Hello HSC Anesthesiologists, ACAs, RTs, residents. See below for some important HSC updates.

Ultrasound:

We will be increasing our fleet of ultrasounds. Some of you may have already used the Sonosite ST model which we are currently trialing. It is one step down from our current PX model. I don’t think we will notice a big difference for our purposes, but it would come at a significant cost savings allowing us to purchase more machines. Please send Jaimie any feedback.

Mindray A9:

At the active scavenging locations (KIAM 1 and 2, IR), we have swapped out our passive scavenging A9 machines for machines which are truly active scavenging. Our previous ones had a “jerry rigged” adapter which allowed their use in active scavenging locations. As a result, the scavenging was always on, even when the machine was off which caused issues with facility maintenance. The previous practice of needing to disconnect the purple scavenging hose at the end of day has now been stopped. It can remain connected permanently. The same holds true for the incoming A9 machines for Women’s hospital. They will be installed next month with brand new Mindray monitors.

Video Laryngoscopes:

We have a shortage of D blades which is being addressed. This is especially true for the ND location, since they need to be brought to main OR for reprocessing. ND has a CMAC with single use, disposable blades, but this option doesn’t seem too popular. Some Anesthesiologists don’t like these disposable blades because they feel they take up too much room in the mouth. As a potential alternative, we will be trialing the McGrath single use blades. I used this device recently in Guatemala, and feel these blades have a lower profile, appropriate for smaller mouth openings. They have a hyperangulated option called the X3 which is equivalent to the CMAC D blade. If people like this option, it would be a great addition to our offsite anesthesia cart. McGraths are extremely mobile products which would fit in the drawer.

https://www.medtronic.com/content/dam/medtronic-wide/public/united-states/products/respiratory/mcgrath-mac-laryngoscope-x3-blade-brochure.pdf

Artlines:

Following the retirement of the Anesthesia high risk nurse position, the artline kits have no longer been pre-assembled. Now that we have a 3rd periop RT position (welcome back Drexler), there is sufficient manpower for them to prepare a small batch of ready to use artline setups. These will be kept in the induction room in a designated area. There should always be 3 available. The idea is that these can be used in emergency situations overnight when time is of the essence. Any unused artlines can be used the following morning for elective cases. These artline set-ups should be used within 24 hours of assembly. The RTs will do this Monday-Friday. Please ask the HSC ACA to do this Saturdays and Sundays if they have downtime.

Non-equipment:

There have been several complaints of unnecessary conversations taking place in front of the OR desk (under the OR tracking monitors). This is extremely distracting to those working at the desk, trying to receive critical information over the phone. There are some crucial conversations which need to take place in that area, especially during change of shift and emergency planning, but if a conversation doesn’t need to take place there, go somewhere else.

Marshall Tenenbein, MD, FRCPC

Site Specialty Lead, HSC Anesthesiology

Assistant Professor, Department Of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine

University of Manitoba

Disclaimer : This email (including any attachments or enclosed documents) is intended for the addressee(s) only and may contain privileged, proprietary or confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, copying or dissemination is strictly prohibited. If you receive this email in error, please notify the sender immediately, return the original (if applicable) and delete the email. Avis : Le présent courriel (y compris toute pièce jointe) est destiné à la personne ou aux personnes à qui il est adressé, et peut contenir des renseignements confidentiels, privés ou protégés par un privilège juridique. Toute utilisation, divulgation, distribution, copie ou diffusion non autorisée est strictement défendue. Si vous avez reçu le présent courriel par erreur, veuillez en informer immédiatement l’expéditeur, retourner l’original (le cas échéant) et supprimer ce courriel.