Basavana Gouda Goudra

Outpatient endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: Safety and efficacy of anesthetic management with a natural airway in 653 consecutive procedures

Background: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a unique diagnostic and therapeutic procedure performed in high risk patients in prone/semi-prone position. Propofol based deep sedation has emerged as the method of choice however, the ability to predict possible complications is yet un-explored. Aims: The present study aimed to evaluate known high risk-factors for general anesthesia (American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status, body mass index (BMI), and Mallampati class) for their ability to affect outcomes in ERCP patients. Study Design: Retrospective data of 653 patients who underwent ERCP during a period of 26 months at university hospital of Pennsylvania was reviewed. Patient-specific and procedure specific data was extracted. Desaturation was defined by fall of pulse oximeter saturation below 95% and its relation to patient specific high risk-factors was analyzed. Results: Only 45 patients had transient de-saturation below 95% without any residual sequlae. No statistically significant relation between desaturation episodes and patients higher ASA status or BMI or modified Mallampati (MMP) class was found. Despite 60% patients being ASA III/IV none required emergency intubation or procedural interruption. Optimal oxygenation and airway patency was maintained with high degree of success using simple airway maneuvers or conduit devices (nasal/oral trumpet) with oxygen supplementation in all patients. Conclusions: Unlike general anesthesia, pre-operative patient ASA status, higher MMP or increasing BMI does not bear relation with likelihood of patients desaturating during ERCP. In presence of vigilant apnea monitoring and careful dose titration of maintenance anesthetics with airway conduits, general anesthesia, emergency intubations, and procedure interruptions can be avoided.

Anesthesia for gastrointestinal endoscopy in patients with left ventricular assist devices: Initial experience with 68 procedures

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Continuous flow left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) have emerged as a reliable treatment option for heart failure. Because of bleeding secondary to anticoagulation, these patients present frequently for gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. The presently available literature on perioperative management of these patients is extremely limited and is primarily based upon theoretical principles. MATERIALS AND METHODS Perioperative records of patients with LVAD undergoing (GI) endoscopy between 2008 and 2012 were reviewed. Patient, device and procedure specific information was analyzed. RESULTS A total of 105 LVADs were implanted, and 68 procedures were performed in 39 patients. The most common indication was GI bleed (48/68), with yearly risk of 8.57% per patient. A total of 63 procedures were performed under deep sedation, with five procedures requiring general anesthesia. Intra-procedure hypotension was managed by fluids and (or) vasopressors/inotropes (phenylephrine, ephedrine or milrinone) guided by plethysmographic waveform, non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) and LVADs pulsatility index (for HeartMate II)/flow pulsatility (for HeartWare). No patient required invasive monitoring and both NIBP and pulse oximeter could be reliably used for monitoring (and guided management) in all patients due to the presence of native hearts pulsatile output. CONCLUSION In the presence of residual heart function, with optimal device settings, non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring can be reliably used in these patients while undergoing GI endoscopy under general anesthesia or monitored anesthesia care. Transient hypotensive episodes respond well to fluids/vasopressors without the need of increasing device speed that can be detrimental.

Anesthesia for ERCP: Impact of Anesthesiologist's Experience on Outcome and Cost

The present study evaluates the effect of anesthesiologists experience in providing deep sedation for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) on cost and safety. Methodology. Perioperative records of 1167 patients who underwent ERCP were divided on the basis of anesthesiologist assisting these procedures either on regular basis (Group R) or on ad hoc basis (Group N). Comparisons were made for anesthesia times, complication rates, and airway interventions. Results. Across all American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Classes, regular anesthesiologists were more efficient (overall mean anesthesia time in Group R was 24.82 ± 12.96 versus 48.63 ± 21.53 minutes in Group N). Within Group R, anesthesia times across all ASA classes were comparable. In Group N, anesthesia times for higher ASA status patients were significantly longer (ASA IV, 64.62 ± 35.78 versus ASA I, 45.88 ± 11.19 minutes). Intubation rates (0.76% versus 12.8%) and median minimal oxygen saturation (100% versus 97.01%) were significantly higher in Group R. Had Group R anesthesiologists performed all procedures, the hospital could have saved US

Anesthesia for Advanced Bronchoscopic Procedures: State-of-the-Art Review

758536 (based upon operating room time costs). Conclusion. Experience in providing deep sedation improved patient safety and decreased the operating room turnaround time, thereby lowering operating room costs associated with these procedures.

Remimazolam: The future of its sedative potential

Abstract The bronchoscopic procedures have seen a remarkable increase in both numbers and complexity. Although many anesthesia providers have kept pace with the challenge, the practice is varied and frequently suboptimal. Shared airway during bronchoscopy poses unique challenges. The available reviews have tried to address this lacuna; however, these have frequently dealt with the technical aspects of bronchoscopy than anesthetic challenges. The present review provides evidence-based management insights into anesthesia for bronchoscopy—both flexible and rigid. A systematic approach toward pre-procedural evaluation and risk stratification is presented. The possible anatomical and physiological factors that can influence the outcomes are discussed. Pharmacological principles guiding sedation levels and appropriate selection of sedatives form the crux of safe anesthetic management. The newer and safer drugs that can have potential role in anesthesia for bronchoscopy in the near future are discussed. Ventilatory strategies during bronchoscopy for prevention of hypoxia and hypercarbia are emphasized.

Propofol alternatives in gastrointestinal endoscopy anesthesia

Remimazolam (CNS 7056) is a new drug innovation in anesthesia. It combines the properties of two unique drugs already established in anesthesia – Midazolam and remifentanil. It acts on GABA receptors like midazolam and has organ-independent metabolism like remifentanil. It is likely to be the sedative of the future, as preliminary phase II trials have shown minimal residual effects on prolonged infusions. It has potential to be used as a sedative in ICU and as a novel agent for procedural sedation. Unlike most rapidly acting intravenous sedatives available presently, the propensity to cause apnea is very low. Availability of a specific antagonist (flumazenil) adds to its safety even in cases of overdose. The present review discusses remimazolams potential as a new drug in anesthesia along with the presently available literary evidence.

Goudra ventilating bite block to reduce hypoxemia during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Although propofol has been the backbone for sedation in gastrointestinal endoscopy, both anesthesiologists and endoscopists are faced with situations where an alternative is needed. Recent national shortages forced many physicians to explore these options. A midazolam and fentanyl combination is the mainstay in this area. However, there are other options. The aim of this review is to explore these options. The future would be, invariably, to move away from propofol. The reason is not in any way related to the drawbacks of propofol as a sedative. The mandate that requires an anesthesia provider to administer propofol has been a setback in many countries. New sedative drugs like Remimazolam might fill this void in the future. In the meantime, it is important to keep an open eye to the existing alternatives.

The Role of GABA Receptor Agonists in Anesthesia and Sedation

We describe the airway management of a patient presenting for ERCP with a bite block that allows positive pressure ventilation.

Remifentanil in labor

GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) receptors, of which there are two types, are involved in inhibitory synapses within the central nervous system. The GABAA receptor (GABAAR) has a central role in modern anesthesia and sedation practice, which is evident from the high proportion of agents that target the GABAAR. Many GABAAR agonists are used in anesthesia practice and sedation, including propofol, etomidate, methohexital, thiopental, isoflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane. There are advantages and disadvantages to each GABAAR agonist currently in clinical use. With increasing knowledge regarding the pharmacology of GABAAR agonists, however, newer sedative agents have been developed which employ ‘soft pharmacology’, a term used to describe the pharmacology of agents whereby their chemical configuration allows rapid metabolism into inactive metabolites after the desired therapeutic effect(s) has occurred. These newer ‘soft’ GABAAR agonists may well approach ideal sedative agents, as they can offer well-controlled, titratable activity and ultrashort action. This review provides an overview of the role that GABAAR agonists currently play in sedation and anesthesia, in addition to discussing the future role of novel GABAAR agonists in anesthesia and sedation.

Forward Progress of Sedation for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Requires Taking a Step Back

Remifentanil is in clinical use for over 15 years. In spite of its unparalleled popularity, largely due to its unique pharmacokinetics, its place in labor analgesia is yet to be determined. Narrow therapeutic window and ability to cause rapid and severe respiratory depression are some of the major setbacks. Need for close monitoring, at least in the initial implementation stage is mandatory. Education of the labor suite nurses along with innovative monitoring technique is needed to realize the full potential of remifentanil in the labor room.