The Anesthesia Cartoon of the Month

Olivier Wenker M.D.

Citation: O. Wenker: The Anesthesia Cartoon of the Month. The Internet Journal of Anesthesiology. 1997 Volume 5 Number 1

Keywords: anesthesiology, anesthesia, intensive care medicine, critical care medicine, trauma, regional anesthesia, education, multimedia, internet, online, electronic publication, peer-review

Abstract

Question 1

What is the meaning of DDD on a pacemaker?

Answer 1

D for Dual (Atrium and Ventricle) pacing
D for Dual (Atrium and Ventricle) sensing
D for Dual (Triggered and Inhibited) response to pacing

Check the table below for all abbreviations used in pacemakers. For more information click here!

Question 2

What is the problem in this picture?

Answer 2

The apparently venous catheter was placed into an arterial vessel. This is a complication seen with central venous catheter insertions. We recommend the use of a finder needle and the check with a pressure monitor as described on the CD (Central Venous Catheters by Olivier Wenker) prior to insertion of the catheter. Complications include arterial bleeding, intra-arterial infusion of fluids and drugs via pressurized fluid bags, or embolism of arterial plaques/air bubbles with subsequent cerebral injury.