Understanding the circle system Although the circle system looks relatively simple, it is a deceptively complex arrangement that needs to be fully understood to use…
Malignant Hyperthermia Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a rare life-threatening condition that is usually triggered by exposure to certain drugs used for general anesthesia. This module…
Understanding Central Venous Lines This module discusses various types of central lines and central venous catheters (CVC). They are often needed in critically ill patients…
Getting the best out of videolaryngoscopy The benefits of videolaryngoscopy, especially in unexpected difficult intubations, are numerous but they are not just conventional laryngoscopes with…
Muscle Relaxants; reversal and the use of peripheral nerve stimulators. This module discusses residual block, why, when and how muscle relaxants are reversed, and the…
Perioperative Hypothermia Inadvertent perioperative hypothermia can occur in up to 40% of surgical patients so it essential for theatre practitioners to know what causes it…
Understanding capnography This module explains the basic principles of capnography, discusses EtCO2 waveforms, and how to interpret them in the ventilated patient. Length of Study:…
Total Intravenous Anaesthesia Total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) is a technique of general anaesthesia which uses a combination of agents given exclusively by the intravenous route…
Understanding vaporisers This updated module explains how modern anaesthetic vaporisers work and the principles behind them. It includes electronic and direct injection vaporisers. Length of…
BIS: fact or fiction BIS or Bispectral monitoring is a relatively new but controversial technology to monitor depth of anaesthesia. This module covers how it…
Anaesthetic machine safety features This module covers the safety features built into the modern anaesthetic machine. With more theatres moving to electronic self-checking machines this…
The fundamentals of arterial lines This module covers the basic principles behind setting up, inserting and monitoring intra-arterial blood pressure lines that an anaesthetic assistant…
Diathermy: the basics Electrosurgery or diathermy has allowed faster operating, reduced blood loss and new surgical techniques. It does have its dangers and its safe…
Arterial Blood Pressure Measurement – The physics and principles. Intra-arterial blood pressure measurement is often considered to be the gold standard of blood pressure measurement.…
Surgical smoke: is it safe? Surgical smoke is now recognised as a hazard that is encountered in all operating theatres. Unfortunately, the dangers and health…
Understanding your ECG: a review Health professionals use the electrocardiograph (ECG) rhythm strip to systematically analyse the cardiac rhythm. Before the systematic process of ECG…
Oxygen Saturations & Pulse Oximetery The pulse oximeter provides an indication of oxygen status in the body. However, the link between a pulse oximeter reading…
Understanding & Establishing Intraosseous Access Intraosseous (IO) access is an alternative method to providing venous administration of drugs and fluids. Commonly used by the military…
Perioperative Cell Salvage: an introduction This module discusses basics of perioperative cell salvage or call saver. Its principles, indications, contra-indications and the various types of…
Patient positioning during anaesthesia Different patient positions are required to provide access for different surgical procedures. Each position has implications for ventilation and haemodynamics, as…
Surgical tourniquets Surgical tourniquets are commonly used in the operating theatres, particularly during orthopaedic cases. Although they are very safe when used properly they can…
Sutures & Needles a review This modules reviews different suture materials, absorbable vs non-absorbable, monofilament vs multifilament and the shapes of various needles used in surgery. Length of Study: 80 min.…
Medical lasers – the basic principles With medical lasers becoming more common within the operating theatre and this module gives an insight into the science…