total dose in the range of 16 to 30 Gy. A total of 25 patients were irradiated with protons. All patients with DCH but 1 were treated with photons. Stabilization of visual acuity was achieved in 93.2% of all patients. Tumor thickness decreased in 95.4% and retinal detachment resolved in 92.9%. Late effects, although generally mild or moderate, were frequently detected. In all, 40.9% showed radiation-induced optic neuropathy, maximum Grade I. Retinopathy was found in 29.5% of cases, but only 1 patient experienced more than Grade II severity. Retinopathy and radiation-induced optic neuropathy were reversible in some of the patients and in some resolved completely. No differences could be detected between patients with circumscribed choroidal hemangiomas treated with protons and photons. Treatment was less effective in DCH patients (75%). CONCLUSIONS: Radiotherapy is effective in treating choroidal hemangiomas with respect to visual acuity and tumor thickness but a benefit of proton therapy could not be detected. Side effects are moderate but careful monitoring for side effects should be part of the follow-up procedures.