Podcast 172: Gas Anesthesia
This conversation explores the topic of gas anesthesia, its historical background, and its use in various environments. The conversation covers the shift to the TIVA technique, the importance of the anesthesia machine and equipment, and the training required to administer gas anesthesia. It also discusses the combined techniques used in the operating room and the stages of anesthesia. The conversation highlights the advantages and disadvantages of ether and chloroform as anesthetics. It emphasizes the need for vigilant monitoring and the use of IV induction agents for safety. The conversation concludes by discussing the duration of gas anesthesia and the importance of witnessing wakeups.
PFC Podcast 152: Esketamine with PAC
Dennis welcomes his friend PAC to discuss “S-Ketamine.” PAC, an anesthetist with extensive experience, shares insights on using it in various medical settings including his experience in providing medical care during the Russian invasion of Afghanistan. He highlights its potential advantages, such as improved analgesia and reduced hallucinogenic effects in mid-doses.
Podcast 146: Versed and Procedural Sedation with Kevin and Paul
This episode, is all about “Versed.” We’ve got Kevin and Paul here, chatting about patient positioning and the intricacies of using Versed, a benzodiazepine, for sedation. They touch on how different patients react to the drug, emphasizing the art of medicine over strict calculations, especially in challenging scenarios. The podcast delves into dosing strategies, dealing with hemodynamically unstable patients, and the complexities of maintaining sedation during procedures. Remember, every patient is unique, so adapt the approach accordingly.
Podcast 144: Pain Pathway
Today, Winston and I dive into pain pathways. You know, those definitions of pain like visceral or psychogenic, they’ve never helped me treat pain practically. So, understanding the nervous system might just boost my pain management skills. The pain pathway consists of transduction, where energy turns into nerve impulses, ascending pathways, spinal cord travel, brain processing, and descending pathways. Remember, understanding the whole system aids better pain management.
Podcast 142: Carfentanil
Dennis is joined by Aaron, an emergency medicine physician and medical toxicologist. In this episode they discuss carfentanil, a synthetic opioid used in the 2002 Moscow hostage rescue. Carfentanil can cause CNS depression, pinpoint pupils, respiratory depression, and decreased gut motility. Reversing its effects may require higher doses of naloxone. However, its potency and unknown modifications make it challenging to combat. We’re still waiting for better treatments and auto-injectors. In the field, it’s crucial to differentiate opioid overdoses from other injuries, considering opioids’ widespread use and potential for weaponization.
Podcast 138: The Green Whistle
In low doses, it acts as an analgesic, while higher doses have an anesthetic effect. The Green Whistle, containing methoxofluorine, is a mouthpiece with an activated carbon chamber to reduce contamination. It provides pain relief for severe pain lasting 30 to 60 minutes. Patient control and comfort are important during its use. Could this be an alternative to the fentanyl lollipop?