Houston Anesthesia Services

05/26/2026

Endotracheal intubation is a life-saving procedure that facilitates control of airflow, can help manage pulmonary complications of disease, and help to stabilize people in the immediate aftermath of severe trauma to the airway or to the breathing centers of the brain.

Because endotracheal tubes must pass through the vocal cords during intubation, complications relating to them may...

04/28/2026

Airway management in pediatric patients presents unique challenges and risks compared to adults. Due to anatomical, physiological, and developmental differences, children are more vulnerable to airway compromise.

The pediatric airway differs significantly from that of adults. Children have a relatively larger tongue, a smaller mandible, and a...

03/25/2026

General anesthesia can be maintained using volatile inhalational anesthetics such as sevoflurane or with agents like propofol during total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA).

General anesthesia can be maintained using volatile inhalational anesthetics such as sevoflurane or with agents like propofol during total...

02/17/2026

Human beings maintain a core body temperature of approximately 36.5–37.5°C through thermoregulation, which is controlled by the hypothalamus.

Environmental conditions can exacerbate the effects of anesthetic agents. Operating rooms are typically cool, and surgical...

01/14/2026

Iron is essential for normal brain function, supporting processes such as energy metabolism, DNA synthesis, and cellular signaling. Consequently, disruptions in iron homeostasis can lead to neurological dysfunction.

These findings in sevoflurane research highlight iron homeostasis and ferroptosis as promising therapeutic targets for protecting the...

12/15/2025

One of the strongest benefits of AIMS beyond the OR is the improved continuity of patient information. During procedures, AIMS automatically capture large amounts of clinical data, such as vital sign trends, medication doses, airway details, and responses to anesthesia.

One of the strongest benefits of AIMS beyond the OR is the improved continuity of patient information. During procedures, AIMS...

07/28/2025

Due to significant advances in neonatal care, individuals born preterm (before 37 weeks of gestation) are reaching adulthood in increasing numbers. However, those who were born pre-term face unique long-term health challenges that can increase surgical risks later in life. These risks stem from altered physiology, underdeveloped organ systems, and neurodevelopmental vulnerabilities established in early life.

Due to significant advances in neonatal care, individuals born preterm (before 37 weeks of gestation) are reaching adulthood in increasing … Continue reading "Possible Clinical Risks of Surgical Patients Who Were Born Pre-Term"

06/23/2025

Bite blocks are essential during anesthesia and surgical procedures, especially those involving endotracheal intubation or transcranial motor-evoked potential (TcMEP) monitoring. Using bite blocks is not just a precaution—it is often a necessary safety measure, especially in neurosurgical and spine procedures where TcMEP is used, as these electrical stimulations can trigger strong, involuntary jaw contractions

Bite blocks are essential during anesthesia and surgical procedures, especially those involving endotracheal intubation or transcranial motor-evoked potential (TcMEP) monitoring. … Continue reading "Bite Blocks During Anesthesia and Surgery: Use and Technique"

11/25/2024

Nerve blocks are a widely used technique in regional anesthesia, particularly for surgical procedures involving the upper and lower extremities. Despite their efficacy in providing targeted pain relief and reducing the need for systemic analgesia, nerve blocks carry potential risks, particularly with regard to the phrenic nerve and its effect on diaphragm function and breathing. Although nerve blocks targeting the lower limbs do not risk impacting breathing, nerve blocks in certain areas closer to the chest require a cautious approach to avoid impacting the diaphragm.

Nerve blocks carry potential risks, particularly with regard to the phrenic nerve and its effect on diaphragm function and breathing.

09/27/2024

The bioavailability and efficacy of anesthesia are influenced by the delivery and state of the anesthetic.

In patients sedated with nebulized lidocaine, Müller et al. reported reduced usage of lidocaine along with a superior oxygenation and safety profile.

08/07/2024

The incidence of and risk factors for opioid overdose following surgery are of significant concern to the medical community.