<<Prev Patient Positioning Next>> The patient should be kept warm and dry during the procedure. A slightly tilted table with adequate drainage, combined with a heat pad under the body, is very effective. A circulating warm water blanket may also be placed around the patient to prevent hypothermia. The rectal temperature should be monitored. Two patient positions should be considered, lateral and dorsal recumbency.   Lateral Recumbency   Click on any photograph in the site for a bigger version   Most veterinarians and veterinary nurses prefer lateral recumbency. Place a towel or sandbag under the neck of the patient and tilt the head downwards, so as to ensure adequate drainage of saliva, blood and irrigating fluid. A cuffed endotracheal tube and pharyngeal pack (Metropack™) is essential to prevent aspiration.       Dorsal Recumbency       Dorsal recumbency offers the advantage of superior visualisation of all aspects of the teeth, especially of the maxillary dentition. The patient can remain in the same position throughout the procedure in a standard fibreglass cradle. The operator needs access to a 180-degree arc at the end of the table - preferably seated on a wheeled chair.         Pharyngeal Packing           One of the main hazards of dentistry and particularly dorsal recumbency is fluid aspiration. A cuffed endotracheal tube and pharyngeal pack is essential to prevent aspiration. Ensure the palate is in a horizontal plane and lower the head end of the table. Place a towel or sandbag under the neck of the patient to hyper-extend the neck. Use a gag to maintain the mouth in an open position, but always beware of over-opening the mouth and straining the TMJ's over a long period of time.   Inserting pharyngeal sponge (10 seconds) To view full-screen video click View -> Full Screen in the player. Press Escape to end. If you are having problems viewing the video, visit our Help page   <<Prev © 2002 eMedia Unit RVC v1.0 Next>>

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