Base Science

This is the second of a two-part tutorial looking at kidney structure and function. Part 1 explained how the structure of the glomerulus and its blood flow leads to the production of an ultrafiltrate of plasma. Part 2 explains how the nephrons modify the glomerular filtrate in order to maintain total body water and electrolyte homeostasis, and produce urine to allow excretion of waste products.Renal Physiology – Part 2 (274) – November 12, 2012

This is the first of a two-part tutorial looking at kidney structure and function. This tutorial describes the important anatomical features and physiological processes which allow the kidneys to produce an ultrafiltrate of plasma that ultimately goes on to become urine.Renal Physiology – Part 1 (273) – November 5, 2012

This tutorial covers the technique of high frequency ventilation. There is some overlap with ATOTW 261, High Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation, although this tutorial discusses in-theatre anaesthetic techniques in addition to critical care ventilation.
High Frequency Jet Ventilation (271) – October 8, 2012

This tutorial discusses the use of blood components including plasma derivatives in clinical practice.Blood Component Therapy (262) – June 11, 2012

Lasers have numerous medical applications which the anaesthetist may encounter. This article gives a thorough explanation of their basic physical principles.The Basic Principles of Laser Technology (255) – March 19, 2012

Part one of this mini-series looks at blood groups, donation and crossmatching.Blood Transfusion Part 1 – The Basics (242) – October 24, 2011

This tutorial explains that pain resulting from nerve injury, or neuropathic pain is produced from a differnt mechanism from pain due trauma. The physiology of the condition, and the clinical pharmacology are described. How to diagnose and asses the patient with neuropathic pain are covered and there is a brif introduction to non pharmacological forms of treatment.Neuropathic Pain (234) – August 1, 2011

This concluding part of the pair of tutorials looking at the physiology of blood will cover the complex processes involved in haemostasis.Blood Physiology – part 2 (231) – July 11, 2011

Basic science and clinical aspects of adrenaline
Adrenaline (Epinephrine) 226 – June 6, 2011

This is the first of two tutorials on blood physiology for the anaesthetist. This tutorial will outline the production and constituents of blood, as well as blood groups, gas transport and the role of blood in acid-base balance. The second tutorial will outline the complex processes involved in haemostasis.Blood Physiology – Part 1 (222) – May 9, 2011

When using ultrasound for regional anaesthesia it is essential to have a good understanding of basic ultrasound physics in order to obtain the best possible image. Part 2 of The Physics of Ultrasound will examine ultrasound phenomena, such as anisotropy and artefact, to understand how these can affect image quality and what practical steps can be taken to reduce their effects. The article will also look at the Doppler effect before finishing with a few practical hints and tips on how to ensure the best images are obtained.The Physics of Ultrasound – part 2 (218) – March 21, 2011

This tutorial will look at the background to CPET, its physiology, practicalities of performing the test and evidence supporting its use in pre-operative risk stratification. It will not cover direct interpretation of raw CPET data.Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (217) – March 14, 2011

Discusses the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the adrenal glands.
The Adrenal Glands (216) – March 7, 2011

Acute pain is a fundamental part of anaesthetic practice with multiple neurochemical and psychological factors influencing its perception. The relevant anatomy and physiology are discussed in this tutorial.Acute pain management part 1 – Anatomy & physiology (213) – February 14, 2011

Antibiotic prophylaxis can have a large impact on reducing surgical site infections. This tutorial explores the microbiological basis for prophylaxis and presents up to date evidence for its rational use.Microbiology for Anaesthetists part 2 – Surgical Prophylaxis (212) – February 7, 2011

This tutorial summarises some of the most important physiological consequences of anaesthesia – the effects on respiratory physiology.The effects of anaesthesia on respiratory function (205) – November 15, 2010

Part one of this series examines the physical principles behind ultrasound. An understanding of this is important in interpreting ultrasound images.The physics of ultrasound – part 1 (199) – October 4, 2010

In this tutorial we will cover the anaesthetic management of these patients in the pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative periods, the surgical and anaesthetic techniques specific to pituitary surgery and the complications which may arise.The hypothalamic-pituitary axis part 2 – Anaesthesia for pituitary surgery (189) – July 26, 2010

This tutorial covers the basic anatomy and physiology of the pituitary gland and the common conditions that result from under or over secretion of pituitary hormones. Anaesthesia for pituitary surgery will be covered in Part 2The Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis part 1 – Anatomy & Physiology (186) – July 5, 2010

This tutorial discusses the general principles behind the composition and volume of fluid in the various compartments, along with the body’s regulatory mechanisms and a description of how fluid moves between compartments.
Body Fluids – Part 1 (184) – June 21, 2010

This tutorial covers general aspects of hepatic drug metabolism with specific reference to drugs relevant to the anaesthetist.The role of the liver in drug metabolism (179) – May 17, 2010

Many psychiatric patients are prescribed long-term drug treatment, and the anaesthetist must be aware of potential interactions with anaesthetic agents. Anaesthesia and psychiatric drugs part 2 – Mood stabilisers and antipsychotics (175) – April 19, 2010

This tutorial covers the physiology of excitable tissues, including how the resting membrane potential and action potentials are generatedExcitable tissue physiology (173) – March 8, 2010

The history, physics and application of vapourisers for use with volatile anaesthetic agents.Vapourisation and vapourisers (171) – February 22, 2010

Serotonin syndrome is a rare but potentially fatal disorder. Many drugs administered by anesthetists alter serotonin physiology. Hence it is important anesthetists remain cognisant of this disorder when administering relevant drugsSerotonin syndrome (166) – January 18, 2010

Depression is a common condition and many surgical patients will be taking medication for this. This tutorial discusses the pharmacology of antidepressants with particular reference to the potential interactions with anaesthesia.Anaesthesia & psychiatric drugs part 1 – antidepressants (164) – December 14, 2009

This tutorial completes the two-part series on respiratory physiology. It covers the following aspects: Perfusion of the lung, pulmonary vascular resistance, and Gas exchange. Full pdf (852Kb): 160 Respiratory physiology – part 2 Or download the compressed version (393Kb) if your bandwidth is limited (some illustrations may be of inferior quality): 160 Respiratory physiology – […]Respiratory physiology part 2 (160) – November 16, 2009

In this tutorial a brief summary of anaesthesia for TURP is followed by a more detailed description of one of it’s specific complications, TURP syndrome.Anaesthesia for Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) (155) – October 12, 2009

This is the first of a two part series on respiratory physiology. Part 1 covers functional anatomy, lung volumes, ventilation and respiratory mechanics.Respiratory physiology – part 1 (147) – August 17, 2009

This tutorial describes the physiology and pharmacology of anti-coagulants with particular relevance to anaesthesia. It includes sections on anti-platelet drugs, the heparins, warfarin & newer drugs.Anti-coagulation, an overview (143) – July 20, 2009