“Real life” impact of anesthesia strategy for mechanical thrombectomy on the delay,recanalization and outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients

Background and purposeChoice of anesthesia type on outcome for mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in acute ischemic stroke remains controversial. The goal of our research was to study the impact of anesthesia strategy on the delay, angiographic and neurological outcome of MT performed under general anesthesia (GA) vs. conscious sedation (CS).MethodsThis prospective, single-center observational study included patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (ACLVO) strokes treated with MT within 6 hours of symptom onset. All time metrics were evaluated. Angiographic and clinical outcomes were assessed by recanalization rate (mTICI) and 3-month functional independence (mRs). Complications and mortality rate were recorded as safety outcomes.ResultsIn total, 303 consecutive thrombectomies were performed, 86.8% under GA. NIHSS was higher in GA, with median of 19.0 for GA and 16.5 for CS (P = 0.049). Median time from arrival in hospital (door) to groin puncture was 83 min (IQR = 45.0–109.5) for GA compared to 72 min (IQR = 35.0–85.3) for CS, P = 0.170). Median time from arrival in the angiosuite to groin puncture was 20 min (IQR = 15.0–29.0) for GA compared to 15 min (IQR = 10.0–20.0) for CS, P = 0.017). There were no significant differences in recanalization time metrics, successful revascularization rate, functional independence and mortality rate at three months.ConclusionsGA induced a 5 to 10 minutes delay for groin puncture, without impact on recanalization time metrics, or neurological outcome at 3 months. Our results demonstrate that a well-organized workflow is associated with reasonable delay in performing GA for MT, without effect on outcome compared to sedation.     

Gastric point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) during pregnancy and the postpartum period: a systematic review

Personalised risk assessment of the likelihood of pulmonary aspiration is recommended for pregnant women undergoing general anaesthesia and gastric point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) may help to achieve this. Traditionally, risk assessment is based upon adherence to fasting times, but gastric emptying may vary during pregnancy and surgery often needs to be expedited. We systematically reviewed the evidence for gastric PoCUS up to August 2018 in pregnant and postpartum women to determine whether it can identify and quantify stomach contents, provide aspiration risk assessment via qualitative or quantitative means, and determine how gastric emptying is affected by pregnancy. Twenty-two articles comprising 1050 participants were included and studies were classified by qualitative or quantitative findings. The evidence suggests that gastric PoCUS is a reliable and feasible method of imaging the stomach in pregnancy in clinical practice. Qualitative assessment via the Perlas grading system can provide rapid assessment of gastric volume states. If fluid is visible, identification of patients at high risk of pulmonary aspiration requires measurement of antral cross-sectional area. Cut-off values of 608 mm² and 960 mm² are recommended in the semi-recumbent and right lateral semi-recumbent positions, respectively. Validated methods to quantify stomach volumes are available, however their usefulness is currently restricted to research. Gastric PoCUS also provides evidence that gastric emptying of ingested food is delayed by term pregnancy, labour and during the early postpartum period. However, the passage of fluids through the stomach appears unaffected throughout the peripartum period.     

Antenatal anaesthetic assessment of obstetric patients

Early identification and anaesthetic assessment of high-risk patients in pregnancy is important and best delivered through a formal assessment clinic. It provides the opportunity to provide information, agree management plans, and carry out necessary investigations and referrals to other specialists prior to labour and delivery. Clear referral criteria and lines of communication are necessary for an effective service.     

Postpartum cerebral venous sinus thrombosis following obstetric neuraxial blockade: a literature review with analysis of 58 case reports

BackgroundCerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare complication of pregnancy. It usually presents with a headache and may mimic a post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) in women who receive a neuraxial block.MethodsMedline, CINAHL and EMBASE databases were searched to identify postpartum cases of CVST following neuraxial block. The aim was to delineate the characteristics, presentation, investigations, and outcomes of postpartum women who presented with CVST.ResultsForty-nine articles with 58 case reports were identified. Forty-two women (72.4%) had an epidural attempted whilst 16 women (27.6%) received a spinal anaesthetic. Accidental dural puncture (ADP) was reported in 17 women (40.5%). Headache was the presenting symptom in 57 women (98.3%); 26 women (44.8%) also experienced seizures. Post-dural puncture headache was reported in 46 (79.3%) and an epidural blood patch was performed in 26 women (44.8%). Superior sagittal sinus, transverse sinus, and cortical veins were the most common sites of thrombosis. The median time to diagnosis was 6.5 days from delivery. Magnetic resonance imaging was the most common diagnostic neuro-imaging modality. Full neurological recovery was reported in 48 (82.8%), whilst neurological deficits were reported in six (10.3%) women.DiscussionThe diagnosis of CVST may be overlooked in women who present with headache following neuraxial block. A change in character of headache with loss of postural element, and focal neurological signs are the key clinical features that could help anaesthetists differentiate headache of CVST from PDPH. The high reported rates of ADP and PDPH lend support to their possible association with CVST.     

Effects of the Anaesthetic-ECT time interval and ventilation rate on seizure quality in electroconvulsive therapy: A prospective randomised trial

BackgroundThe anaesthetic approach adopted in ECT practice has the potential to influence patient outcomes. However, the impact of the time interval between anaesthetic induction and ECT stimulus administration has not been studied prospectively to date. This variable may represent an indirect measure of anaesthetic concentration at the time of stimulation, and therefore may influence the quality of seizures induced.ObjectiveTo examine the impact of the anaesthetic to ECT stimulus time interval, and ventilation rate pre-treatment, on ictal seizure quality.MethodsIn a prospective, crossover trial, 54 depressed participants were randomised to variations in anaesthetic technique at four sequential ECT treatment sessions, in a 2 x 2 design: randomisation to a short or long anaesthetic-ECT time interval, and randomisation to normal ventilation or hyperventilation during anaesthetic induction with thiopentone. Ictal EEG data were collected at each study session and assessed by a blinded rater for ictal quality (seizure amplitude, regularity, post-ictal suppression and general seizure quality), using a quantitative-qualitative structured rating scale. Linear mixed effects models were used to analyse the effect of the anaesthetic-ECT time interval, and that of ventilation rate, on seizure quality indices.ResultsThe anaesthetic-ECT time interval had a significant impact on ictal EEG quality indices (p < 0.01), with longer time intervals producing higher quality seizures. Ventilation rate did not significantly influence quality measures.ConclusionThe time between anaesthetic induction and ECT stimulus administration has a significant impact on ictal EEG seizure quality. Conversely, manipulations of ventilation rate did not significantly affect seizure quality. These results suggest the anaesthetic-ECT time interval should be routinely monitored clinically and potentially optimised for maximising seizure quality with ECT.     

Indication for and technical refinements of submental intubation in oral and maxillofacial surgery

INTRODUCTION: In maxillofacial injuries, a choice has often to be made between different ways of intubation when surgical access to both the nasal and the oral cavities is necessary. Submental intubation is an interesting alternative to tracheotomy, especially when short-term postoperative control of the airway is foreseeable, and as control of the dental occlusion is complete, and access to the nose and mouth is undisturbed. MATERIAL: This kind of intubation has been used in our department in 25 cases since 1997. All patients had fractures disturbing the dental occlusion plus either an associated fracture of the skull base, or a displaced nasal fracture. RESULTS: There was no intra-operative complication, average intubation duration was 1.5 days. Post-operative complications consisted of one case with hypertrophic scarring and two cases of abscess formation in the floor of the mouth. All these completely healed following local conservative treatment. CONCLUSION: Submental intubation demands certain technical skills but it is simple, rapid and may avoid tracheotomy in selected patients.     

Anaesthesia in the MRI unit

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a widely available imaging modality providing high-resolution images of soft tissues. The magnetic fields generated by these scanners create an array of safety challenges which require specialist equipment and trained staff to safely operate within this environment.Guidance exists for the anaesthetist working in the MR suite, though for many individuals it remains a less familiar environment and remote site for practising safe anaesthesia.We outline the specific concerns with commonly encountered implanted devices and some of the practicalities related to caring for patients with these devices in the MRI suite.Within neuroanaesthesia, advances in procedural techniques and technology in MRI lead to an increased number of patients requiring scanning for diagnosis and treatment progress.This includes patients on the critical care unit and intraoperatively in the interventional MRI suites.     

Neurological complications in obstetric regional anaesthesia

Central neuraxial blocks are the commonest procedures performed in obstetric anaesthesia. Most post-partum neurological complications are obstetric palsies caused by the process of normal labour itself. However, anaesthetists must be able to develop a methodical approach to their assessment of neurological injuries to be able to differentiate between anaesthetic and non-anaesthetic causes, and importantly be able to promptly recognize when urgent investigations and management are required to prevent permanent harm to patients. Anaesthetists must understand the principles of good practice when performing neuraxial blocks. This includes taking the recommended precautions to reduce the risk of neurological complications by assessing coagulation status, adhering to infection control measures, appropriate positioning and technique, clear communication with patients, and monitoring the resolution of a neuraxial block post-natally. The anaesthetist must work within the multidisciplinary setting to reduce risk by consulting obstetricians, haematologists and neurologists, as well as providing appropriate follow-up and management for patients with physiotherapy.