Ron M. Walls

Retractable IV Catheters: Safer by What Definition?

Retractable needle systems must now be available for IV catheters by government mandate. Although their use may reduce needle puncture injuries, there

Bioavailability of Oral Midazolam Solutions

Oral midazolam for pediatric sedation was initially administered as an ad hoc mixture of the IV preparation in a palatable vehicle, but an oral

Successful Intubation of Morbidly Obese Patients Using the ILMA

Morbid obesity increases the likelihood of difficult intubation and bag/mask ventilation. Failure to intubate a morbidly obese patient in the emergency

Obesity Makes Intubation More Difficult

Controversy continues about intubation difficulty in obese patients: Is obesity itself the cause, or is intubation difficult in obese patients for the

Laryngeal Mask Airway Versus Pro-Seal™: Which Is Better?

The Pro-Seal™ laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) is a modification of the standard LMA that is designed to improve seal integrity and facilitate passage of a

Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway: What Size Is Right?

Recommendations for selecting the size of the intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) are based on height, weight, sex, and nose-chin distance. These

Obesity Does Not Make Intubation Difficult

Many clinicians believe that obesity makes tracheal intubation more difficult. These authors studied 100 consecutive morbidly obese (body mass index [BMI] >40 kg/m2) patients undergoing elective surgery to determine factors that predict difficult intubation.nnMallampati score, neck circumference, mouth opening, thyromental distance, sternomental distance, neck mobility, dental condition, and history of obstructive sleep apnea …

Ketorolac Pharmacokinetics Don't Differ in Children and Adults

Ketorolac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug of moderate analgesic potency, can be used in both children and adults. Previous pharmacokinetic

Is Succinylcholine Safe in Patients with Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia (serum potassium >5.5 mEq/L) is often considered a contraindication to succinylcholine (SCh) use, even though the increase in plasma

Education with Simulators Must Be Better, But How?

High-fidelity medical simulation has transformed medical education, particularly as inexpensive simulators have become available. Although simulation