

Anaesthesia Coffee Break
Lahiru Amaratunge
Tips, tricks and lots of great information for the Part 1 ANZCA anaesthesia exam!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 24, 2021 • 38min
How do you PREVENT HYPOXAEMIA when performing a rapid sequence induction (RSI)?
Explore the techniques to prevent hypoxaemia during rapid sequence induction. Learn about the physiological mechanisms behind pre-oxygenation and the risks involved, including absorption atelectasis. Discover how patient positioning can enhance intubation success while also posing hypotension risks. Delve into the benefits of nasal high-flow oxygen during apnoea and the debate on bag-mask ventilation. Finally, uncover the controversies surrounding cricoid pressure and its actual benefits in practice.

Jan 18, 2021 • 28min
What is the lowest oxygen saturation YOU would tolerate?
Explore the crucial question of the lowest acceptable SpO2 in a healthy ASA1 male under general anaesthesia. Discover the oxygen–hemoglobin dissociation curve and its implications for safe oxygen levels. Learn about common causes of intraoperative hypoxemia and immediate management strategies. The hosts break down physiological responses to hypoxemia, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a buffer above 91%. They also discuss practical scenarios and the urgency of escalating care when oxygen saturation drops below critical thresholds.

Jan 10, 2021 • 25min
Lung compliance and the simple steps to optimise it for your patient
Explore the fascinating world of lung compliance and its impact on patient ventilation. Discover the distinctions between static and dynamic compliance, and learn the importance of measuring techniques. The hosts break down factors influencing lung compliance, like surfactant and chest wall conditions. Get practical tips for ventilating patients with low compliance and dynamic issues. They also discuss strategies for managing airflow during laparoscopic surgery. Tune in for a blend of theory and application in the realm of anaesthesia!

Jan 7, 2021 • 22min
The 5 critical effects of pregnancy on respiratory physiology
Explore the fascinating changes pregnancy brings to respiratory physiology. Discover why estrogen can complicate intubation and how reduced functional residual capacity impacts pre-oxygenation techniques. Learn about the increased minute ventilation influenced by progesterone and how this shifts CO2 response. The dynamics of lung mechanics take on new dimensions, with altered compliance and pressures. Finally, delve into how these physiological shifts affect the uptake of volatile agents in anesthesia. Tune in for insights critical to practice!

Dec 20, 2020 • 16min
Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) and how anaesthesia makes a mess of it!
Dive into the intriguing world of Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) and discover how anaesthesia dramatically alters it. Learn about crucial measurement methods and the interplay of anaesthetic, surgical, and patient factors influencing FRC. Find out why positioning and muscle tone loss matter, and explore the fascinating types of atelectasis arising from reduced FRC. Plus, uncover the implications of decreased FRC on breathing work and oxygen reserves. It's a blend of education and strategy for aspiring medical practitioners!

Dec 15, 2020 • 20min
Control of breathing made a bit more practical
Discover the fascinating mechanics behind breathing control! Learn about the roles of CO2 in regulating respiratory rates and the differences between central and peripheral chemoreceptor responses. Get insights into practical anaesthesia techniques, including managing CO2 levels for spontaneous ventilation. The discussion also covers factors influencing respiration rates, like pH, exercise, and even pregnancy. Equip yourself with valuable exam tips and fascinating physiological insights that make respiratory physiology both practical and intriguing!

Dec 5, 2020 • 26min
Lahiru's part 1 viva exam relived!
Dive into Lahiru's nerve-wracking viva experience! Discover his pre-exam strategies and how he tackled the pressure-volume loop with finesse. The duo breaks down renal concentration mechanisms and bicarbonate handling like pros. Explore exercise physiology and its impact on cardiac output and ventilation. Unpack the pharmacokinetics of volatile anesthetics, including sevoflurane's safety concerns. Plus, hear practical tips on intraoperative hypotension drugs and reflections on pacing for exam success!

Dec 5, 2020 • 47min
Stan's gold medal viva exam
Dive into the intricacies of cardiac output measurement and the fascinating mechanics of the pulmonary artery catheter. Discover the nuances of acid-base balance and how to interpret blood gases effectively. Stan shares insights on the role of albumin in acid-base theories, shunt mechanisms, and the alveolar gas equation. Explore the physiological responses to pain, the sympathetic stress response, and the nuances of MAC in anesthesia. Lastly, uncover the details of anaphylaxis treatment and the effects of various bronchodilators.

Nov 17, 2020 • 13min
Dr Stan's Study Plan
Discover essential strategies for crafting an effective study plan for the ANZCA Part 1 exam. Learn about the power of active recall for improving memory retention. Delve into a year-long timeline that breaks down topics and emphasizes practical exposure. Explore methods for managing challenging subjects and the importance of scheduling breaks to prevent burnout. The hosts also discuss optimizing revision tactics, including varied practice formats for skills and the unique preparation required for vivas.

Nov 4, 2020 • 5min
MCQ tips!
Discover essential tips for tackling MCQs in exams! The hosts share frustrations with MCQs and stress the importance of targeted study. They recommend forming study groups and dividing topics, while emphasizing the need to reference answers for accuracy. Engaging in debates enhances memory, but caution against flawed information is advised. Learn when to start MCQ practice and which high-yield resources to use. Finally, an effective revision strategy is shared, ensuring you'll be exam-ready!


