DEPARTMENT OF ANESTHESIOLOGY ANNUAL REPORT

Research and
Developmental Goals
The focus of research development and
the selection of clinical trials are based
on practical needs identified in orthopedic
and plastic surgery patient care.
Dr. Alexis Carmer is engaged in a
prospective study evaluating the delirium
rate in the elderly requiring orthopedic
surgery and comparing general
versus regional anesthesia is an IRB
approved study. Additionally, the division
is engaged in outcome studies in
the geriatric patient population requiring
major orthopedic surgery in collaboration
with Madan Kwatra, Ph.D. and
the VAH. Dr. Gavin Martin has been
very involved with phase II and III clinical
trials using slow release epidural
liposomal morphine and slow release
hydromorphone for the last two years.
Other IRB approved funded studies
include Arrow’s esophageal doppler for
fluid management during major spine
surgery. Successfully completed studies
include the multi-center phase III artificial
hemoglobin blood substitute investigation
using allogenic bovine red
blood cell (HBOC-201) in orthopedic
patients requiring transfusion. Technical
support for the HBOC-201 Biopure study
was coordinated by Karen Ramsey, RN,
M.B.A. Additionally, Karen Ramsey has
demonstrated excellent rapport with
industry including the drafting of financial
budgets for clinical trials. Clinical
trials in coordination with Dr. Brian
Ginsberg have involved several multiphase
post-op trials for the total hip and
knee replacement patient population.
A few of these studies included immediate
release oxymorphone, sustained
release hydromorphine, IV acetaminophen
and COX2 medications. Dr.
CLINICAL ACTIVITIES
Duke Anesthesiology residents interating with anatomist in the Human Fresh
Tissue Laboratory. Ths lab was designed by Dr. David MacLeod to enhance
education in regional anesthesiology.
Helene Benveniste, former FAER grant
recipient, orchestrates basic science
research for the division. Dr.
Benveniste’s research focuses on the
development of imaging paradigms to
detect and follow progression of early
pathology in Alzheimer's disease. This
includes creating a high-resolution 3D
digital C57B16/J mouse brain atlas by
magnetic resonance imaging to be used
as a standard reference for all neuroanatomical
phenotyping of transgenic,
targeted induced mutations in
mice.
Philanthropy
Congratulations to Maurice Begin,
CRNA and his successful missionary
effort with ORBIS. This opportunity has
provided Mo the experience of delivering
anesthesia in third world countries
in an aircraft with a state-of-the-art operating
room facility designed specifically
for Eye Surgery.
CLINICAL ACTIVITIES 61