Emil J. Menk

Subarachnoid and epidural calcitonin in patients with pain due to metastatic cancer

Nine patients with metastatic cancer who had pain refractory to traditional treatments received a subarachnoid injection of salmon calcitonin. Eight of the nine patients reported pain relief after subarachnoid injection varying from 1 hr to 5 days. Four of the responding patients subsequently received an epidural injection of salmon calcitonin, and two of these patients reported pain relief. Although many patients experienced pain relief, nausea and vomiting appeared to be a significant side effect, occurring in seven out of nine patients.

A comparison of pulse oximeters during helicopter flight

Pulse oximetry would be an invaluable parameter to monitor during patient transport. While original models of oximeters were not battery powered nor very portable, this has changed. Seven currently available commercial pulse oximeter models were evaluated in the noisy vibration-prone environment of a helicopter. Three (3) units were judged to be unacceptable on the basis of weight, duration of battery life, or lack of ease of use. In two (2) units, the sampling algorithms appeared to interface with their performance. Of the seven (7) units tested, two (2) units were found to be reliable, portable, and easy to use. The use of portable pulse oximetry monitors should rapidly become routine during the transport of critically ill patients.

Rapid tracheal intubation with vecuronium: The timing principle

A method of administration of vecuronium for intubation that allows excellent intubating conditions in 60 seconds after the induction of anesthesia is described. Patients were divided into three groups based on the dose of vecuronium given. These patients were given either 0.10 mg/kg, 0.15 mg/kg, or 0.20 mg/kg of vecuronium intravenously. Intubating doses of vecuronium were given prior to the induction of anesthesia with sodium thiopental. Administration of the sodium thiopental was timed to the onset of clinical weakness in each patient.

Clinical evaluation of commonly used blood administration sets.

Five commonly available blood transfusion sets, the Fenwall Blood Recipient set, the Abbott HEMAR Y-type Blood Set, the Bentley Infusion Blood Set (PFF-100), the Medex Hi-Flo TraumaR Quad Set (MX 884) and the Pall Ultipor Transfusion Set with Filter are compared. Flow rates and lifespan are evaluated by measuring the time required for 150 mL aliquots of homogeneous units of human red blood cells to pass through the devices under 300 mmHg constant pressure. Microfiltration of blood is briefly reviewed.