Lorimer M, Hall R
Department of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesia, Green Lane Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand.
Anaesth Intensive Care. 1998 Apr;26(2):210-2. doi: 10.1177/0310057X9802600216.
We report a case of trans-sternal thymectomy for myasthenia gravis using a non relaxant, total intravenous technique with propofol and remifentanil. This afforded excellent control of heart rate and pressor responses during surgery while allowing early return of spontaneous ventilation and extubation within nine minutes of termination of anaesthesia. Advantages and disadvantages of this approach versus relaxant and volatile techniques are discussed with particular reference to preservation of neuromuscular function.
