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Safe vascular access is integral to anaesthetic and critical care practice, but procedures are a frequent source of patient adverse events. Ensuring safe and effective approaches to vascular catheter insertion should be a priority for all practitioners. New technology such as ultrasound and other imaging has increased the number of tools available. This guidance was created using review of current practice and literature, as well as expert opinion. The result is a consensus document which provides practical advice on the safe insertion and removal of vascular access devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of anaesthetists who are involved in magnetic resonance (MR) units is increasing. Magnetic resonance systems are becoming more powerful and interventional procedures are now possible. This paper updates information relating to safety terminology, occupational exposure, reactions to gadolinium-based contrast agents and the risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. Magnetic resonance examinations of patients with pacemakers are still generally contra-indicated but have been carried out in specialist centres under strictly controlled conditions. As availability of MR increases, so the education of anaesthetists, who are occasionally required to provide a service, must be considered. Anaesthesia in MR units was first described in the 1980s. Guidelines on the provision of anaesthetic services in MR units were published by the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (AAGBI) in 2002 [1]. Since then, the number of hospitals with MR units, and hence the number of patients requiring anaesthesia for MR, has increased. While the issues relating to setting up anaesthetic services in MR have not changed, there have been a number of developments that warrant this update: 1 Safety terminology and guidelines have changed. 2 MR systems utilise higher magnetic-field strengths and more open designs are available. 3 Interventional and intra-operative MR are now routine in some centres. 4 Mobile MR scanners are increasingly used to reduce waiting lists. 5 Although still generally contra-indicated, some patients with pacemakers have been scanned under strictly controlled conditions in specialist centres. 6 'MR safe' medical implants are now being produced. 7 New equipment is now available for use in MR. 8 Out-of-hours availability of MR investigations has increased. 9 Reports of allergic reactions to MR contrast media have increased. 10 Gadolinium based contrast agents (Gd-CAs) are associated with a varying degree of risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in patients with impaired renal function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infusion of lipid emulsion has been demonstrated to facilitate return of spontaneous circulation in animal models and human cases of local anaesthetic induced cardiac arrest. Guidelines for lipid application exist; however, experimental evidence of efficacy at recommended dosing is lacking. In 20 sedated, mechanically ventilated, and invasively monitored New Zealand White rabbits, asystole was induced via bolus bupivacaine injection. Animals were randomised to receive either 20% Intralipid administered according to Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland guidelines, or identical volumes of 0.9% saline solution, in addition to standard Advanced Cardiac Life Support resuscitative measures. Seven lipid treated rabbits developed return of spontaneous circulation vs four saline treated animals (p = 0.370). A trend toward sooner return of spontaneous circulation in the lipid treated group was observed (2.4 (0.53) vs 3.8 (1.7) min; p = 0.082). Five animals in the lipid treated group survived to protocol termination vs nil animals from the saline treated group (p = 0.033). The current Association of Anaesthestists of Great Britain and Ireland lipid infusion protocol provides a useful beginning for lipid emulsion administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information on the results of a survey conducted on the use of throat packs in neuroanaesthesia by the Neuroanaesthesia Society of Great Britain and Ireland. According to the survey, 49 percent of the anesthetists reported inserting a throat pack during neurosurgery, 30 percent for tracheal tube stabilization, 27 percent for the prevention of spillage of secretions and 18 percent for the minimization of airway soiling during trans-sphenoidal surgery.

The article presents information about the Group of Anaesthetists in Training (GAT) Committee. The committee was formed in the year 1967. It aims to represent the interests of trainee anaesthetists across Great Britain and Ireland. It meets four times a year and holds an Annual Scientific Meeting which is open to all its members.

The article offers information related to seminars organized by the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain & Ireland (AAGBI). It presents the schedules of several AAGBI seminars for December 2008 to January 2009 including seminars on resuscitation, ultrasound in anesthesia and critical care setting. Details on how to organize an AAGBI seminar are also provided.

The article provides information on the Linkman Scheme of Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain & Ireland (AAGBI). It notes that AAGBI is one of the largest specialist medical organizations in Great Britain and Ireland and has over 10,000 members in its 77th year. It mentions that the Linkman Scheme has provided a two way link between AAGBI's members and council since 1974. It informs that AAGBI has about 258 linkmen who represent 500 hospitals in the two countries.

The article highlights the Scottish Standing Committee of the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (AAGBI). The author throws the question on whether there is a need for the Scottish Standing Committee. According to the author, there is a need for an instrument for anesthesia if anesthetists aspire to remain as a specialty and a service across legislatures.

The article announces the establishment of the Standards Group, an offspring of the Safety Committee of the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain & Ireland (AAGBI) in 1994. Standards Group is designed to work various techniques for the improvement of patient safety through standardization agreement of anaesthetic equipment in Great Britain and at the European International level. The standardization applies in anaesthetic equipment such ventilators, tracheal tube and catheters.