Deep Breaths

Today we discuss perioperative neurocognitive disorders - their definitions, potential pathophysiologies, diagnosis, and possible prevention & treatment strategies.  Resources for this episode include: Acute peri-operative neurocognitive disorders: a narrative review   Recommendations for the nomenclature of cognitive change associated with anaesthesia and surgery - 2018   Thanks for listening...

In today's episode, we interview special guest Dr Annabelle Harrocks to chat about all things allergy testing - who, why, when, what and how!  Listen in for a great practical chat which covers everything you didn't know about an important service for patients who have experienced serious allergic reactions under anaesthesia.  Thanks for listening, and happy studying!  Feel free to email...

In today's episode, we discuss the recently published PADDI trial (Perioperative Administration of Dexamethasone and Infection), and whether and how it will change our practice. Thanks for listening, and happy studying! NEJM article - the PADDI trial Introduction to multiplicity issues in clinical trials  Feel free to email us at deepbreathspod@gmail.com if you have any questions, comments or...

In today's episode, we interview our guest Dr Michael Kerr to discuss regional anaesthesia for the lower limbs. In this episode, we cover the taxonomy of lower limb blocks, the indications for various types of blocks and discuss in detail the fascia iliaca block. Thanks for listening, and happy studying! Resources for this episode include: Reading list - Peripheral nerve block anesthesia/anal...

Continuing on from episode 6, we continue our interview with Dr Michael Kerr to discuss regional anaesthesia for the lower limbs. In this episode, we cover popliteal sciatic blocks and adductor canal blocks in detail, ideas for learning/practising blocks in a resource-constrained environment, and tips for dealing with surgeons when discussing regional anaesthesia for your patients.  Thanks for lis...

In today's episode we discuss a newly released consensus statement on the management of adult patients undergoing head & neck surgery with a free flap. Feel free to email us at deepbreathspod@gmail.com if you have any questions, comments or suggestions. We love hearing from you! And don't forget to claim CPD for listening if you are a consultant or fellow. Log us as a learning sessio...

Today, we're talking about ROTEM or rotational thromboelastometry. We start with a brief explanation of how ROTEM works, the parameters used to assess ROTEM temograms, and the different assays performed during a ROTEM test. Feel free to email us at deepbreathspod@gmail.com if you have any questions, comments or suggestions. We love hearing from you! And don't forget to claim CPD for list...

In this episode, we're continuing our discussion about ROTEM or rotational thromboelastometry. We start by working through the interpretation of ROTEM results for specific clotting abnormalities before going on to talk about more complex coagulopathies seen in trauma patients and in the bleeding obstetric patient. Lastly, we discuss the limitations to ROTEM interpretation.  Feel free to email...

In today's episode, we talk with Cecil Gray prizewinner Dr Anna Pietzsch about her preparation for the ANZCA part 2 exam. We pick her brain about the process she went through for deciding when to sit the exam, her study technique and structure, and exam day plan. She also shares with us some great advice, what she thought worked well in her own preparation, and things she wishes she'd kn...

Today, we're deep-diving into the very important topic of postpartum haemorrhage. We talk about the diagnostic criteria and classification of postpartum bleeds, the four main aetiologies of postpartum haemorrhage, and both the obstetric and anaesthetic approaches to managing these patients intra-operatively. In addition, we also share our own experiences and cases that have stayed with us. We...

Deep Breaths returns next Monday with a fantastic array of topics that we're sure will make exam prep easier, and will keep your practice up to date. We'll also be joined by more wonderful guests this season and we can't wait to share their expertise with you all. Lahiru Amaratunge's Viva Boot Camp - Anaesthesia Collective link: https://www.anaesthesiacollective.com/viva-boot-c...

Best wishes to all of our trainees and IMGs sitting the part 2 anaesthetic vivas this week! Deep Breaths returns on Monday February 7th with a brand new release schedule - we'll be dropping episodes every fortnight with small breaks for the June/July school holidays and the December/January holiday season. Episodes will be released more consistently throughout the year and we hope this gives...

Today we're doing something a little different since the ANZCA final viva exam is just days away. Having a calm mind and knowing that there are so many people out there who believe in you and want you to succeed is immensely helpful for the day of your exam. So instead of throwing knowledge at you, we wanted to share some positive messages to help get your head in the right space for exam day...

Today, we're doing a re-release of our second most popular episode to date. Special guest, Dr Lahiru Amaratunge, dives into the induction techniques for five different critical cases. The cases discussed are very relevant to the upcoming viva exam and we hope that listening to them will help boost your knowledge and confidence. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, feel free to...

In today's episode, we discuss anaesthesia for the obese patient, including the latest evidence from the BJA. Today's episode covers the categorisation of obesity, the potential co-morbidities associated with obesity that can affect anaesthesia, and the metabolic syndrome. Resources for today's episode include:  BJA Education - Anaesthesia for the obese patient Ohio Sleep Medicine I...

In today's episode, we continue our discussion regarding anaesthesia for the obese patient, based on the latest evidence from the BJA. Today's episode covers the conduct of anaesthesia for obese patients, as well as how to assess the obese patient's suitability for day surgery. Resources for today's episode include: BJA Education - Anaesthesia for the obese patient Ohio Sleep M...

In today's episode, we talk through the first two of four cases addressing common problems encountered in the post anaesthetic care unit. Feel free to email us at deepbreathspod@gmail.com if you have any questions, comments or suggestions. We love hearing from you! Thanks for listening, and happy studying. References for today's episode: Reversal of neuromuscular block by A. Srivastava a...

In today's episode, we talk through the last two of four cases addressing common problems encountered in the post anaesthetic care unit. Feel free to email us at deepbreathspod@gmail.com if you have any questions, comments or suggestions. We love hearing from you! Thanks for listening, and happy studying. References for today's episode: Reversal of neuromuscular block by A. Srivastava an...

In this episode, we take a close look at chronic post surgical pain. We start by revising the pathophysiology of chronic post surgical pain where we specifically discuss normal acute pain physiology as well as the changes that occur in the progression of acute to chronic pain. We go on to talk about risk factors for the development of chronic post surgical pain before then having a chat about what...

In today's episode, we are joined again by guest interviewee Dr Lahiru Amaratunge, who discusses the vital concept of Crisis Resource Management, or CRM. He begins by explaining the basics of CRM, and then we go on to apply the principles of CRM to cases you could encounter in in the exam, or indeed your everyday practice. As soon as you finish this episode, you should consider enrolling in L...

In today's episode, the first of a 2 part series about paediatric anaesthesia, we discuss the first of three cases with special guest, Dr Paul Lee-Archer. Spoiler alert! The cases we are discussing are the paediatric cases from the only anaesthetic viva sitting in 2020. If you want to avoid listening in order to try and receive these vivas as practice for your exam preparation, that's ab...

In today's episode, part 2 of our series about paediatric anaesthesia, we discuss the last two of three cases with special guest, Dr Paul Lee-Archer. Spoiler alert! The cases we are discussing are the paediatric cases from the only anaesthetic viva sitting in 2020. If you want to avoid listening in order to try and receive these vivas as practice for your exam preparation, that's absolut...

In today's episode, we discuss everything you could possibly want to know about hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, or HIPEC, with special guest, Dr Ed Pilling. We start by talking about the preceding cryoreductive surgery as well as the principles of HIPEC, before then going on to cover the important aspects of the anaesthesia for this procedure. Feel free to email us at deepbreathspo...

On this week's episode, we cover the management of glucocorticoids during the perioperative period for patients with all forms of adrenal insufficiency, based on the following guidelines published in Anaesthesia in May 2020:  Feel free to email us at deepbreathspod@gmail.com if you have any questions, comments or suggestions. We love hearing from you! Thanks for listening, and happy studying....

Today, we look at different strategies to stay calm in the lead-up to the final exam with special guest, Dr Julia Slykerman. We start by talking about those important things we should (and shouldn't) be doing in the weeks leading up to the exam. We then look at how to plan ahead for the day of the exam, and follow this with strategies and exercises to help keep you calm in the moment. Feel fr...