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The palpation of pulses
Anaesthesia
|February 1, 1996
Summary
The radial pulse is the quickest and most reliable to find in operating rooms. Airway management devices like tracheal tubes or laryngeal mask airways did not affect carotid pulse identification.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Clinical Medicine
- Cardiovascular Physiology
Background:
- Accurate and timely pulse palpation is crucial for patient monitoring during anesthesia.
- Different airway management techniques may potentially influence the ease of pulse detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the palpation and identification times of four major peripheral and central pulses.
- To assess the impact of airway management devices on pulse identification during anesthesia.
Main Methods:
- 554 anesthetized patients were studied.
- Times to palpate and identify carotid, radial, brachial, and femoral pulses were recorded.
- Patients were grouped based on airway management: tracheal tube, facemask, or laryngeal mask airway.
Main Results:
- Radial pulse identification was fastest and most reliable (98% by 5s, >99% by 10s).
- Carotid pulse identification required 10s for >95% identification rate.
- Laryngeal mask airways and tracheal tubes did not impede carotid pulse identification.
Conclusions:
- Radial pulse palpation is the most efficient method in the operating theatre.
- Airway management devices do not significantly hinder central pulse identification.
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