Anesthesia Patient Safety Podcast Archive

Ready for a refreshing summer dive into the latest anesthesia safety research? This episode explores three groundbreaking studies that could transform perioperative practice and patient outcomes.

First, we examine a fascinating randomized clinical trial on ”just-in-time” training for inexperienced clinicians performing infant intubations. The results are impressive: trainees who received just 10 minutes of structured training immediately before the procedure achieved a 91.4% first-attempt success rate—significantly better than the 81.6% rate in the standard training group. Could this approach revolutionize how we prepare for all high-stakes medical procedures? The study suggests decreased cognitive load and improved competency with this targeted preparation technique.

Next, we explore a comprehensive meta-analysis of how intravenous antihypertensive medications affect cerebral blood flow. Good news: most medications maintain cerebral autoregulation even when reducing blood pressure. However, nitroprusside and nitroglycerin stand out as exceptions, potentially reducing cerebral perfusion even at appropriate doses. This critical information helps anesthesia professionals make more informed medication choices based on each patient's specific needs.

Finally, we investigate emerging research on GLP-1 receptor agonist medications (increasingly popular for diabetes, weight loss, and cardiovascular disease) and their potential link to vision problems. Several studies suggest these medications may increase the risk of non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy—a leading cause of vision loss. While the absolute risk remains small and no direct connection to postoperative vision loss has been established, additional research is needed going forward.

Each of these studies provides valuable insight into how we can continue improving anesthesia safety. Share this episode with your colleagues and join us next time as we work toward ensuring no one is harmed by anesthesia care.

For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/262-medical-literature-deep-dive-from-infant-intubation-to-glp-1-agonist-risks-and-more/

© 2025, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation

Join us on a fascinating exploration with Alli Bechtel, a dedicated anesthesiologist and the Anesthesia Patient Safety podcast host, who reveals the surprising journey from the United States to New Zealand in pursuit of a better work-life balance. Bechtel shares her unique insights into the supportive healthcare environment she found across the globe and the role of teamwork in ensuring patient safety in anesthesia. Her story provides a meaningful look at the personal and professional transitions involved in moving to a new country and how a close-knit hospital community can enhance medical practice.

Discover the evolution of anesthesia patient safety initiatives and the pivotal contributions of the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation (APSF). Having joined the APSF during the pandemic, Alli recounts her path to becoming the host of their podcast, highlighting the foundation's dynamic shift from newsletters to engaging audio content. We discuss the APSF's commitment to collaboration and their comprehensive resources aimed at reducing errors and improving safety practices, sharing examples from recent publications that underscore the need for systemic solutions in anesthesia care.

This episode is a compelling blend of personal narrative, professional insight, and pioneering education strategies aimed at shaping the future of anesthesia practice.

For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/235-fresh-flow-podcast-takeover-advancing-patient-safety-from-a-to-n-to-zed/

© 2025, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation

Welcome to the next installment of the Anesthesia Patient Safety podcast hosted by Alli Bechtel.  This podcast is an exciting journey towards improved anesthesia patient safety.

Tune in for a Rapid Response two-part series. First up, we discuss electronic interference between the radiofrequency detection wand, the Medtronic Situate Detection System X, and the Twitchview train of four monitorinng device from Blink Device Company. We also discuss the development of the pre-anesthesia machine checkout procedure before we review several cases of anesthesia machine malfunction next week.

Additional sound effects from: Zapsplat.

For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/182-rapid-response-electronic-interference-and-anesthesia-machine-malfunction-part-1/

© 2023, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation

Welcome to the next installment of the Anesthesia Patient Safety podcast hosted by Alli Bechtel.  This podcast is an exciting journey towards improved anesthesia patient safety.

We are diving back into the APSF Archives to discuss complications following epidural steroid injections. It is critical to understand the risks and benefits for these procedures. Tune in today as we review strategies to help keep patients safe during epidural steroid injections.

Additional sound effects from: Zapsplat.

© 2022, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation

For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/130-keeping-patients-safe-during-epidural-steroid-injections/

Welcome to the next installment of the Anesthesia Patient Safety podcast hosted by Alli Bechtel.  This podcast is an exciting journey towards improved anesthesia patient safety.

Do you provide nitrous oxide for labor analgesia on your labor and delivery units? Tune in today as we review the efficacy of this medication as well as the maternal, fetal, and occupational safety considerations. Plus, we have APSF Grant Recipient, Vesela Kovacheva, on the show today to discuss her exciting project and passion for maternal patient safety.

© 2021, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation

For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/78-nitrous-oxide-for-labor-analgesia/

Welcome to the next installment of the Anesthesia Patient Safety podcast hosted by Alli Bechtel.  This podcast is an exciting journey towards improved anesthesia patient safety.

For the last show of 2020, we return to the updated APSF Novel Coronavirus Anesthesia Resource Center to talk about the recently released joint statement by the ASA and APSF regarding elective surgery for patients who have recovered from COVID-19. Join us to learn more about isolation precautions, timing for elective surgery, and re-testing.

© 2020, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation

 For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/25-keeping-patients-safe-after-covid-19-infection/