Document Type
Thesis
Date of Award
1981
Abstract
Many surgical procedures require muscle relaxation as part of the anesthesia. The reduction in muscle tone resulting from the administration of muscle relaxants renders the surgical field more accessible. Presently, muscle relaxation is commonly achieved and maintained by repeated bolus injections, by continuous infusion of muscle relaxants at a constant rate, or by a combination of these. The dosage of the drug is usually determined by relatively simple clinical guidelines, such as patient weight, height, and girth. The level of relaxation is often monitored by observing the evoked response (twitch) to periodic peripheral nerve stimulation (Katz & Katz, 1975).Present procedures for the administration of muscle relaxants may be improved in several ways. Patient variability in response is poorly managed in the current techniques, even though this variability is quite large (Katz & Katz, 1975). Hence, the sensitive patient tends to receive more drug than required for the desired level of relaxation. With some relaxants, this may lead to prolonged recovery and other possible complications. Therefore, an administrative technique which is more sensitive to patient variability in response is needed.
Recommended Citation
Ritchie, Ralph Gilbert, "Modeling the Muscle Relaxation Response to Succinylcholine for the Purpose of Controller Design." (1981). All ETDs from UAB. 7142.
https://digitalcommons.library.uab.edu/etd-collection/7142
Comments
MS - Master of Science/Master of Surgery; ProQuest publication number 31752062