Spinal Anesthesia – Anatomy & Physiology

Understanding the Spine: The Foundation of Spinal Anesthesia Spinal anesthesia is a cornerstone technique in regional anesthesia, but its safe execution requires deep understanding of spinal anatomy, physiological principles, and appropriate patient selection. Let’s explore the critical anatomical structures, physiological principles, and clinical applications that form the basis of this…

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Cardiac Risk Index

The Cardiac Risk Index refers to clinical tools used to predict the risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery.

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Atracurium

Atracurium Chemical Structure

Atracurium is an intermediate-acting, non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocker. Hofmann elimination (independent of renal/hepatic function). Causes histamine release (risk of hypotension/tachycardia). Dose: 0.4-0.5 mg/kg IV. Reversed by neostigmine/glycopyrrolate. Ideal for patients with organ dysfunction.

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Isoflurane

Isoflurane

Isoflurane is a potent, reliable inhalational anesthetic (MAC ~1.2%) with moderate blood solubility (λB:G 1.4). Known for cardiovascular stability and bronchodilation, it uses a standard vaporizer. Pungent but less than Desflurane; suitable for pediatric maintenance. Cost-effective with minimal metabolism, making it a staple in anesthesia practice.

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Desflurane

Desflurane Vaporizer

Desflurane is a potent inhalational anesthetic prized for its rapid emergence due to low blood solubility (MAC 6-7%). Ideal for outpatient surgery and fast wake-up needs. Requires a special heated vaporizer. Pungent and irritating, it’s contraindicated for inhalational induction. Minimal metabolism offers low toxicity risk. Key for anesthesia efficiency.

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Sevoflurane

Sevoflurane

Sevoflurane is a potent, non-pungent inhalational anesthetic (MAC ~2%) with low blood solubility (λB:G 0.65). Ideal for smooth inhalational induction (especially pediatrics) and rapid emergence. Uses a standard vaporizer. Minimal airway irritation; monitor for Compound A with low-flow anesthesia. Low metabolism ensures safety.

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Midazolam

Midazolam Injection

Midazolam is a short-acting benzodiazepine used for preoperative sedation, anxiolysis, and amnesia. Rapid IV onset (1-2 min), metabolized hepatically. Causes respiratory depression; requires reversal with flumazenil. Synergistic with opioids. Key for procedural sedation and anxiolysis in anesthesia.

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Anesthetic Emergencies

Of course, this is a critical topic yet teaching our future physicians and anesthesiologists to anticipate, recognize, and manage anesthetic emergencies is paramount to patient safety. Here is a structured list of anesthesia emergencies. We have organized them by the physiological system or phase of care, which is a logical…

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