Faculty Bibliography

The use of temporary porto-caval shunt (TPCS) has been shown to improve hemodynamic stability and renal function in patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). We evaluated the impact of TPCS in OLT and analyzed the differences according to model for end-stage liver disease (MELD), donor risk index (DRI) and D-MELD. This is a retrospective single-center analysis of 148 consecutive OLT. Fifty-eight OLT were performed using TPCS and 90 without TPCS. Donor and recipient data with pre-OLT, intraoperative and postoperative variables were reviewed. Overall graft survival was 89.9% at 3 months and 81.7% at 1 year. Graft survival at 3 months and 1 year was 93.1% and 79.2%, respectively, in TPCS group versus 85.6% and 82.2%, respectively, in non-TPCS group (P = NS). Intraoperative packed red blood cells requirement was lower in TPCS group (7.5 +/- 5.8 vs. 12.2 +/- 14.2, P = 0.006) and non-TPCS group required higher intraoperative total dose of phenylephrine (16% vs. 28%, P = 0.04). TPCS group had lower 30-day postoperative mortality (1.7% vs. 10%, P = 0.04), no difference was observed at 90 days. Graft survival was lower in patients with high DRI; in this group graft loss was higher at 1 month (25% vs. 4.3%, P = 0.005) and 3 months (25% vs. 4.3%, P = 0.005) when TPCS was not used. TPCS improves perioperative outcome, this being more evident when high-risk grafts are placed into high-risk patients

Recombinant activated factor VIIa (rFVIIa) has many clinical applications for patients with congenital bleeding disorders and in a variety of clinical settings. Additional studies in the future are ongoing and should provide the clinical anesthesiologist an additional option during certain bleeding states. Specific recommendations as to timing of administration and frequent monitoring of ionized calcium status are suggested at this time. Optimization of fibrinogen levels, platelet levels, pH, and body temperature will enhance efficacy of rFVIIa

BACKGROUND: The incidence of difficult intubations has consistently remained between 8 and 9%. We found a novel approach to the difficult intubation using a Glidescope in the awake spontaneously breathing patient. METHODS: In a difficult airway, the same approach for an awake fiberoptic intubation including excellent nerve blocks and sedation can be used with a Glidescope in the same fashion as a fiberoptic bronchoscope. RESULTS: The skill level for the awake Glidescope appears to be less, making it a useful tool for emergency room physicians and critical care physicians when used for awake intubation. It is particularly useful for the patient who fails the airway exam and also has macroglossia. CONCLUSION: This case report confirms that while not applicable to every patient, the awake Glidescope intubation does add to the previous existing armamentarium in this clinically challenging situation