Ever pondered how anesthesia actually works? It's not all about the medication. Scientists are diving into the brain's role, especially a tiny yet mighty region called the ventral tegmental area (VTA). This part of the brain deals with rewards and motivation, but surprisingly, it also plays a part in anesthesia. Imagine the VTA as a brain traffic cop. Normally, it's...
Anesthesia, a crucial part of modern medicine, has come a long way. From the early days of its discovery, it has evolved into a sophisticated field. Researchers are now pushing boundaries to improve patient care and safety. They're exploring new drugs, techniques, and even personalized anesthesia plans. But challenges remain, like understanding how anesthesia affects...
Wildfires are not just burning forests; they're also affecting expectant mothers. As our climate changes, these fires are becoming more frequent and intense. This poses a significant threat to obstetric anesthesia care. Imagine you're a pregnant woman living in a wildfire-prone area. The smoke and heat can be overwhelming. For healthcare providers, it's a challenge ...
In December 2024, the spotlight turned on Canada's anesthesia field. This special issue didn't shy away from tough topics. It tackled human resource challenges head-on, highlighting the struggles professionals face daily. But it wasn't all doom and gloom. The issue also celebrated the giants of the field—the pioneers who shaped anesthesia in Canada. The story of ane...
Health insurance company Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has decided not to go ahead with a policy change that would have put a limit on how much they pay for anesthesia during medical procedures. This change was announced after the company faced weeks of criticism from doctors and healthcare professionals. The proposed policy would have only paid doctors based on a se...
Traumatic brain injuries can be life-altering, and when surgery is needed, doctors turn to certain medications to help. One of those is dexmedetomidine, often used during craniotomies - that's a surgical procedure to remove a part of the skull to treat brain injuries or trouble. It's a type of sedative that's different from typical ones. Doctors like it because it do...
Meet Horace Wells, born in 1815 in Hartford, Vermont. He's not your average person. He changed how we see and handle pain, especially during surgeries. As a dentist, he noticed patients were in extreme pain during dental work. So, he decided to do something about it. He found a solution in "laughing gas, " also known as nitrous oxide. One day in 1844, Wells had a br...
Open liver surgery is still the go-to for complex liver operations and transplants. But managing post-surgery pain remains a big challenge. A new method called the ultrasound-guided external oblique intercostal (EOI) plane block is showing promise. It's a way to provide regional anesthesia, which could help relieve pain after upper abdominal surgeries. This study wan...