Throat packs: in your face?

Throat packs in neuroanaesthesia

“…This may particularly occur in Delta vaporisers manufactured before April 2004 in which the sight glass components were manufactured from acetyl, subsequently being changed to polyethylene terephthalate as has been previously highlighted in this journal [1]. A review of the published Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) alerts revealed a product information bulletin regarding this issue in 2006 [2].…”

“…Failure to locate a broken catheter tip radiologically, and therefore retrieve it neurosurgically, should not cause patients alarm, as retained catheter fragments are sterile, inert and unlikely to cause subsequent neurological sequelae [1]. However, affected patients should be provided with written details of the symptoms associated with potential complications, and how to seek medical help if these transpire.…”

“…Strategies to reduce the incidence of unintended throat pack retention have been published previously [1]. We would like to report the results of a survey of the use of throat packs in neuroanaesthesia.…”

Suggestions on management process of throat pack in orthognathic surgery: a case report and literature review

“…The anesthesiologist needs to check the pharyngeal cavity for foreign bodies before extubation, and the patient must not be extubated before the TP is confirmed. (IV) Visual reminder: at least one visual reminder should be made when the TP is placed, such as a mark on patient's face, a tab on the airway device, or a label attached to the surgical assistant's hat (21). In our center, a reminder is always written on the white board by assistant nurse, and will be erased the only after he/she see the removed TP after surgery.…”

Cognitive aids: time for a change?

“…In anaesthesia, checklists have been developed to reduce the incidence of harm that may result from forgetfulness, carelessness or distraction such as wrong-side nerve blocks [5], retained throat packs [6] and residual anaesthetic drugs retained in intravenous cannulae [7]. Typically, they are a developed locally as part of an action plan to address critical incidents that have occurred, and take the form of posters designed to aid recollection of the main message.…”