Dr. Paul Rollins: The Benefits of Using an LMA and Sevo as Your Anesthetic Technique

There’s never going to be an anesthesia technique that is 100% foolproof, but the LMA/Sevo technique used by Dr. Paul Rollins and his partners, gets pretty close, according to Paul. Other than a small number of people who have small, or otherwise difficult, airways, the LMA/Sevo approach is safer for the patient, and a more pleasant experience for the surgeon. Amongst other advantages which Paul explains today, there’s less chance of aspiration, laryngospasms, and bronchospasms when using an LMA. Paul also addresses some of the concerns that surgeons have around using Sevo and LMA’s (which include a high cost of entry and the risk of malignant hypothermia) and offers some valuable advice to anyone who is interested in bringing this technique into their practice. We also discuss a book which has a profound impact on both of us, and how getting involved in your community will benefit you at work in ways that may surprise you.

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Key Points From This Episode:

• A brief rundown of Paul’s educational and professional career path up until today.
• The unique element of anesthetic technique that Paul and his partners utilize. 
• Paul explains the benefits of the technique they use.
• Why Paul and his partners decided not to use narcotics. 
• How working with an LMA differs from working with an open airway. 
• Cases when Paul will do an open airway procedure.
• What the wake-up looks like after a Sevo/LMA surgery. 
• Why the Sevo/LMA technique is safer than more traditional techniques.
• Where LMA sits on the emergency airway algorithm. 
• Barriers to using the Sevo/LMA technique. 
• How much Paul and his partners spend on LMAs per year.
• Advice for surgeons interested in starting to use this technique. 
• Paul addresses concerns that people may have about malignant hypothermia when using this technique.
• Types of airways which are not suitable for an LMA. 
• How marijuana use impacts the amount of sedative required to put them under. 
• A case where Paul aborted the LMA technique. 
• The book which allowed Paul and I to gain perspective on a lot of things. 
• How socializing outside of work will benefit you at work. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Paul Rollins —paul.rollins29@gmail.com 

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.com

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720 441 6059