Anaesthetics and Critical Care Flashcards
What is a Biers block good for?
Regional anaesthesia for upper limb procedures - e.g. distal radius fractures
What are the pre-requisites for performing a Biers block?
2 doctors Fully serviced tourniquet system free from leaks and with integral pressure monitoring system Exsanguination bandage
What pressure would you inflate the tourniquet to in Biers block for normal adult male?
100mmHg above SBP
What LA can’t you use in Biers block? Why?
Bupivacaine - cardiotoxic - in case tourniquet fails
What LA would you choose in Biers block?
Lidocaine or prilocaine
Describe how to do a Biers block?
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/348/386/664/a_image_thumb.jpg?1623425091)
What may happen in incarcerated hernia surgery with bowel involvement once anaesthetic (muscle relaxant) given?
SIRS response as bowel reperfuses and causes toxic metabolites to circulate
What is the classical cause of malignant hyperthermia? When does it present?
Suxamethonium
Usually almost immediately, rarely post-op
What happens in malignant hyperthermia?
Catabolic state - hyperthermia, tachycardia, muscle rigidity, rhabdomyolysis, acidosis, increase in end tidal CO2
What happens in malignant hyperthermia on a cellular level?
Calcium channel abnormalities leading to uncontrolled influx of calcium into sarcoplasmic reticulum and sustained, uncontrolled muscle contraction
What is the inheritance of malignant hyperthermia?
AD inherited, Ch19 gene defect encoding for ryanodine receptor
Less common cause of trigger malignant hyperthermia?
Halothane
Treatment for malignant hyperthermia? How does it work?
Muscle relaxant, works directly on cellular receptors to prevent release of calcium
What general kinds of muscle relaxants are safe in possible malignant hyperthermia?
Non-depolarising
Define brain death?
Complete and irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain including the brain stem