AANA Foundation

The Effect of Ultrasound Guidance and Vessel Transduction on Central Venous Catheter Placement Complications

Primary Author: Katherine Ojalvo, BSN, RN
Coauthors: Jennifer Cooley, BSN, RN; Karin Langford, BSN, RN

Based on recommendations from the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence, in 2011 Mayo Clinic Rochester instituted a policy mandating the use of ultrasounds for internal jugular central venous catheter placement in the operating room. In our study we compared rates of complications for central line insertion with and without ultrasound guidance between 2006 and 2012.

A Study of Relationships Among Three Assessment Methods of Nurse Anesthetists 

Primary Author: Nicholas Gabriel, PhD, CRNA
Coauthors: Bernadette Henrichs, PhD, CRNA; Mary Blegen, PhD, RN; Susan Chapman, PhD, RN

A doctoral study to determine relationships between a written examination, self-assessment, and performance assessment in simulation of practicing nurse anesthetists (CRNAs).

The Efficacy of QuikClot Combat Gauze, Fluid Resuscitation and Movement on Hemorrhage Controlin a Porcine Model of Hypothermia

Primary Author: Brian Gegel, DNAP, CRNA
Coauthors: James Burgert, DNAP, CRNA; John Gasko, DNP, CRNA; Sabine Johnson, MS; Jennifer Florez, MSN, CRNA; Edward Dunton II, MSN, CRNA; Don Johnson, PhD, RN 
 
This study was a prospective, between subjects, experimental design using Yorkshirecross swine randomly assigned to two groups; QuikClot Combat Gauze (QCG) (n=11) and control (n=11).

Pharmacokinetics and Analgestic Properties of Inhaled Remifentanyl

Primary Author: Tatjana Bevans, MSN, CRNA
Coauthors: Cassandra Rice, PhD; Derek Sakata MD; Chris Reilly, PhD      
                     
Patients could benefit from an inhaled opioid for pain management in a clinical setting. We investigated the bioavailability and efficacy of inhaled remifentanil in rats. We concluded that rapid profound analgesia was achieved, and remifentanil and metabolites were measurable in rat blood following pulmonary exposure to remifentanil. 

The Non-Compete Cause and the CRNA: An Assessment of Knowledge, Perception, and Experience 
 
Primary Author: Briana Meseroll, DNP, CRNA
Coauthors: Nathaniel Apatov, PhD, CRNA; Carolyn Rutledge, PhD, FNP

Mounting economic pressures and the challenge to maintain competitive advantage have resulted in many healthcare entities to require their practitioners to enter into restrictive covenants such as non-compete clause (NCCs). Many student nurse anesthetists and practicing certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) are unaware of the non-compete clause in employee contracts. CRNAs are often surprised by the implication of signing a non-compete clause could have on their future abilities to successfully advocate for themselves and their profession, in order to best meet the needs of the population they serve. This study was completed using an anonymous, Web-based questionnaire distributed to students and CRNAs nationwide and demonstrated a significant knowledge gap in the nurse anesthesia community surrounding the NCC. 

Workplace Incivility Affecting CRNAs: A Study in Prevalence, Severity, Consequences with Proposed Interventions

Primary Author: Ray Elmblad, DrAP, CRNA
Coauthors: Gergana Kodjebacheva, PhD; Lynn Lebeck, PhD, CRNA
   
Incivility in healthcare settings has potentially detrimental effects on healthcare providers and patient safety. This study examines the prevalence of incivility and the influence workplace incivility has on burnout among CRNAs in Michigan. 

Comparative Resuscitation Measures for the Treatment of Desipramine Overdose

Primary Author: Joseph O’Sullivan, CRNA, PhD
Coauthors: Arthur Johnson, RN, PhD; Melissa Waterman, CRNA, MSN

A toxic dose of desipramine (tricyclic anti-depressant) causes cardiac arrhythmias and ultimately asystole. Resuscitation in the emergency room is difficult and almost always unsuccessful. Anecdotal evidence suggests that an infusion of lipid emulsion may be an effective treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal combination of lipid rescue and traditional ACLS therapy for the treatment of desipramine overdose using a porcine model. The results indicated that the groups that received vasopressin were more likely to survive than those that did not vasopressin and the groups that received lipid emulsion were more likely to survive than those that did not receive lipid emulsion.

Development of a Traumatic Brain Injury Assessment Score Using Novel Biomarkers Discovered Through Autoimmune Profiling

Primary Author: John Buonora, CRNA, PhD
Coauthors: Michael Mousseau, BA; Lawrence Latour, PhD; Ramon DiazArrastia, MD, PhD; Harvey Pollard, MD, PhD; Sandro Rizoli, MD, PhD; Andrew Baker, MD; Shawn Rhind, PhD, Gregory Mueller, PhD

The goals of this research were to identify novel brain proteins targeted by traumatic brain injury (TBI)-induced autoantibodies and to determine if these proteins contribute to a circulating biomarker signature useful in the diagnosis and assessment of mild TBI.

Effect of Elective Surgery on Subjective Health in Veterans with Chronic PTSD

Primary Author: LCDR Kenneth Wofford, CRNA, PhD, NC, USN
Coauthors: Michael Hertzberg, MD; Susan G. Silva, PhD; Charles Vacchiano, CRNA, PhD, FAAN

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common, is often chronic, and has been associated with greater risk of postoperative mortality in veterans. This study was conducted to determine if elective outpatient surgery had a persistent effect on the physical or mental health of veterans with chronic PTSD. 

Educational Teaching Model for Central Line
Insertion Utilizing 2-D Ultrasound Technology
for Integration into Nurse Anesthesia Programs

Primary Author: LaSonya Malbrough, CRNA, DNP, MS

This DNP Evidenced-based Practice Project was designed to present a pilot training model based on best practices intended to provide theoretical and technical skills for safe central line insertion utilizing 2-D ultrasound technology for advanced practice nurses at the master’s and doctoral educational levels. 

The AANA Foundation Office-Based 
Anesthesia Study

Primary Author: Michael Kremer, CRNA, PhD, FAAN

Office-based surgery is a rapidly growing segment of anesthesia practice, with some 10 million procedures performed annually in office-based settings. AANA first developed its Standards for Office-Based Practice in 1999.

Acupuncture Blocks Cold Stress-Induced
Increases in the HPA in the Rat

Primary Author: Ladan Eshkevari, CRNA, PhD, LAc
Susan Mulroney, PhD
Eva Permaul, BS

While acupuncture is used widely to treat chronic stress, the mechanism of action leading to reported health benefits is not understood. In a series of studies, Eshkevari and her team demonstrated how acupuncture could significantly reduce the stress hormone response in an animal model of chronic stress.