Face mask resuscitation: does it lead to gastric distension?

Face mask resuscitation: does it lead to gastric distension?

Inflation and oesophageal pressures were recorded simultaneously during bag and mask resuscitation of 9 asphyxiated babies. After half a minute of standard inflation pressures, higher pressures were applied for at least 5 inflations by occluding the blow-off valve. No air entered the oesophagus until a high mean inflation pressure of 5.4 kPa was exceeded. These findings were confirmed in 4 fres...

Difficult mask ventilation: does it matter?

We discuss the relevance of finding a patient's lungs difficult to ventilate by facemask during the course of anaesthetic induction. In particular, we discuss the issue of whether it is advisable or unnecessary to check the ability to ventilate by facemask before administering a neuromuscular blocking agent. In the light of advances in supraglottic airway technology it has become possible to in...

Responses to gastric distension in functional dyspepsia.

BACKGROUND Studies have shown that an altered visceral perception threshold plays a role in the pathogenesis of upper gastrointestinal tract symptoms in dyspeptic patients. However, it is not clear whether the compliance and adaptive relaxation of the proximal stomach contribute to the symptoms. AIMS To investigate whether abnormal relaxation or adaptation of the proximal stomach during the i...

Electronic fetal monitoring: does it really lead to better outcomes?

New medical technology: to what does it lead?

In this paper I first discuss the concept of medical technology. (I thank Knut Arnesen, Arvid Fennefoss, and Aslaug Høye for many informative and educational conversations about problems pertaining to technology). Then, I review some different meanings of the term, and then discuss the relationship between ethics and the scientific method. Finally, the understanding that emerges from this accou...