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August 1996
Volume 60 |
Number 8
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| Trivia on the
History of the Anesthesia Screen |
Miguel A. Colón-Morales, M.D.
The anesthesia screen is better known as the "ether screen."
Where or who used it first, nobody seems to know at the present
time. In some countries, like England, it is not used; however,
its value is recognized as a means of facilitating continuous
observation of the patient. It also serves as a barrier to contamination
of the surgical field. The type of anesthesia screen used frequently
in most situations and countries allows an easy observation of
the patient under anesthesia. The need to separate the surgical
field from the anesthesia field, which is not totally sterile,
should be stressed by all those concerned.
In the past, the anesthesia screen has been modified. In the United
States, McCarthy proposed attaching a gadget to hold syringes
containing induction agents, which would facilitate administration
of anesthetics by the anesthesiologist [Figure
1].
Manufacturers of anesthesia and operating room equipment in the
United States also have modified the traditional arched, rigid
form made of galvanized steel or aluminum from the L-shaped version
to a more sophisticated semirigid flexible corrugated pressure
tube, the shape of which can be adjusted to the needs of the anesthesiologist
or surgeon. Such versatility increases its efficiency and also
its price.
More recently, Miguel A. Colón-Morales, M.D., from Puerto
Rico has redesigned the "ether screen" to hold a serving
intubation tray that is incorporated as part of or attached by
hooks to the upper transverse part of the screen [Figure
2]. Anesthetics and instruments to be used are placed right
in front of the anesthesiologist, obviating the need for an assistant
to hand him or her the instruments, administer the anesthetic
or do the suction. Everything is in front of the anesthesiologist
during induction and intubation. The need for an assistant is
kept to a minimum, which is of value in the event that none is
available.
The historical evolution of the "ether screen" has enhanced
the functions of this adjunct in anesthesia practice. It all started
with the purpose of providing better observation of the patient
under anesthesia and also separating the surgical (sterile) field
from the anesthesia (nonsterile) field. It may now be used by
the anesthesiologist to facilitate induction and intubation of
the patient, reducing the need for an assistant.
What will happen in the future remains to be seen. It is hoped
that this modification will help increase patient safety during
anesthesia in addition to providing more convenience to the anesthesiologist
and surgeon during their work.
Miguel A. Colón-Morales, M.D., is
Director of the Department of Anesthesiology, Hospital del Maestro,
and Associate Professor of Anesthesiology, University of Puerto
Rico School of Medicine, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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