Anesthesiology Commons^™

A Perfect Storm: Navigating Difficult Airway Management In A Patient With Lobulated Vocal Cord Polyps, Avetis Boyadzhyan, Shawn Chakraborty, Joseph Answine, Ali Ahmed-Elamin

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Do Patients Who Receive Dexmedetomidine As An Adjunct To Spinal Anesthesia For Cesarean Delivery Achieve Longer Block Duration Compared To Those Who Receive Spinal Anesthesia With Local Anesthetic Alone?, Liana S. Garrison

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Problem Statement: Cesarean delivery is associated with significant postoperative pain, typically managed with spinal anesthesia using a local anesthetic. While opioids are often added as adjuncts, the addition of dexmedetomidine, an alpha-2 agonist, has emerged as a potential alternative that may enhance the efficacy of the spinal block in terms of pain management, potentially improving block duration and quality compared to local anesthetic alone.

Methodology: A literature review was conducted on the use of dexmedetomidine as an adjunct to spinal anesthesia for patients undergoing cesarean sections. Databases used for the search included PubMed, CINAHL Complete, and MEDLINE. The keywords used …

A Comprehensive Review On Utilizing Human Brain Organoids To Study Neuroinflammation In Neurological Disorders, Adrian Domene Rubio, Luke Hamilton, Mark Bausch, Mengmeng Jin, Ava Papetti, Peng Jiang, Sowmya V. Yelamanchili

Journal Articles: Anesthesiology

Most current information about neurological disorders and diseases is derived from direct patient and animal studies. However, patient studies in many cases do not allow replication of the early stages of the disease and, therefore, offer limited opportunities to understand disease progression. On the other hand, although the use of animal models allows us to study the mechanisms of the disease, they present significant limitations in developing drugs for humans. Recently, 3D-cultured in vitro models derived from human pluripotent stem cells have surfaced as a promising system. They offer the potential to connect findings from patient studies with those from …

Comprehensive Characterization Of Chronic Midazolam Exposure On Neonates And Long-Term Neurodevelopment, Nghi M. Nguyen, Pranavi Athota, Adrian Flores, Andrew Trease, Daniel Meyer, Vamsi K. Singu, Chandan Krishnamoorthy, Victoria L. Schaal, Reeyan Bhakat, Kunal Sualy, Sathish Kumar Natarajan, Kelly L. Stauch, Sowmya V. Yelamanchili, Gurudutt Pendyala

Journal Articles: Anesthesiology

Approximately 1 in 10 U.S. newborns are born preterm (< 37 weeks of gestation), facing risks of low birth weight, respiratory and birth deficits often requiring surgery, mechanical ventilation, and prolonged sedation. Such long-term exposure to sedatives in these babies can potentially pose neurodevelopmental risks and can further impact changes later in life. The present study focused on midazolam (MDZ), a benzodiazepine class drug commonly used as sedative in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Using a robust preclinical rodent model mimicking chronic MDZ exposure, we did a comprehensive characterization on the phenotypic, molecular, biochemical, and behavioral outcomes in these exposed neonates across key developmental milestones. Our findings indicate that long-term MDZ exposure during the neonatal period negatively affects physical attributes in early childhood. While adult bodyweights between control and MDZ-exposed rats remain comparable, the MDZ rats exhibit accelerated and robust weight gain, potentially indicating a predisposition for binge eating behavior. Additionally, dopamine release in MDZ-exposed rats is markedly reduced in adulthood. Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors in the brain during adulthood suggest a shift in development due to early MDZ exposure. Further, trends of heightened anxiety-like behavior and reduced social interaction during early adolescence compared to other stages were observed. Collectively, our study provides a comprehensive assessment of how long-term MDZ exposure during neonatal stages impacts outcomes throughout life, laying the foundation for understanding mechanisms that contribute to neurodevelopmental complications associated with long-term MDZ use in neonates.

Chaos To Calm: Utilizing Checklists In The Icu To Improve Quality During Intubations, J Dunitz, Matthew Daniel, Will Hickman, Sarah Johnson, Erik Porter

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Leveraging Clinical Standards To Improve The Translational Relevance Of Therapies For Experimental Spinal Cord Injury, Aaron L. Silverstein

Theses and Dissertations--Neuroscience

Efforts to improve treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI) often use animals to develop effective therapeutics, intending to improve the survival and the quality of life of persons with SCI. Over half of all SCIs in the United States occur at the cervical level and often cause locomotor deficits and life-threatening breathing dysfunction. Thus, my dissertation is focused on this important patient population.

After beginning with a description of translational research and surveying SCI from a clinical standpoint, I turned to describe experimental models of cervical SCI and more detailed neuroimmunological findings relevant to my work. Then, I conducted a …

Whipple’S Procedure Under Combined Segmental Spinal And Epidural Anesthesia With Enhanced Recovery: A Case Report, Abhirami Ravindran, Imran Ahmed Khan, Naresh Wamanrao Paliwal

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

The Whipple’s procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy), is a complex surgery performed for various indications, usually under general anesthesia (GA). However, GA carries a significant perioperative risk, especially in patients with comorbidities. Combined segmental spinal and epidural anesthesia (CSSE) with low doses of local anesthetics and adjuvants may be a feasible alternative owing to hemodynamic stability, potentially reducing complications and promoting enhanced recovery.

We present a 43-year-old male with periampullary adenoma with high-grade dysplasia who underwent a Whipple’s procedure under CSSE due to high-risk features (e.g., severe jaundice, low blood pressure, and anemia) and chronic smoking and alcoholism. Thoracic epidural (T7–T8) and spinal …

Comparision Of Buprenorphine Versus Butorphanol As An Adjuvant To Intrathecal Hyperbaric Bupivacaine For Elective Infraumbilical Surgeries : A Randomised Control Study At A Tertiary Care Hospital, Mandya, Surabhi C A, Dr. Kiran A V. Associate Professor, Dr. Shivakumar G Pofessor And Hod, Umesh N P

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Introduction: Spinal anaesthesia is the most popularly performed procedure in the field of anaesthesiology. Hyperbaric bupivacaine, the local anaesthetic most commonly used, has limitation as its effect lasts only for 1.5-2 hours. Hence a lot of adjuvants have been tried to enhance the analgesic effect of bupivacaine.^[2] Opioids remain the mainstay among the various adjuvants to local anesthetics in spinal anaesthesia primarily by virtue of its various properties such as reducing the dose of local anaesthetic, minimizing side effects, and prolonging the duration of anaesthesia.^[3]

Aim: This study aims to compare the sensory and motor characteristics …

Prophylactic Use Of Lipid Emulsion Therapy After Inadvertent Administration Of 0.5% Ropivacaine For A Bier Block: A Case Report., Alexander Luong, Sirimas Lau, Elizabeth Johnson-Gray, Rayyan Bhutta, Austin Shaffer, Mitchell Hughes, Andrew Gable, Matthias Franzen

Surgery Articles

The Bier block for intravenous regional anesthesia is generally well tolerated, and few complications have been reported. It provides a bloodless surgical field and adequate analgesia when performed correctly. A diluted short-acting local anesthetic such as 0.5% lidocaine is typically used. Our case is a 41-year-old female who presented for endoscopic carpal tunnel release of her right wrist. An accidental injection of 30 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine was given instead of the normal 30 mL of 0.5% lidocaine, with a total tourniquet time of 46 min. Although the maximum safe dose of local anesthetic was not exceeded, lipid emulsion was …

High Neuraxial Blockade In A Parturient After Epidural Placement: A Quality Improvement Simulation., Samir Patel, Noah D Le, John Carter, Nick Melott, Andrew Kalnow, Camille D Hawkins, Alexander Luong, Matthias Franzen

Medical Education Articles

Background Epidural anesthesia is a commonly used procedure in obstetrics for managing labor pain, with a potential complication of high neuraxial blockade. Proficiency in performing epidural or spinal anesthesia and promptly recognizing and managing high neuraxial blockade are critical components of anesthesiology residency training. Methods A simulated case was designed involving a 21-year-old female in labor receiving epidural anesthesia. After the administration of local anesthetic, she develops symptoms of nausea, hypotension, and respiratory distress, progressing to high neuraxial blockade. The simulation environment included a labor and delivery suite setup, an epidural cart, airway supplies, a Laerdal SimMan 3G PLUS mannequin …

Closing Racial And Ethnic Disparity Gaps In Pediatric Asthma Follow Up Care - A Quality Improvement Initiative, Ayodele Ayeko

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

ABSTRACT

Closing racial and ethnic disparity gaps in pediatric asthma follow up care - A quality improvement initiative

Ayodele Ayeko

Introduction/Background: Inadequate management of asthma significantly contributes to poor asthma control, poor quality of life (QOL), and high hospitalization rates among pediatric patients. The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines offer recommendations designed to enhance asthma control and improve the quality of life for those affected (2015), including recommendations for close follow up care. At WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital (WVUMCH), insufficient asthma control has been associated with lower clinic follow-up rates and an increase in hospitalization. Although educational initiatives …

A Quality Improvement Initiative To Decrease Sugammadex Expenditures, Jordan Austin Gardo

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Abstract

A Quality Improvement Initiative to Decrease Sugammadex Expenditures

Jordan Gardo

Introduction/Background: The manufacturer’s suggestion in the dosing of the Sugammadex is

generally dosed at 2-4 mg/kg of total body weight (TBW) depending on the extent of

neuromuscular blockade. Evidence suggests that in the morbidly obese population, this

can lead to excessive dosing due to the drug's hydrophilic properties, making it less cost-

effective. Dosing based on adjusted body weight (ABW) leads to dose reductions while

achieving full reversal of neuromuscular blockade as measured by quantitative train-of-

four monitoring, resulting in lower costs from decreased vial usage.

Purpose: The purpose …

Perioperative Outcomes And Mortality In Liver Transplant Patients 65 And Older, Nathaniel S. Pester, Trevor J. Wilke, V K. Shostrom, Cale A. Kassel

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

Background: The number of patients over the age of 65 awaiting liver transplantation (LT) continues to grow and an increasing number of patients will undergo liver transplantation. While age is not an absolute contraindication to liver transplantation, understanding the risks to older patients remains essential to ensure good outcomes with the limited number of grafts available.

Methods: This retrospective study included patients undergoing LT at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. A total of 421 patients were enrolled and stratified to patients under 65 years old (351 patients) and patients over 65 (70 patients). Geriatric patients were defined as aged …

The Use Of Abdominal Fascial Plane Blocks For Post-Operative Analgesia In Intestinal Rehabilitation Patients – A Retrospective Comparative Study, Brittany A. Brown, Lauren E. Costello, Elizabeth C. Ternent-Recht, Trevor J. Wilke, Cale A. Kassel

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

Background: Short gut syndrome affects both pediatric and adult patients often requiring multiple surgical procedures to improve intestinal function. Identifying methods to improve pain control and reduce opioid consumption is an important consideration for this patient population.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of 115 patients less than 12 years of age undergoing abdominal procedures between August 1, 2012, and December 31, 2019, was performed. From this group, 64 patients had a perioperative abdominal wall fascial plane block performed and were compared to 51 patients who did not have a block performed.

Results: Mean opioid use defined as morphine equivalent daily …

Glucose-Lowering Agents Developed In The Last Two Decades And Their Perioperative Implications, Basavana Goudra, Geno Merli, Michael Green

Department of Anesthesiology Faculty Papers

The last two decades have provided far more options f both patients and their physicians in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. While dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4is) and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have been approved for nearly two decades, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2is) are relatively new. Of interest to perioperative physicians, these drugs present specific perioperative concerns, prompting many societies to issue guidelines. Retained gastric contents due to slow gastric emptying is a significant drawback of GLP-1RAs, increasing the risk of aspiration. Recommendations include withholding GLP-1RAs for a predefined period of time, performing gastric ultrasound to evaluate gastric …

The Revised Cdc Chronic Pain Guidelines And Payer Opioid Analgesic Policies In Michigan, Victoria Tutag Lehr, Cynthia L. Arfken

Michigan Journal of Public Health

Abstract

The 2016 publication of A Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention motivated commercial and Medicaid payers to restrict their opioid prescribing policies including the imposition of hard limits on opioid daily dosages and duration. One result of these policies was an increase in abrupt opioid discontinuation and rapid tapering events for patients receiving long-term opioid therapy. Responding to this misapplication of the 2016 guideline, the 2022 revised guidelines emphasized individualized opioid therapy and exclusion of certain chronic diseases. However, it is not known if the payers changed their policies to …

Improving Anesthesia Technician Workflow: Implementation Of A Standardized Checklist And Formal Handoff Communication Tool To Enhance Management Of The Pediatric Portable Anesthesia Lockers Recommendation, Megan Shayna Sosnick Msel, Rn

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: The surgical department of a well-known Bay Area medical center faces substantial challenges in supply management. These challenges include inconsistent stocking, disorganized storage, and an inefficient ordering process. These logistical issues impact patient care negatively, increase supply costs, and weaken team morale and communication. U.S. hospitals spend $83 billion annually on medical supplies, with $25.4 billion wasted on preventable material expenses (Balkhi et al., 2022). Aim and Methods: This quality improvement project aims to train 80% of anesthesia technicians in proper stocking procedures for portable pediatric anesthesia lockers within three months. Interventions include the implementation of a standardized …

Evaluation Of Pain Control In Lobectomies: Before And After The Removal Of Liposomal Bupivacaine From Formulary At An Academic Health System, Kelly Cheng Pharmd, Michael Guerra Pharmd, Rebecca Pulk Pharmd, Ms, Bsp, Amber Zaniewski Pharmd, Mba, Bcps, Ryan Brown Pharmd, Bcps

Posters

• Liposomal bupivacaine is an extended-release formulation of the long-acting traditional local anesthetic, bupivacaine.
• Yale New Haven Health system (YNHHS) removed liposomal bupivacaine from formulary in March 2024.
• This decision was based on primary research and meta-analyses showing little to no clinical or statistical benefit of liposomal bupivacaine over traditional bupivacaine in morphine milligram equivalent use (MME) and median pain score in all surgeries including lobectomies.

Point Of Care Ultrasound For Gastric Residual: An Objective Structured Clinical Examination, Brandon Quinn, Kaitlyn Gray

Doctoral Projects

Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) has become an invaluable tool in modern medical practice offering real-time diagnostic and procedural guidance for anesthesia providers. POCUS is a non-invasive assessment tool that gives anesthesia insight into a quantitative assessment of gastric residuals. Furthermore, POCUS assessments are useful in preventing anesthetic complications that can cause major morbidity and mortality such as aspiration pneumonia. Despite the growing relevance, formalized training on POCUS for assessing gastric residuals remains limited in many nurse anesthesia programs. The University of Southern Mississippi currently lacks a standardized curriculum for teaching student registered nurse anesthetists how to utilize gastric ultrasound …

Plasma Transfusion In The Intensive Care Unit, Maite M. T. Van Haeren, Senta Jorinde Raasveld, Sanne De Bruin, Merijn C. Reuland, Claudia Van Den Oord, Jimmy Schenk, Cécile Aubron, Jan Bakker, Maurizio Cecconi, Marcus Lance

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

Background: Current guidelines discourage prophylactic plasma use in non-bleeding patients. This study assesses global plasma transfusion practices in the intensive care unit (ICU) and their alignment with current guidelines.

Study Design and Methods: This was a sub-study of an international, prospective, observational cohort. Primary outcomes were in-ICU occurrence rate of plasma transfusion, proportion of plasma events of total blood products events, and number of plasma units per event. Secondary outcomes included transfusion indications, INR/PT, and proportion of events for non-bleeding indications.

Results: Of 3643 patients included, 356 patients (10%) experienced 547 plasma transfusion events, accounting for 18% …