Clinical relaxation: current controversy.

Several topics of current interest in the field are currently undergoing evolution. Since we are living and practicing in the midst of this change, there is controversy surrounding the adaptation of new concepts and procedures into clinical practice. This lecture will discuss the following areas of current discussion. 1 The "priming" technique, onset of neuromuscular blockade, rapidity of intubation, and intubating conditions using nondepolarizing relaxants. 2 Reversal of neuromuscular blockade: reversal of very deep nondepolarizing block: special considerations. reversal of the new intermediate-duration nondepolarizers: is it always necessary? reversal of phase II block after succinylcholine infusion. 3 Infusions of nondepolarizing relaxants. 4 New nondepolafizing relaxants in clinical trial at present: BW A938U ~Long-acting nondepolarizers Pipecuronium Jfree of side effects. BW B 1090U, a short-acting nondepolarizer. 5 Metabolites of atracurium and vecuronium and their potential pharmacological effects.