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Cardiovascular ageing is a progressive process that impacts the heart and the vascular system, leading to significant implications during anesthesia. Understanding these changes is essential for anesthesiologists to optimize perioperative care, particularly in elderly patients. Here, we explore the four stages of cardiovascular ageing and their implications in the context of anesthesia. Stage I: Early … Read more
Pain management in the elderly poses unique challenges due to age-related changes in the central nervous system (CNS). These include alterations in neurotransmitter levels, descending pain pathways, and neuroinflammation, all of which significantly influence pain modulation and the efficacy of anesthetic strategies. Decline in Neurotransmitter Levels Aging is associated with reduced inhibitory neurotransmitters, such as … Read more
Heat and Moisture Exchange Filters (HMEFs) are critical in maintaining the physiological conditions of inspired gases during anesthesia and mechanical ventilation. They replicate the heat and humidity provided by the upper respiratory tract, while also filtering out pathogens. This article reviews their components, working principles, advantages, and limitations, with references to support the discussion. Components … Read more
Humidity is crucial in anesthesia, affecting patient comfort, respiratory function, and physiological well-being during surgery. Managing humidity levels during anesthesia is essential for maintaining respiratory health and reducing postoperative complications. This article delves into the physiological significance of humidity, challenges presented during anesthesia, and best practices for maintaining adequate humidity. Physiological Importance of Humidity In … Read more
In this section, we’re diving into how anesthesia drugs manage nerve cell activity to keep the body in a safe, controlled state during surgery. Each drug class plays a unique role in regulating action and resting potentials—the nerve impulses that drive cellular communication. Volatile agents like isoflurane and sevoflurane enhance calming GABA signals while reducing … Read more
Understanding neuronal electrical activity is critical for anesthesiologists, particularly in how anesthetic agents influence cellular and systemic functions. Here, we review key physiological concepts: the resting membrane potential, action potentials, and refractory periods, which are crucial in anesthesia practice. Resting Membrane Potential The resting membrane potential is the voltage difference across a neuron’s cell membrane … Read more
Flow-metabolism coupling is a vital physiological mechanism that regulates the brain’s blood flow according to its metabolic demands. This ensures an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain, particularly during anesthesia. Understanding flow-metabolism coupling is essential for anesthesiologists to optimize patient outcomes, especially in surgeries where cerebral perfusion may be compromised. Concept of … Read more
Introduction Lactated Ringer’s (LR) solution is one of the most commonly used balanced crystalloids for fluid resuscitation, particularly in critical care settings such as sepsis, trauma, and major surgeries. It provides not only water and electrolytes but also lactate, which serves as a bicarbonate precursor to help correct acidosis. While LR is largely considered safe … Read more
Venous return is a fundamental aspect of cardiovascular physiology, directly influencing cardiac output and hemodynamic stability, both critical to patient outcomes during anesthesia. For anesthesiologists, understanding the mechanisms that control venous return is essential for managing perioperative fluid therapy, drug interventions, and ventilation strategies. This article offers a detailed review of the factors regulating venous … Read more
World Anesthesia Day, celebrated on October 16th, marks the anniversary of the first successful demonstration of ether anesthesia in 1846. Since that historic moment, anesthesiology has evolved dramatically, improving patient care with technological advancements. However, this increasing reliance on digital systems introduces new challenges, particularly in terms of data security. Anesthesiologists must now pay close … Read more
