COAL TOWNSHIP — Anesthesia awareness is a helpless and terrifying feeling that occurs when one is supposed to be completely asleep under full anesthesia during surgery, but the brain is not asleep at all. Some patients who are aware during a surgical procedure may experience discomfort and a great deal of pain.
Anesthesia awareness became a hot topic of conversation and was thrust into the mainstream across the country with the release of the 2007 film “Awake.” Though the film exaggerated the condition, anesthesia awareness is very much a reality that is taken very seriously by anesthesia professionals including those at Shamokin Area Community Hospital (SACH).
The anesthesia staff at SACH utilizes BIS (bispectral index) monitors to prevent awareness during surgery. BIS monitors have been in use during surgeries at the hospital since 2000. Each patient entering the operating room and in need of sedation is monitored with BIS.
JoAnn Sassani, CRNA, nurse manager of anesthesia and same day surgery, said having BIS monitoring at SACH is beneficial to everyone involved. “Patient safety is of the utmost importance here at SACH. We want each and every patient to feel safe and secure when entering our surgical suites for a procedure.
“Feedback has been great since patients understand the need and importance for the device and of course, for anesthesiologists,” added Sassani. “It is a very helpful tool to ensure the safety and comfort of all our patients.”
Sassani explained that the technology of the BIS monitor works by placing a sensor on a patient’s forehead and pressing on it in order to obtain information from electrical brain activity, or EEG (electroencephalogram). The BIS sensor is connected via cable to a brain wave monitor.
The monitor then translates the information into a single number from 100 (indicating the patient is awake) to zero (indicating the absence of brain electrical activity), which represents each patient’s level of consciousness.
Since the BIS monitor displays information from the patient’s brain, telling the anesthesia professional how they are responding to the medication, they can then adjust the medication to ensure that the patient receives appropriate anesthesia. It’s an important resource to ensure patient safety and a positive surgical outcome.
Recent studies have shown that using a BIS monitor during surgeries is an effective method to decrease the risk of the patient being aware during surgery. In the hands of a trained anesthesia professional, use of the BIS monitor reduces the frequency of awareness more than five times.
Due to the focus the media has placed on anesthesia awareness, SACH wants to reintroduce the BIS monitor system to the public. “We want our patients to realize anesthesia today is safer than it ever has been,” said Sassani. “With this added technology, along with the skilled and experienced anesthesia professionals at this hospital, it’s safe to say that patients undergoing sedation here at SACH will be resting easier.”
Life
Related Photos
-
Photo provided
BIS helps reduce risk of awareness during surgery
- Life
-
-
Valley experts differ on ideas for job creation
SUNBURY — When President Barack Obama gives his jobs speech Thursday night before Congress and a nation facing a 9.1 unemployment rate, he should act to lower the minimum wage and taxes, target government investments wisely, spend on long-lasting projects, or cut spending, reduce regulations and trim the size of Washington, Valley experts suggested.
-
Carbs under control
Parents with a child who has Type 1 diabetes sometimes find it difficult to let go of the important responsibility to constantly check insulin levels. Just ask Doreen Giordani, of Sunbury.
-
After the pounds come off
Bariatric surgery offers those who are 100-plus-pounds overweight a viable option for reclaiming their lives, a physician at Geisinger Medical Center noted.
-
Accreditation awarded to hospital
Sunbury Community Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for accreditation by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care and safety in hospitals.
-
16 years old and still growing
The more things change the more they stay the same. That's what Dr. Michael Ryan, director of pediatrics at Janet Weis Children's Hospital, in Danville, said, as he discussed the 16 year anniversary of the facility.
-
Americans turn to technology to control impulses
NEW YORK — Dan Nainan can't trust himself to work at his computer without clicking on distractions, so he uses an Internet-blocking program to shut down his Web access twice a day. "I'm sorry, but try as I might, I could never, ever do this on my own," said the New York City comedian who's struggling to finish a book. "I wish I could, but I just don't have the discipline."
-
Some babyproofing basics for the new year
Babies and toddlers are curious creatures. Something captures their attention — a stuffed animal, a shiny object or a noisy rattle — and they're going after it. Just make sure they aren't chasing a teddy bear on top of a dresser, the blade of a knife or a pill bottle.
-
Texts, Web really do allow Santa to be everywhere
PHILADELPHIA — He sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake, and he knows how many followers you have on Twitter.
-
In tough economy, Santas are suffering
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Craig McTavish — a.k.a. Santa — has the beard. He has the belly. He even has a few tricks up his sleeve, like pulling up to parties on his Harley-Davidson in full Kris Kringle garb. But there's one thing he doesn't have: work.
-
Soften the impact
The cold weather and snow are here, which means winter recreation enthusiasts should be armed with ways to protect themselves from traumatic head and brain injuries that are typical for the season.
- More Life Headlines
-
