Members from the Department of Anesthesiology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis attended and participated in the Midwest Anesthesia Residents’ Conference (MARC) Annual Meeting on April 14-16 in Milwaukee, WI. The conference brought together anesthesia professionals, researchers, and trainees from across the Midwest region to showcase and discuss the latest developments in anesthesia research. WashU had two fourth-year residents, Lauren Lagrimas, MD, and Dima Aladdin, MD, present cases in the competition.
During Dr. Aladdin’s presentation, titled “Tracheal injury: from elective cholecystectomy to VV ECMO,” she illustrated the significance of maintaining a keen sense of suspicion when diagnosing tracheal injuries and how proper surgical intervention can lead to favorable outcomes. The case began with an elective intubation at an outside hospital, which resulted in the patient experiencing two episodes of cardiac arrest due to hypoxia. After being transferred to Barnes Jewish Hospital, the patient made a full recovery and was discharged one month later with a tracheostomy in place. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of timely and accurate diagnosis, as well as the critical role that appropriate surgical intervention can play in achieving successful outcomes.
Dr. Lagrimas’s award-winning presentation, “VV ECMO-Assisted Caesarian Section in a Patient with Severe Pre-Eclampsia and Methamphetamine-Induced Respiratory Failure,” recounted a remarkable case of medical intervention. The patient, a 33-year-old pregnant woman just past 36 weeks, was rushed to the emergency department with alarming symptoms including shortness of breath, hypertension, and hypoxia, all of which were attributed to her methamphetamine use. After developing pulmonary edema, the patient required intubation and was placed on ECMO, which ultimately facilitated a successful C-section. Remarkably, both mother and baby emerged stable from the procedure, and they were discharged from the hospital several days later. Dr. Lagrimas’s presentation secured first place in the obstetric category, underscoring the significance of her work and the complexity of the case.
“I had a great time learning about new technology in our field and sharing stories with fellow anesthesia providers from the Midwest,” says Dr. Lagrimas.
WashU continues to strengthen its position as a leading institution in the field, driving forward progress and advancement in anesthesia research and patient care.
The Association of Midwest Academic Anesthesia Chairs, Inc. (AMAAC) is comprised of the Chairs of 35 Anesthesia Departments in the Midwestern United States and Canada, ranging geographically from northern New York to central Kansas. The mission of AMAAC is to facilitate and support the Midwestern Anesthesia Residents Conference (MARC). Visit https://www.amaachq.org/marc.html for more information.