Dexmedetomidine is a new generation highly selective α2-adrenergic receptor (α2-AR) agonist that is associated with sedative and analgesic sparing effects, reduced delirium and agitation, perioperative sympatholysis, cardiovascular stabilizing effects, and preservation of respiratory function. The aim of this review is to present the most recent topics regarding the advantages in using dexmedetomidine in clinical anesthesia and intensive care, while discussing the controversial issues of its harmful effects.

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The learning curve of SMILE is surgically challenging. Lenticule dissection and extraction is the most difficult step and leads to a multitude of complications. Most complications that result in delayed visual recovery are observed in the initial 50 cases.

Background: The conventional method of implanting balloon-expandable SAPIEN-3 (S3) valve results in a final 70:30 or 80:20 ratio of the valve in the aorta:left ventricular outflow tract with published rates of permanent pacemaker around 10%. We sought to evaluate whether higher implantation of S3 reduces conduction abnormalities including the need for permanent pacemaker. Methods: We included consecutive patients who underwent transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement using S3 between April 2015 and December 2018 and compared outcomes with typical valve deployment strategy to our more contemporary high deployment technique (HDT). We excluded patients with nontransfemoral access or valve-in-valve. Results: Among 1028 patients, HDT was performed in 406 patients (39.5%). Mean implantation depth under the noncoronary cusp was significantly smaller with HDT compared with conventional technique (1.5±1.6 versus 3.2±1.9 mm; P <0.001). Successful implantation was achieved in 100% of the patients in both groups with no cases of conversion to open heart surgery, second valve implantation within the first transcatheter aortic valve replacement, or coronary occlusion during transcatheter aortic valve replacement. One patient (0.2%) had valve embolization with HDT ( P =0.216). Thirty-day permanent pacemaker rates were lower with HDT (5.5% versus 13.1%; P <0.001), as were rates of complete heart block (3.5% versus 11.2%; P <0.001) and new-onset left bundle branch block (5.3% versus 12.2%; P <0.001). There were no differences in mild (16.5% versus 15.9%; P =0.804), or moderate-to-severe aortic regurgitation (1% versus 2.7%; P =0.081) at 1 year. HDT was associated with slightly higher 1-year mean gradients (13.1±6.2 versus 11.8±4.9 mm Hg; P =0.042) and peak gradients (25±11.9 versus 22.5±9 mm Hg; P =0.026). However, Doppler velocity index was similar (0.47±0.15 versus 0.48±0.13; P =0.772). Conclusions: Our novel technique for balloon-expandable S3 valve positioning consistently achieves higher implantation resulting in substantial reduction in conduction abnormalities and permanent pacemaker requirement after transcatheter aortic valve replacement without compromising procedural safety or valve hemodynamics. Operators should consider this as an important technique to improve patient outcomes.

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This study found that patients in both the groups had significantly lower pain intensities, improved pain relief, and reduced pain interference with QOL, which was especially evident on fourth visit (2 months) after the initiation of treatment regimen. Both were safe and well tolerated. The study advocates rational polypharmacy approach (oral and block) in difficult to treat painful conditions. Further controlled trials are warranted to further define the impact of such a combination therapy.

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a relatively rare condition characterized by severe, paroxysmal episodes of pain localized to the external ear canal, the base of the tongue, the tonsil or the area beneath the angle of the jaw. This pain is many a times confused with Trigeminal Neuralgia and mistreated. There are various diagnostic and management dilemmas which are herein addressed in this review.

Refractive lenticule extraction is becoming the procedure of choice for the management of myopia and myopic astigmatism owing to its precision, biomechanical stability, and better ocular surface. It has similar safety, efficacy, and predictability as femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) and is associated with better patient satisfaction. The conventional technique of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) involves docking, femtosecond laser application, lenticule dissection from the surrounding stroma, and extraction. It has a steep learning curve compared to conventional flap-based corneal ablative procedures, and the surgical technique may be challenging especially for a novice surgeon. As SMILE is gaining worldwide acceptance among refractive surgeons, different modifications of the surgical technique have been described to ease the process of lenticule extraction and minimize complications. Good patient selection is essential to ensure optimal patient satisfaction, and novice surgeons should avoid cases with low myopia (thin refractive lenticules), difficult orbital anatomy, high astigmatism, or uncooperative, anxious patients to minimize complications. A comprehensive MEDLINE search was performed using “small incision lenticule extraction,” “SMILE,” and “refractive lenticule extraction” as keywords, and we herein review the patient selection for SMILE and various surgical techniques of SMILE with their pros and cons. With increasing surgeon experience, a standard technique is expected to evolve that may be performed in all types of cases with optimal outcomes and minimal adverse effects.