SummaryA crucial step for successful percutaneous tracheostomy is the introduction of the needle and guide wire into the trachea. Capnography has recently been proposed as one way to confirm tracheal needle placement. In this randomised controlled study, we used capnography in 26 patients and bronchoscopy in 29 patients to confirm needle placement for percutaneous tracheostomy using Blue Rhino TM kit. The operating times and the incidence of peri-operative complications were similar for both groups. Capnography proved to be as effective as bronchoscopy in confirming correct needle placement.

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Background: Inpatient subanaesthetic ketamine infusion for 5 days may improve pain and reduce oral opioid usage in patients with chronic pain. Objective: This study aims to investigate pain and psychological outcomes of ketamine parenteral infusion (0.1 -0.35 mg/kg/h or maximum 24 mg/hour) for 5 days in patients with chronic refractory pain. The secondary objective is to explore any prognostic pain and psychological factors associated with the successful response to the ketamine treatment. Methodology: A prospective longitudinal study of a small cohort (N = 35) of patients with heterogenous chronic refractory pain conditions was conducted from one week to two months follow-up. Results: Pain Severity was significantly improved from mean 6.5 to 5.