GasGasGas - Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthesia!
Dr Gas - Anaesthesia Education
An Anaesthesia Podcast focusing on the science knowledge anaesthetists should know. We track the UK Primary FRCA Curriculum.> GasGasGas will fit into a corner of your day, delivering a treatise on a drug, concept or practice critical to the knowledge required to pass the FRCA Primary Exam!
> There are naturally tangents, as hearing a word vomit of data with no joy is not the aim of Dr gas!
> This is relevant to anyone in the world interested in these pharmacological, physiological, clinical, physical and chemical concepts,
> Notes on https:/gasgasgas.uk
> Sponsored by Teach Me Anaesthetics SBA Resource
All content is my personal opinion, not medical advice and is never a substitute for formal education / training.
© GasGasGas – The FRCA Primary Anaesthetic Sciences Podcast 2025
> There are naturally tangents, as hearing a word vomit of data with no joy is not the aim of Dr gas!
> This is relevant to anyone in the world interested in these pharmacological, physiological, clinical, physical and chemical concepts,
> Notes on https:/gasgasgas.uk
> Sponsored by Teach Me Anaesthetics SBA Resource
All content is my personal opinion, not medical advice and is never a substitute for formal education / training.
© GasGasGas – The FRCA Primary Anaesthetic Sciences Podcast 2025
Episodes
Mentioned books
10 snips
May 9, 2025 • 14min
Tramadol: Atypical Opioid Analgesic Pharmacology & Clinical Use
Delve into the intricate world of Tramadol in this engaging discussion. Discover its unique multi-mechanism analgesic action and how it functions as a weak opioid. Learn about its pharmacokinetics, including dosing limits and onset times, as well as its side effects and risks like opioid toxicity and serotonin syndrome. Gain insight into its comparative efficacy against other opioids and the importance of considering genetic variations in metabolism. A deep dive into Tramadol not only educates but also enhances your clinical perspective!
7 snips
May 1, 2025 • 23min
Alfentanil: Short-Acting Synthetic Opioid Pharmacology for the FRCA and your Anaesthetic Practice
Discover the fascinating world of alfentanil, a crucial short-acting μ-opioid. Learn about its 1976 origins and why it's a go-to for rapid-sequence inductions. Delve into its therapeutic index and clinical uses, including acute pain management and obstetrics. Explore the unique pharmacokinetics that give it a faster onset than fentanyl. Plus, hear about the potential side effects and safe dosing practices. This insightful discussion is both educational and entertaining for anyone in anaesthetic practice.
6 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 36min
Target-Controlled Infusion (TCI): Pharmacokinetic Models for TIVA Anaesthesia
The discussion dives into TIVA models for Propofol, specifically Marsh, Schneider, and Eleveld. Listeners learn the importance of understanding pharmacokinetic models over manual dosing for safety. Insights include how each model is developed, with a focus on their strengths and limitations. The episode emphasizes the need for careful dosing, particularly for obese patients, and offers practical tips on pump programming. There's a recommendation to treat TCI as a valuable tool rather than a definitive answer, ensuring tailored anaesthetic plans.
Apr 18, 2025 • 30min
Vivacast 16 - Misplacing 1000ml of circulating volume on the floor, Nerve conduction physiology, pH and acid base derangement
Delve into the physiological effects of sudden blood loss and how your body responds through baroreceptor reflexes and sympathetic activation. Explore the intricacies of nerve conduction, from resting membrane potential to the dynamics of action potentials. Learn about pH, acids, and the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation as they maintain acid-base balance. Finally, uncover the mystery of the anion gap and common causes of metabolic acidosis, plus exam tips for mastering your viva.
Apr 10, 2025 • 56min
Interview - The first three months of UK anaesthetics, insights and learning - Dr James Smith
Dr. James Smith, a CT2 ACCS anaesthetic trainee and former intensive care physiotherapist, shares candid insights from his initial months in anaesthesia. He discusses the steep learning curve he faced, from navigating on-call duties to mastering pediatric airway skills. James reflects on the balance of decision-making under pressure and the importance of strong team dynamics, often highlighting the value of mentoring. He also emphasizes coping strategies like exercise and peer support and offers advice for junior doctors aiming to maximize their training.
Apr 3, 2025 • 32min
VivaCast 15 - Clinical Case PsuedoAneurysm
Dive into a gripping clinical scenario featuring an intravenous drug user with an infected pseudoaneurysm. The hosts discuss the complexities of high BBV risk cases, including crucial assessment tactics and resuscitation priorities. Learn about vascular access options, the dangers of local anaesthetic toxicity, and the urgent management of seizures during procedures. The discussion wraps up with practical tips for clinical examination techniques and the importance of communication with the surgical team.
Mar 27, 2025 • 20min
VivaCast 14 - Kinetics, Hypoglycaemics and Drug Trial fun!
Dive into the world of pharmacokinetics, where drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion are unraveled. Discover the intricacies of hypoglycaemic medications, including insulin's roles and risks. Explore the fascinating landscape of clinical trials, from randomized controlled designs to the evolution of drug development phases. Gain insights on the balance between efficacy and safety, punctuated with an understanding of statistical analysis through meta-analysis. Perfect for anyone looking to sharpen their medical knowledge!
Mar 19, 2025 • 30min
VivaCast 13 - Ultrasound - Cardiac Output Monitoring - Diathermy
Dive into the fascinating world of ultrasound in anaesthesia, from vascular access to echocardiography. Explore the physics behind ultrasound machines and the significance of the Doppler effect in measuring blood flow. Discover both non-invasive and invasive techniques for assessing cardiac output, including the roles of pulmonary artery catheters. Gain insights into the intricacies of diathermy, its safety concerns, and strategies to minimize ECG interference. Perfect for those preparing for the FRCA exams!
Mar 14, 2025 • 23min
VivaCast 12 - Anti Emetics, Propofol (again!) and Antimicrobial Prophylaxis in Surgery
Dive into the fascinating world of antiemetics as Tom reveals his favorite, Droperidol, alongside its rivals like Ondansetron. Explore the intricate pharmacokinetics of Propofol, tracing its journey from IV emulsion to brain effects, while discussing factors that influence its onset and effectiveness. Unpack the essentials of antimicrobial prophylaxis in surgery, including key antibiotic classes and their mechanisms. This engaging session blends exam prep with essential clinical insights, making complex topics accessible and entertaining.
Mar 5, 2025 • 29min
VivaCast 011 - Liver Physiology,
Dive into the complexities of liver physiology as Tom and James unravel its key functions, like detoxification and bile production. They explore how the liver manages blood supply and regulates glucose. Bilirubin production and paracetamol metabolism take center stage, revealing why overdose can be harmful. Tips for structuring exam answers and highlighting anatomical details are shared to help listeners ace their assessments. Get ready for a fun and informative discussion that balances science with smart study strategies!
