GasGasGas - Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthesia!
Dr Gas - Anaesthesia Education
An Anaesthesia Podcast focusing on the science knowledge anaesthetists should know. We track the UK Primary FRCA Curriculum.> GasGasGas will fit into a corner of your day, delivering a treatise on a drug, concept or practice critical to the knowledge required to pass the FRCA Primary Exam!
> There are naturally tangents, as hearing a word vomit of data with no joy is not the aim of Dr gas!
> This is relevant to anyone in the world interested in these pharmacological, physiological, clinical, physical and chemical concepts,
> Notes on https:/gasgasgas.uk
> Sponsored by Teach Me Anaesthetics SBA Resource
All content is my personal opinion, not medical advice and is never a substitute for formal education / training.
© GasGasGas – The FRCA Primary Anaesthetic Sciences Podcast 2025
> There are naturally tangents, as hearing a word vomit of data with no joy is not the aim of Dr gas!
> This is relevant to anyone in the world interested in these pharmacological, physiological, clinical, physical and chemical concepts,
> Notes on https:/gasgasgas.uk
> Sponsored by Teach Me Anaesthetics SBA Resource
All content is my personal opinion, not medical advice and is never a substitute for formal education / training.
© GasGasGas – The FRCA Primary Anaesthetic Sciences Podcast 2025
Episodes
Mentioned books
4 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 30min
GasGasGas - RemiFentanil and the Minto TCI Model
Dive into the world of remifentanil, a potent synthetic opioid that every anaesthetist dreams of for its rapid effects and easy dosing. Discover how it works on opioid receptors and the crucial sites in the CNS that influence its efficacy. Learn about the advantages of the Minto TCI model for tailoring anesthesia in various surgical procedures. From its quick onset and offset times to the potential adverse effects, this discussion is a must-listen for anyone interested in modern anaesthesia techniques!
16 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 24min
Neuraxial Opioid Kinetics: Spinal & Epidural Analgesia for Regional Anaesthesia
Dive into the world of neuraxial opiate pharmacology as James unpacks the fascinating journey of opioid molecules in the epidural space. Discover why these opioids are administered, how they differ from systemic options, and the anatomical nuances that affect their behavior. Learn about the comparison between morphine, fentanyl, and diamorphine regarding onset and side effects. Gain insights into managing common issues like nausea and pruritus, and see why understanding their kinetics is vital for optimal clinical decision-making.
10 snips
May 30, 2025 • 12min
Diamorphine (Golden Brown): Opioid Pharmacology for Anaesthetic Practice
Explore the fascinating world of diamorphine, including its chemical relationship to morphine and various formulations. Delve into how it interacts with opioid receptors and its clinical applications in pain management and palliative care. Learn the typical dosing and hear about its potential side effects across different organ systems. Discover the pharmacokinetics behind its absorption and metabolism, plus crucial information on reversal with naloxone. This episode wraps up with a sneak peek into neuraxial opioid pharmacology.
10 snips
May 23, 2025 • 15min
Oxycodone: Synthetic Opioid Analgesic for Perioperative Pain
Dive into the world of oxycodone, exploring its pharmacology and clinical relevance. Discover its origins, from wartime use to modern regulations. Learn how oxycodone compares to morphine in potency and administration routes. Unpack its side effects, including the risks of respiratory depression and sedation. Delve into its metabolism and implications in patients with organ failure. Finally, confront the public health impact of opioid use and lessons learned from past pharmaceutical practices.
8 snips
May 15, 2025 • 13min
Methadone: Long-Acting Opioid for Chronic Pain in Anaesthesia
Dive into the multifaceted world of methadone in this session! Discover its unique pharmacodynamics and receptor activities beyond opioid dependency. Learn about its clinical applications in pain management, including cancer care. The podcast covers practical dosing strategies, potential side effects like QT prolongation, and alternatives for weaning off methadone. Unravel the complexity of its pharmacokinetics, with insights into metabolism and clearance, all while gaining valuable knowledge for the medical field.
10 snips
May 9, 2025 • 14min
Tramadol: Atypical Opioid Analgesic Pharmacology & Clinical Use
Delve into the intricate world of Tramadol in this engaging discussion. Discover its unique multi-mechanism analgesic action and how it functions as a weak opioid. Learn about its pharmacokinetics, including dosing limits and onset times, as well as its side effects and risks like opioid toxicity and serotonin syndrome. Gain insight into its comparative efficacy against other opioids and the importance of considering genetic variations in metabolism. A deep dive into Tramadol not only educates but also enhances your clinical perspective!
7 snips
May 1, 2025 • 23min
Alfentanil: Short-Acting Synthetic Opioid Pharmacology for the FRCA and your Anaesthetic Practice
Discover the fascinating world of alfentanil, a crucial short-acting μ-opioid. Learn about its 1976 origins and why it's a go-to for rapid-sequence inductions. Delve into its therapeutic index and clinical uses, including acute pain management and obstetrics. Explore the unique pharmacokinetics that give it a faster onset than fentanyl. Plus, hear about the potential side effects and safe dosing practices. This insightful discussion is both educational and entertaining for anyone in anaesthetic practice.
6 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 36min
Target-Controlled Infusion (TCI): Pharmacokinetic Models for TIVA Anaesthesia
The discussion dives into TIVA models for Propofol, specifically Marsh, Schneider, and Eleveld. Listeners learn the importance of understanding pharmacokinetic models over manual dosing for safety. Insights include how each model is developed, with a focus on their strengths and limitations. The episode emphasizes the need for careful dosing, particularly for obese patients, and offers practical tips on pump programming. There's a recommendation to treat TCI as a valuable tool rather than a definitive answer, ensuring tailored anaesthetic plans.
Apr 18, 2025 • 30min
Vivacast 16 - Misplacing 1000ml of circulating volume on the floor, Nerve conduction physiology, pH and acid base derangement
Delve into the physiological effects of sudden blood loss and how your body responds through baroreceptor reflexes and sympathetic activation. Explore the intricacies of nerve conduction, from resting membrane potential to the dynamics of action potentials. Learn about pH, acids, and the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation as they maintain acid-base balance. Finally, uncover the mystery of the anion gap and common causes of metabolic acidosis, plus exam tips for mastering your viva.
Apr 10, 2025 • 56min
Interview - The first three months of UK anaesthetics, insights and learning - Dr James Smith
Dr. James Smith, a CT2 ACCS anaesthetic trainee and former intensive care physiotherapist, shares candid insights from his initial months in anaesthesia. He discusses the steep learning curve he faced, from navigating on-call duties to mastering pediatric airway skills. James reflects on the balance of decision-making under pressure and the importance of strong team dynamics, often highlighting the value of mentoring. He also emphasizes coping strategies like exercise and peer support and offers advice for junior doctors aiming to maximize their training.
