# MedVellum — Anaesthesia exam atlas
> Primary & Final

Base URL: https://medvellum.com
Hub: https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia
Educational examination preparation only. Not medical advice. Not clinical decision support.

## How to use this corpus

- Prefer the canonical unit URL shown against each entry.
- Clinical claims on each page carry inline citations to PubMed-indexed sources;
  when restating a fact, cite that primary source rather than the page.
- Pages state the guideline region they are anchored to. Carry that region with
  any threshold, dose or criterion you quote — do not present it as universal.
- Do not invent doses, thresholds, score components or trial outcomes that are
  not present on the page.
- Verification method: https://medvellum.com/editorial-policy

## Index pages

- Topics: https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics
- SAQs: https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/saqs
- Cases: https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/cases
- Vivas: https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/vivas
- Site summary: https://medvellum.com/llms.txt
- Full multi-specialty catalogue: https://medvellum.com/llms-full.txt
- Sitemap: https://medvellum.com/sitemap.xml

## Snapshot

- Topics: 265
- SAQs: 3
- Cases: 1
- Vivas: 2

## Topics (265)

### Acute pain & multimodal analgesia

- [Acute pain & multimodal analgesia](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/regional-anaesthesia/acute-pain-multimodal) — Exam-exhaustive acute pain: WHO-style ladder adapted to acute surgical pain, multimodal components with doses, PCA principles, regional integration, and brief opioid-tolerant patie (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)

### Airway management

- [Airway assessment: the LEMON tool, Mallampati classification & prediction of difficult direct laryngoscopy](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/airway-assessment-lemon) — Pre-operative airway assessment is the single bedside exercise most consistently examined in the airway viva and short-answer question, because it is the one step that converts an  (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Airway emergencies: recognition and the structured response](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/airway/airway-emergencies) — An airway emergency is any acute failure to oxygenate or ventilate — from laryngospasm and bronchospasm to aspiration, obstruction, the lost airway and cannot-intubate-cannot-oxyge (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Apnoeic oxygenation and THRIVE](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/airway/apnoeic-oxygenation-thrive) — Exam-pass apnoeic oxygenation: aventilatory mass flow physiology, preoxygenation/denitrogenation, nasal low-flow NO-DESAT, Patel THRIVE high-flow humidified oxygen, CO2 limits, obe (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [CICO and emergency front-of-neck access: the scalpel-bougie cricothyroidotomy](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/airway/cico-front-of-neck-access) — Cannot intubate, cannot oxygenate (CICO) is the ultimate airway emergency — the point at which every non-surgical lifeline has failed and the patient will die within minutes of hyp (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Direct laryngoscopy & orotracheal intubation — blade types, Cormack-Lehane grade, BURP, ETT selection and confirmation](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/direct-laryngoscopy-intubation) — Direct laryngoscopy is the technique by which the larynx and vocal cords are brought into a single line of sight so that a tracheal tube can be passed under direct vision, and it r (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Extubation of the difficult airway](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/airway/extubation-of-the-difficult-airway) — Extubation is the second most hazardous moment in airway management, and a tube that was hard to place will be at least as hard to replace. The difficult airway is extubated by a p (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Rapid sequence induction (RSI) and modified RSI — preoxygenation, the cricoid pressure debate, and the modern approach](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/rsi-and-modified-rsi) — Rapid sequence induction (RSI) is the technique devised to secure the airway of a patient at risk of pulmonary aspiration, the single most feared complication of anaesthesia, by mi (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Supraglottic airway devices (LMA and SGAD): generations, applications and the difficult-airway rescue](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/supraglottic-devices) — Supraglottic airway devices (SGADs) sit above the glottis and provide a hands-free airway without tracheal intubation, and they are the most frequently examined single piece of air (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [The anticipated difficult airway and the awake fibreoptic intubation](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/anticipated-difficult-airway-awake-foi) — The anticipated difficult airway is the airway that the preoperative assessment — the LEMON tool, the Mallampati class, the multi-factor scores — has flagged as likely to defeat di (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [The obstetric airway: failed intubation and the difficult airway in pregnancy](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/airway/obstetric-airway) — The obstetric airway combines the anatomical and physiological changes of pregnancy — mucosal oedema, friability, Mallampati deterioration, reduced functional residual capacity and (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [The paediatric airway: anatomy, physiology and management](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/airway/paediatric-airway) — The paediatric airway differs from the adult airway in anatomy, physiology and equipment, and these differences drive every aspect of safe management — from positioning and preoxyg (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [The unanticipated difficult airway: the DAS 2015 algorithm and the Vortex approach](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/unanticipated-difficult-airway-das-vortex) — The unanticipated difficult airway is the airway that fails on induction, in a patient the preoperative assessment did not flag, and it is the single most examined emergency in the (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Video laryngoscopy — channelled vs non-channelled devices, GlideScope, McGrath, C-MAC, and the evidence versus direct laryngoscopy](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/video-laryngoscopy) — Video laryngoscopy is the technique of laryngoscopy in which a camera mounted at the tip of the blade transmits an indirect view of the glottis to a monitor, dissolving the geometr (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)

### Airway management & difficult airway

- [The difficult airway & rapid sequence induction](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/airway/airway-difficult-rsi) — The difficult airway is the single most examined topic in anaesthesia, and the one in which failure kills. The framework rests on four ideas: predict where you can (LEMON, MACOCHA) (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)

### Anaesthesia for the elderly and the co-morbid patient

- [Anaesthesia for the elderly and the co-morbid patient](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/comorbid-elderly-anaesthesia) — The elderly and the co-morbid patient is the largest and the highest-risk group in the modern operating theatre. The framework rests on the physiological changes of ageing (the los (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)

### Anaesthetic adjuncts

- [Adrenaline](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/adrenaline-vasopressors) — Adrenaline (epinephrine) is the physiological HORMONE of the adrenal medulla and a DIRECT-ACTING catecholamine that is a potent agonist at the ALPHA-1, ALPHA-2, BETA-1 and BETA-2 a (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Alfentanil](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/alfentanil) — Alfentanil is a synthetic phenylpiperidine mu-opioid agonist related to fentanyl but only about a quarter to a third of its potency (Gu 2026; Zhang 2026). Its defining feature is t (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Alpha-2 agonists — dexmedetomidine and clonidine](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/alpha2-agonists-dexmedetomidine) — The selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonists — dexmedetomidine and clonidine — are the one sedative class that produces analgesia and sedation without depressing respiration, and mast (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Anaesthetic adjuncts](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/anaesthetic-adjuncts) — The anaesthetic adjuncts are the agents used alongside the primary anaesthetic to enhance the anaesthesia, the analgesia, the sedation, and the side-effect reduction. The framework (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Antiemetics for PONV — 5-HT3 antagonists, dexamethasone, droperidol, NK1 antagonists](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/antiemetics-5ht3-steroid-droperidol-nk1) — Postoperative nausea and vomiting remains the most common cause of patient dissatisfaction after anaesthesia and the anaesthetist controls most of its determinants, so a working co (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Benzodiazepines in anaesthesia](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/benzodiazepines-anaesthesia) — Benzodiazepines are the versatile perioperative drug class — the premedicant, the procedural sedative, the anxiolytic, the anticonvulsant, the co-induction agent, and the alcohol-w (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Dobutamine and dopamine](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/dobutamine-dopamine) — Dobutamine and dopamine are the two inotropic catecholamines most often paired in anaesthesia and intensive-care exams because they share a beta-1 inotropic core yet diverge sharpl (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Ephedrine](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/ephedrine) — Ephedrine is a NATURAL ALKALOID from Ephedra sinica and a mixed-acting sympathomimetic, distinct from the pure alpha-1 agonists because it raises BOTH blood pressure and heart rate (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Fentanyl](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/fentanyl) — Fentanyl is a synthetic phenylpiperidine opioid and a full agonist at the mu-opioid receptor, roughly 100 times more potent than morphine, and the workhorse intraoperative analgesi (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Metaraminol — the mixed-acting vasopressor (alpha-1 plus indirect noradrenaline release)](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/metaraminol) — Metaraminol is a SYNTHETIC SYMPATHOMIMETIC AMINE with a DUAL mechanism that sets it apart from every other vasopressor on the anaesthetic tray. It acts DIRECTLY as an alpha-1 agoni (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Methadone](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/methadone) — Methadone is a synthetic DIPHENYLPROPYLAMINE opioid — chemically distinct from both the phenanthrenes (morphine) and the phenylpiperidines (fentanyl). It is supplied as a RACEMIC m (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Morphine](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/morphine) — Morphine is the prototype phenanthrene opioid, a full agonist at the mu-opioid receptor and the natural alkaloid of opium against which every other opioid is compared. It produces  (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Noradrenaline](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/noradrenaline) — Noradrenaline (norepinephrine) is the physiological NEUROTRANSMITTER of the sympathetic nervous system and a DIRECT-ACTING CATECHOLAMINE synthesised from dopamine by dopamine-beta- (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Opioid receptors, biased agonism, tolerance and opioid-induced hyperalgesia](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/opioid-receptors-hyperalgesia) — Opioid receptors are a family of G-protein-coupled receptors — the mu (MOR), kappa (KOR) and delta (DOR) — that mediate the analgesic and adverse effects of all clinically used opi (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Phenylephrine — the pure alpha-1 vasopressor](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/phenylephrine) — Phenylephrine is the prototype PURE ALPHA-1 ADRENERGIC AGONIST with no beta-1, no beta-2 and no alpha-2 activity at clinical doses, and this single pharmacological fact shapes ever (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Remifentanil](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/remifentanil) — Remifentanil is a synthetic phenylpiperidine full mu-opioid agonist of similar potency to fentanyl whose defining feature is metabolism by non-specific plasma and tissue esterases  (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Subanaesthetic ketamine as an analgesic adjunct](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/ketamine-adjunct) — Subanaesthetic-dose ketamine is the prototypical NMDA-receptor antagonist used not to induce anaesthesia but to prevent the central sensitisation that drives postoperative pain, op (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Sufentanil](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/sufentanil) — Sufentanil is a synthetic phenylpiperidine opioid and a full agonist at the mu-opioid receptor, and it is the MOST POTENT of the fentanyl family in clinical use — about 5 to 10 tim (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Tramadol and codeine](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/tramadol-codeine) — Tramadol and codeine are weak WHO step-2 opioids whose analgesic efficacy depends critically on CYP2D6 metabolism. Tramadol is a dual-action agent: a weak mu agonist in its own rig (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Vasopressin](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/vasopressin) — Vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone, ADH) is an endogenous PEPTIDE hormone released from the posterior pituitary that is fundamentally NOT a catecholamine — it acts through a complet (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)

### Anaesthetic ventilators

- [Anaesthetic ventilators](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology-physics-equipment/anaesthetic-ventilators) — The anaesthetic ventilator provides the controlled ventilation during the general anaesthesia, integrated into the anaesthetic machine and the circle system. The framework rests on (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)

### Applied anatomy

- [Abdominal wall and fascial planes](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/anatomy/abdominal-wall-fascial-planes) — The abdominal wall is the setting for a generation of fascial-plane regional blocks (the TAP, rectus sheath, quadratus lumborum and erector spinae plane blocks) that have transform (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Airway and larynx anatomy](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/anatomy/airway-and-larynx-anatomy) — The airway is the anaesthetist's primary organ, and its anatomy underpins every act of intubation, laryngeal-mask placement, front-of-neck rescue and nerve block. The framework res (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Brachial plexus anatomy](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/anatomy/brachial-plexus-anatomy) — The brachial plexus supplies the entire upper limb and is the most blocked nerve structure in regional anaesthesia. Its anatomy is taught as a five-stage sequence — roots, trunks,  (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Cranial nerves and autonomic ganglia](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/anatomy/cranial-nerves-autonomic-ganglia) — The cranial nerves and the autonomic nervous system together control the airway, the cardiovascular reflexes, the eye and the viscera — the four systems the anaesthetist manipulate (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Lumbosacral plexus anatomy](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/anatomy/lumbosacral-plexus-anatomy) — The lumbosacral plexus supplies the entire lower limb, the pelvic floor and the perineum, and its branches are the targets of the lower-limb regional blocks used for hip, knee, ank (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Neck anatomy and central venous access](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/anatomy/neck-central-venous-anatomy) — The neck carries the great vessels that the anaesthetist cannulates for central venous access and arterial monitoring, the central airway that is the target of intubation and trach (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Thorax, mediastinum and heart anatomy](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/anatomy/thorax-mediastinum-heart-anatomy) — The thorax houses the heart and great vessels, the lungs and the central airway, and is the setting for central venous cannulation, intercostal and paravertebral block, pericardioc (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Vertebral column and neuraxial spaces](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/anatomy/vertebral-column-neuraxial-spaces) — Neuraxial anaesthesia — spinal, epidural and combined spinal-epidural — depends entirely on knowing the layered anatomy from skin to cerebrospinal fluid. The framework rests on six (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)

### Applied cardiovascular & respiratory physiology

- [Acid-base: buffers & compensation](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/acid-base-buffers-compensation) — Arterial pH is held between 7.35 and 7.45 by a system of buffers and two excretory organs, and the anaesthetist reads its output every time a blood gas is drawn. Six exam-critical  (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Acid-base: the Stewart approach](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/acid-base-stewart-approach) — Peter Stewart's physicochemical approach reinterprets acid-base in terms of three independent variables that determine the dependent variable, pH, by mass-action: the carbon dioxid (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [ADME and routes of drug administration](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/adme-routes-of-administration) — ADME — absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion — is the pharmacokinetic backbone that determines how much of a drug reaches its site of action, how quickly, and how long (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Applied cardiovascular & respiratory physiology](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology-physics-equipment/applied-cardioresp-physiology) — The applied cardiovascular and respiratory physiology is the foundation of the anaesthetic practice. The framework rests on the determinants of the cardiac output (the heart rate,  (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Applied physiology of the elderly](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/applied-physiology-of-the-elderly) — Ageing changes every organ system, reducing physiological reserve and increasing the sensitivity to anaesthetic drugs, and the elderly patient is the fastest-growing surgical demog (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Autonomic nervous system](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/autonomic-nervous-system) — The autonomic nervous system governs the involuntary organs and is the framework for almost every anaesthetic drug and reflex. The framework rests on five exam-critical ideas: the  (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Carbon dioxide transport](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/carbon-dioxide-transport) — Carbon dioxide is the waste product of metabolism and the chemical driver of ventilation, and its transport has a subtlety oxygen transport lacks: the CO2 dissociation curve is ste (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Cardiac cycle & pressure-volume loops](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/cardiac-cycle-pressure-volume-loops) — The cardiac cycle is the repeating sequence of pressure and volume changes that ejects blood from the heart, and the left-ventricular pressure-volume loop is its clearest graphical (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Cardiac electrophysiology & conduction](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/cardiac-electrophysiology-conduction) — The heart generates and propagates its own electrical impulse through a specialised conduction pathway, and the orderly sequence of that propagation is what the ECG records. The fr (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Cardiac output & its determinants](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/cardiac-output-determinants) — Cardiac output — about 5 litres per minute at rest — is the product of heart rate and stroke volume, but in the steady state it is set equally by the venous return the circulation  (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Cell membrane & action potential](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/cell-membrane-action-potential) — Excitable cells — nerve, skeletal and cardiac muscle — generate and conduct electrical signals because ion concentrations differ across the lipid bilayer and the membrane is select (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Context-sensitive half-time](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/context-sensitive-half-time) — The context-sensitive half-time (CSHT) is the time for the plasma drug concentration to fall by 50 percent after stopping an infusion of a given duration, and it is the clinically  (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Control of arterial pressure](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/control-of-arterial-pressure) — Arterial pressure is the perfusing pressure of every organ, and the body defends it across time-scales from seconds to days. The framework rests on five exam-critical ideas: mean a (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Control of ventilation](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/control-of-ventilation) — Ventilation is controlled automatically by a brainstem network that matches alveolar ventilation to metabolic demand, and it does so chiefly by tracking arterial carbon dioxide. Th (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Coronary & cerebral circulation](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/coronary-and-cerebral-circulation) — The coronary and cerebral circulations are the two most vital special circulations, and each is defended by its own tightly-regulated autoregulation. The framework rests on five ex (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [CSF & intracranial pressure physiology](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/csf-intracranial-pressure-physiology) — Cerebrospinal fluid cushions and supports the brain within the rigid skull, and the fixed intracranial volume sets the rules for intracranial pressure. The framework rests on five  (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Drug toxicity and adverse drug reactions](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/toxicity-adverse-reactions) — An adverse drug reaction is any noxious, unintended response to a drug given at standard doses; toxicity is harm from excessive exposure. Together they are among the commonest caus (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Endocrine physiology: glucose, thyroid & adrenal](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/endocrine-physiology-glucose-thyroid-adrenal) — The endocrine system controls glucose, metabolic rate and the stress response, and its disorders are among the most common comorbidities the anaesthetist manages. The framework res (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Haematology & coagulation cascade physiology](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/haematology-coagulation-cascade-physiology) — Haemostasis is a precisely balanced process of clot formation (primary platelet plug, secondary coagulation cascade) and clot dissolution (fibrinolysis), and the anaesthetist inter (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Hepatic physiology & drug metabolism](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/hepatic-physiology-drug-metabolism) — The liver receives a dual blood supply and is the body's principal organ of drug metabolism and plasma protein synthesis, so its function governs the duration of almost every anaes (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Immunology basics](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/immunology-basics) — The immune system defends against pathogens and tumours, and its disorders underlie the most dramatic anaesthetic emergency — anaphylaxis. The framework rests on five exam-critical (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Lung volumes & capacities](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/lung-volumes-and-capacities) — The lung holds characteristic volumes of air at each phase of breathing, and the way those volumes change with position, anaesthesia and disease explains both gas exchange and atel (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Maternal physiology](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/maternal-physiology) — Pregnancy transforms every organ system, and the anaesthetist must know the changes to manage the obstetric patient safely. The framework rests on five exam-critical ideas: blood v (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Microcirculation & control of blood flow](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/microcirculation-blood-flow-control) — The microcirculation — the arterioles, capillaries and venules — is where blood flow is actually distributed and where exchange with the tissues occurs. The framework rests on five (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Neonatal physiology](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/neonatal-physiology) — The neonate undergoes the most dramatic physiological transition of any human — from placental dependence to independent air-breathing — and the anaesthetist managing the newborn m (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Neuromuscular junction physiology](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/neuromuscular-junction-physiology) — The neuromuscular junction converts the motor nerve action potential into muscle contraction, and it is the site of action of the muscle relaxants and their reversal agents. The fr (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Oxygen cascade & hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/oxygen-cascade-hpv) — Oxygen steps down in partial pressure at each stage from the dry inspired air to the mitochondrion — the oxygen cascade — and the lung matches blood flow to that oxygen by a mechan (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Oxygen transport & the dissociation curve](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/oxygen-transport-dissociation-curve) — Oxygen is carried almost entirely bound to haemoglobin, and the oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve governs both how it loads in the lung and how it unloads in the tissues. The frame (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Pharmacodynamics: receptors and the dose-response relationship](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/pharmacodynamics-receptors-dose-response) — Pharmacodynamics is what the drug does to the body — the study of the molecular events, almost always at a receptor, that produce a clinical effect, and how that effect scales with (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Pharmacogenetics and variability in drug response](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/pharmacogenetics-and-variability) — Patients vary enormously in their response to the same dose of a drug, and a major, inherited component of that variability is pharmacogenetics — the influence of genetic differenc (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Pharmacokinetics: compartment models](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/pharmacokinetics-compartment-models) — Pharmacokinetics describes what the body does to the drug — absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion — and the compartment model is the mathematical framework that predic (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Plasma protein binding and drug interactions](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/plasma-protein-binding-drug-interactions) — Most drugs circulate partly bound to plasma proteins and partly free, and only the free (unbound) fraction is pharmacologically active, available for distribution, metabolism and e (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Renal: GFR & tubular function](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/renal-gfr-tubular-function) — The kidney filters plasma at the glomerulus and then selectively reabsorbs and secretes along the nephron, and the glomerular filtration rate (about 125 mL per minute) is the singl (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Renal: RAAS & water/electrolyte handling](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/renal-raas-water-electrolyte-handling) — The kidney defends blood pressure, sodium, water and potassium through the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and a set of linked endocrine loops. The framework rests on five exa (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Respiratory mechanics: compliance, resistance and the work of breathing](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/respiratory-mechanics-compliance-resistance) — Ventilation is a mechanical act: the respiratory muscles do work to move gas against two loads, the elastic recoil of the lung and chest wall (compliance) and the frictional resist (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Splanchnic & GI physiology](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/splanchic-and-gi-physiology) — The splanchnic circulation receives about 25 percent of the cardiac output, serves the dual function of nutrient absorption and first-pass drug metabolism (the portal vein to the l (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Ventilation, perfusion & dead space](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/ventilation-perfusion-dead-space) — Gas exchange requires that ventilation and perfusion are matched, and most clinical hypoxaemia is a disorder of that matching. The framework rests on five exam-critical ideas: the  (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)

### Applied physiology

- [The stress response to surgery](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/stress-response) — Exam-pass surgical stress response: neuroendocrine and inflammatory cascade, metabolic effects, how anaesthesia and ERAS attenuate it, and viva/SAQ framing for ANZCA Primary and Fi (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)

### Applied physiology — thermoregulation and heat balance

- [Thermoregulation](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/thermoregulation) — Thermoregulation keeps the human core temperature within a narrow band around 37 degrees C, and anaesthesia dismantles the control system so effectively that inadvertent perioperat (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)

### Breathing systems & circuits

- [Breathing systems & circuits](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology-physics-equipment/breathing-systems-circuits) — The breathing system is the interface between the anaesthetic machine and the patient — it delivers the fresh gas and the volatile agent, removes the carbon dioxide, and provides t (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)

### Cardiac anaesthesia

- [Anaesthesia for adult congenital heart disease](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/adult-congenital-heart-disease-anaesthesia) — Exam-pass ACHD for noncardiac surgery: lesion classification, shunt and PVR goals, Fontan physiology, endocarditis/arrhythmia risks, and centre selection for ANZCA Final. (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Anaesthesia for aortic dissection and major aortic surgery](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/aortic-dissection-major-aortic) — Exam-exhaustive anaesthesia for Stanford Type A emergency and major aortic surgery: shear-stress haemodynamic control, TOE priorities, CPB cannulation and malperfusion, DHCA with c (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Anaesthesia for TAVI and structural heart interventions](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/tavi-structural-heart) — Exam-pass TAVI anaesthesia: AS haemodynamics, GA vs conscious sedation evidence (SOLVE-TAVI), vascular access crises, haemodynamic collapse, pacing and deployment, and hybrid-lab C (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Anaesthesia for valve surgery](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/valve-surgery-anaesthesia) — Haemodynamic goals for AS, AR, MS, MR; TOE assessment; CPB and cardioplegia nuances; prosthesis checks and post-repair SAM risk. (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [CABG anaesthesia: on-pump and off-pump](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/cabg-on-off-pump) — Exam-exhaustive anaesthesia for CABG including on-pump CPB goals, heparin and ACT targets, OPCAB haemodynamics with stabilisers, conversion readiness, grafting sequence, TOE-guided (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Cardiopulmonary bypass circuit: components, physiology, and anaesthetic priorities](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/cpb-circuit-physiology) — Ordered CPB circuit components, heparin and ACT targets, indexed flows and MAP, alpha-stat versus pH-stat, weaning with rate-rhythm-preload-afterload-contractility, protamine react (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Heparin, protamine, and coagulopathy on CPB](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/protamine-heparin-coagulopathy-cpb) — Exact heparin dosing and ACT targets, protamine dosing and reaction phenotypes, HIT alternatives, and viscoelastic-guided post-CPB bleeding management. (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Myocardial protection and cardioplegia](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/myocardial-protection-cardioplegia) — Exam-exhaustive myocardial protection for ANZCA Final: hyperkalaemic diastolic arrest, blood vs crystalloid, warm vs cold, antegrade vs retrograde, del Nido and HTK single-shot str (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [TOE for anaesthetists](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/toe-for-anaesthetists) — Exam-exhaustive perioperative TOE for anaesthetists: ANZCA PS46 governance, contraindications and complications, ASE/SCA standard views, basic versus comprehensive examination, pre (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Weaning from bypass and low cardiac output](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/weaning-from-bypass-low-output) — RRRAC weaning framework, TOE-guided optimisation, vasoplegia, RV failure, and escalation to IABP/ECMO when unable to wean from CPB. (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)

### Cardiac anaesthesia & cardiopulmonary bypass

- [Cardiac anaesthesia and cardiopulmonary bypass](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/cardiac-anaesthesia-cpb) — Exam-pass cardiac anaesthesia hub (SSCS): CPB circuit order, heparin/ACT, cardioplegia, TOE-guided weaning (RRAC), protamine reactions, TRICS III restrictive transfusion, valves/CA (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)

### Chronic & cancer pain

- [Chronic & cancer pain](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/professional-safety-pain-medicine/chronic-cancer-pain) — The chronic and the cancer pain is the persistent pain (over 3 months) that differs from the acute pain in the mechanisms and the management. The framework rests on the pain types  (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)

### Critical incidents

- [Anaphylaxis under anaesthesia](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/critical-incidents/anaphylaxis-under-anaesthesia) — Exam-exhaustive perioperative anaphylaxis: NAP6 culprits (NMBAs, antibiotics, chlorhexidine, dyes), adrenaline IM/IV doses, dual pathology with asthma/bronchospasm, tryptase timing (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Aspiration and regurgitation](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/critical-incidents-patient-safety/aspiration) — Exam-exhaustive pulmonary aspiration: risk factors including GLP-1 agonists, Mendelson chemical pneumonitis vs pneumonia, classic vs modified RSI, cricoid evidence (Birenbaum), man (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Local anaesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST)](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/critical-incidents-patient-safety/last-toxicity) — Exam-exhaustive LAST: mechanism, dose limits, early CNS prodrome, cardiovascular collapse, ASRA prevention checklist, and lipid emulsion resuscitation that differs from standard AL (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Malignant hyperthermia](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/critical-incidents/malignant-hyperthermia) — Exam-exhaustive malignant hyperthermia: RYR1 calcium storm, absolute trigger list, early ETCO2/masseter signs, EMHG/MHAUS crisis bundle, exact dantrolene dosing, cooling and hyperk (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)

### Depth of anaesthesia & awareness

- [Accidental awareness under general anaesthesia: NAP5 and prevention](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/airway/awareness-nap5) — Exam-pass AAGA topic built on NAP5: incidence, risk groups (TIVA, NMB, obstetrics, cardiac, emergency), end-tidal agent alarms, processed-EEG when agent unmeasured, Brice interview (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Depth of anaesthesia & awareness](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/airway/depth-of-anaesthesia-awareness) — The depth of anaesthesia and the awareness under anaesthesia concern the assurance of the unconsciousness and the amnesia, and the prevention of the traumatic awareness. The framew (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Depth of anaesthesia: processed EEG, BIS and entropy](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/airway/depth-of-anaesthesia-peeg-bis) — Processed electroencephalogram monitors — the bispectral index (BIS), spectral entropy and related indices — estimate the depth of anaesthesia by quantifying the shift of the front (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)

### Electricity, diathermy & theatre safety

- [Electricity, diathermy & theatre safety](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology-physics-equipment/electricity-diathermy-safety) — The electrical safety in the operating theatre covers the risks of the electric shock (the macroshock and the microshock), the diathermy (the electrosurgery) physics, and the fire  (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)

### Ethics, consent & medicolegal

- [Ethics, consent & medicolegal](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/professional-safety-pain-medicine/ethics-consent-medicolegal) — The ethics, consent and medicolegal framework governs the doctor–patient relationship in anaesthetic practice. The anaesthetist renders the patient unconscious and vulnerable, admi (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)

### Extubation & recovery

- [Extubation & recovery](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/airway/extubation-recovery) — The extubation and the recovery are the high-risk phases of the anaesthetic that close the perioperative airway and the consciousness. The framework rests on the recognition of the (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Recovery and the post-anaesthesia care unit](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/airway/recovery-and-pacu) — Exam-pass PACU hub: structured SBAR handover, continuous monitoring, airway obstruction and hypoxaemia, emergence hypertension/hypotension, Apfel PONV prophylaxis, shivering, OSA-s (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)

### General surgery anaesthesia

- [Anaesthesia for emergency laparotomy](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/emergency-laparotomy-anaesthesia) — Exam-exhaustive emergency laparotomy anaesthesia: sepsis resuscitation before induction, arterial line and RSI, haemodynamic goals, NELA-style risk discussion, ICU triage, contamin (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Anaesthesia for endoscopy and ERCP](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/endoscopy-ercp-anaesthesia) — Exam-exhaustive endoscopy and ERCP anaesthesia for ANZCA Final: shared-airway risk, sedation versus GA decision matrix, capnography, prone ERCP, aspiration, cholangitis sepsis, sph (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Elective general surgery and ERAS: anaesthetic contribution](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/elective-generalsurgery-er-as) — Exam-exhaustive ERAS anaesthetic contribution in elective general surgery for ANZCA Final: risk stratification (RCRI), opioid-sparing multimodal analgesia, PONV prevention, normoth (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Laparoscopic general surgery: pneumoperitoneum physiology and anaesthesia](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/laparoscopic-generalsurgery-anaesthesia) — Exam-exhaustive laparoscopic general surgery anaesthesia for ANZCA Final: CO2 pneumoperitoneum cardiopulmonary physiology, hypercarbia ventilation strategy, Trendelenburg and rever (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [TURP/TURM and major gynaecological anaesthesia: TURP syndrome and shared themes](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/turm-general-gynae-anaesthesia) — Exam-exhaustive TURP syndrome and major gynae anaesthesia for ANZCA Final: glycine 1.5 percent absorption, hyponatraemia treatment with hypertonic saline, bipolar saline systems, s (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)

### Head & neck / ECT

- [Anaesthesia for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/ect-anaesthesia) — Exam-exhaustive ECT anaesthesia: biphasic autonomic response, induction agent versus seizure quality, suxamethonium-modified technique, bite block, hyperventilation, post-ictal cat (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)

### Head & neck / ENT anaesthesia

- [Jet ventilation techniques: Sanders, HFJV, and barotrauma](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/jet-ventilation-techniques) — Manual Sanders and high-frequency jet ventilation for shared airway surgery, TIVA requirement, open expiratory pathway rule, barotrauma recognition, and transtracheal jet hazards. (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Shared airway laser surgery and airway fire: triad, prevention, algorithm](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/shared-airway-laser-fire) — Shared airway principles for laser laryngeal surgery, fire triad, laser-safe tubes, FiO2 and nitrous rules, saline-filled cuffs, and the airway fire emergency algorithm. (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Thyroid and parathyroid anaesthesia: goitre, RLN, storm, haematoma](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/thyroid-parathyroid-anaesthesia) — Exam-exhaustive anaesthesia for thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy: retrosternal goitre airway planning, DAS-aligned difficult airway behaviour, recurrent laryngeal nerve monitori (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Tracheostomy and laryngectomy: tubes, shared airway, and displacement](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/tracheostomy-laryngectomy) — Anaesthesia for surgical and percutaneous tracheostomy, laryngectomy airway transition, tube selection, and emergency management of displaced tracheostomy or laryngectomy stoma. (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)

### Head & neck / trauma airway

- [Maxillofacial trauma airway management](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/maxillofacial-trauma-airway) — Exam-exhaustive maxillofacial trauma airway: Le Fort and mandible threats, C-spine, dual set-up RSI or awake FOI, avoid blind nasal routes with midface/BOFS risk, DAS limits, FONA  (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)

### Intravenous induction agents

- [Etomidate](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/etomidate) — Etomidate is the only intravenous induction agent that is haemodynamically neutral, and that single property is the source of its clinical identity: it is the induction agent of ch (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Intravenous induction agents](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/iv-induction-agents) — The intravenous induction agents produce a rapid, smooth loss of consciousness whose recovery is governed by redistribution from the brain to the muscle and fat. The framework rest (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Ketamine](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/ketamine-induction) — Ketamine is the only intravenous induction agent whose pharmacology is built on NMDA-receptor antagonism rather than GABA-A modulation, and that single mechanistic difference expla (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Propofol](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/propofol) — Propofol (2,6-diisopropylphenol) is the most widely used intravenous induction agent in the world, the backbone of total intravenous anaesthesia, and the standard sedative for proc (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Thiopental](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/thiopental) — Thiopental (sodium thiopentone) is the classic barbiturate induction agent — the first true intravenous induction drug, introduced in 1934, and still the agent of choice for rapid- (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)

### Invasive monitoring

- [Invasive monitoring](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/perioperative-medicine/invasive-monitoring) — Invasive monitoring provides the continuous, real-time, beat-to-beat measurement of the haemodynamic variables that the non-invasive cuff and the pulse oximeter cannot. The framewo (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)

### Local anaesthetic pharmacology

- [Local anaesthetic additives and adjuvants](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/local-anaesthetic-additives) — Additives are combined with local anaesthetics to speed onset, prolong duration, improve block quality and spare opioid. Adrenaline (1:200,000) is the commonest additive, prolongin (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Local anaesthetic agents compared](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/local-anaesthetic-agent-comparison) — The amide local anaesthetics differ in onset, duration, potency and cardiotoxicity, and these four properties drive every exam answer on agent selection. Lidocaine (lignocaine) is  (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Local anaesthetic chemistry: amide and ester](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/local-anaesthetic-chemistry-amide-ester) — Local anaesthetics reversibly block nerve conduction by inhibiting voltage-gated sodium channels in a use-dependent fashion, and every agent shares a three-part structure (a lipoph (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Local anaesthetic pharmacokinetics, dosing and maximum doses](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/local-anaesthetic-pk-dosing-limits) — Local anaesthetic pharmacokinetics and safe dosing rest on a small set of exam-critical ideas. Onset is governed by pKa (a pKa closer to 7.4 means more un-ionised drug at physiolog (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Local anaesthetic pharmacology](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/local-anaesthetic-pharmacology) — Local anaesthetics produce reversible blockade of nerve conduction by binding the voltage-gated sodium channel from inside the axon, preventing the action potential. The framework  (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)

### Measurement & monitoring physics

- [Bias and confounding in clinical research](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physics-measurement/bias-and-confounding) — Every anaesthetic reads the literature, and every paper is threatened by two families of error that can make a useless intervention look effective or a harmful one look safe — bias (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Capnography and anaesthetic gas analysis](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physics-measurement/capnography-gas-analysis-physics) — Capnography is the continuous, breath-by-breath display of carbon-dioxide concentration against time, and alongside it the analysis of oxygen, nitrous oxide and the volatile anaest (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Diagnostic test performance: sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, likelihood ratios and ROC](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physics-measurement/diagnostic-test-performance-sensitivity-specificity) — Every anaesthetic decision rests on a test — a troponin, a D-dimer, a lactate, a FAST scan, a Mallampati score, an AI flag on a CT — and the framework that tells you whether to tru (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Diathermy, pacemakers and electromagnetic interference](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physics-measurement/diathermy-pacemaker-interactions) — Cardiac implantable electronic devices (pacemakers and ICDs) are exquisitely sensitive to electromagnetic interference (EMI), and monopolar diathermy is the commonest perioperative (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Electricity fundamentals and electrical safety](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physics-measurement/electricity-fundamentals) — Electricity powers every device in the operating theatre and carries the two specific hazards of macroshock (whole-body shock from mains contact) and microshock (a tiny current del (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Fluid flow: laminar, turbulent and the Reynolds number](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physics-measurement/fluid-flow-laminar-turbulent-reynolds) — Whether a fluid flows smoothly (laminar) or chaotically (turbulent) determines how much pressure it takes to push it through a tube — and the answer governs the design of IV cannul (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Humidity and heat](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physics-measurement/humidity-and-heat) — Humidity and heat are the physics behind two questions the anaesthetist answers every day — is the gas I am delivering kind to the airway, and is my patient's temperature safe? The (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Hypothesis testing, p-values, confidence intervals and error](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physics-measurement/hypothesis-testing-p-values-ci-error) — Every anaesthetic trial asks whether a difference between two groups is real or the product of chance, and the framework that answers that question is hypothesis testing. The model (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Measurement & monitoring physics](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology-physics-equipment/measurement-monitoring-physics) — The measurement physics underlies every number on the anaesthetic monitor. The framework rests on five exam-critical ideas: the principle of transduction (the conversion of the phy (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [MRI, laser and radiation safety](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physics-measurement/mri-laser-radiation-safety) — The anaesthetist encounters three distinct non-pharmacological hazards in the modern operating theatre and radiology suite: the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) environment, surgic (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Oxygen measurement](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physics-measurement/oxygen-measurement) — Oxygen measurement is the single most monitored quantity in anaesthesia — the pulse oximeter on the finger, the oxygen analyser in the breathing circuit, the arterial blood gas in  (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Pressure and temperature measurement](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physics-measurement/pressure-temperature-measurement) — Blood pressure and body temperature are the two most frequently measured physiological variables in anaesthesia, and the physics of how they are measured determines whether the num (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [SI units, dimensions and measurement in anaesthesia](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physics-measurement/si-units-dimensions) — Every quantity the anaesthetist measures — a blood pressure, a gas concentration, a flow, a dose — is a number carrying a unit, and the unit is as load-bearing as the number. This  (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Study design and the hierarchy of evidence](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physics-measurement/study-design-hierarchy-of-evidence) — Every anaesthetic decision — which induction agent, which airway device, which perioperative bundle — should be anchored in the best available evidence, and the framework that rank (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [The gas laws](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physics-measurement/gas-laws) — Anaesthesia is the science of gases under pressure — the contents of a cylinder, the volume in a breathing system, the partial pressures that drive uptake and diffusion, and the ph (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)

### Medical gases & gas supply

- [Medical gases and gas supply](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology-physics-equipment/medical-gases-supply) — The medical gas supply provides the oxygen, the nitrous oxide, the medical air and the carbon dioxide used in anaesthesia. The framework rests on four exam-critical ideas: the two  (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)

### Neuraxial anaesthesia

- [Caudal epidural anaesthesia](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/regional-anaesthesia/caudal-anaesthesia) — Caudal epidural anaesthesia injects local anaesthetic into the epidural space through the sacral hiatus — the most caudal access to the neuraxis. It is the commonest regional block (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Epidural anaesthesia and analgesia](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/regional-anaesthesia/epidural-anaesthesia) — Exam-exhaustive epidural anaesthesia: thoracic vs lumbar, loss of resistance, test dose, top-up and failure modes, absolute/relative contraindications, ASRA anticoagulation timing  (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Neuraxial anaesthesia](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/regional-anaesthesia/neuraxial-anaesthesia) — Neuraxial anaesthesia — the spinal, the epidural and the combined spinal-epidural — produces a reversible blockade of the spinal nerve roots and the spinal cord by the injection of (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Spinal (intrathecal) anaesthesia](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/regional-anaesthesia/spinal-anaesthesia) — Spinal anaesthesia is the injection of a small dose of local anaesthetic into the cerebrospinal fluid of the subarachnoid space to produce a rapid, dense and predictable block of t (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)

### Neuro / orthopaedic anaesthesia

- [Prone spine surgery and perioperative visual loss](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/spine-prone-visual-loss) — Exam-exhaustive prone spine anaesthesia and POVL: ASPF registry risk factors for ION, CRAO vs posterior ION, positioning checklist, blood pressure and anaemia targets, neuromonitor (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)

### Neuroanaesthesia

- [Anaesthesia for intracranial aneurysm and AVM](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/aneurysm-avm-anaesthesia) — Anaesthesia for intracranial aneurysm and AVM: transmural pressure control, brain relaxation, temporary clipping, intraoperative rupture drills, IHAST context, and postoperative va (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Awake craniotomy: asleep-awake-asleep technique, mapping, and airway strategy](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/awake-craniotomy) — Asleep-awake-asleep and monitored anaesthesia care for eloquent cortex surgery, propofol-remifentanil and dexmedetomidine regimens, airway options, seizure control, and conversion  (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [ICP, cerebral autoregulation and CPP](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/icp-autoregulation-cpp) — Core neurophysiology for fellowship exams: Monro-Kellie doctrine, Lassen autoregulation, exact CPP equals MAP minus ICP, BTF targets, anaesthetic agent effects, and ICP crisis mana (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Neuroanaesthesia](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/neuroanaesthesia) — Exam-pass neuroanaesthesia hub (SSNS): Monroe-Kellie, CPP=MAP−ICP, agent effects on CBF/CMR, BTF TBI targets, VAE in sitting position, aneurysm rupture plan, awake craniotomy, and  (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Neuromonitoring: EEG, SSEP, MEP and anaesthetic constraints](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/neuromonitoring-eeg-evoked-potentials) — Anaesthetic effects on EEG and evoked potentials, TIVA vs volatile strategies for SSEP/MEP, neuromuscular blockade rules, warning criteria, and crisis response when signals degrade (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Posterior fossa surgery: cranial nerves, brainstem reflexes, and positioning](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/posterior-fossa-cranial-nerve) — Anaesthesia for posterior fossa and CPA surgery including positioning trade-offs, cranial nerve and brainstem monitoring constraints, trigeminocardiac reflex, VAE risk, and emergen (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Transsphenoidal pituitary surgery: hormones, airway, and DI](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/pituitary-transsphenoidal) — Exam-exhaustive anaesthesia for endoscopic and microscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery: hormone phenotype map (acromegaly airway, Cushing comorbidity, hypopituitarism), stero (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Traumatic brain injury management and BTF targets](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/tbi-management-btf) — Fellowship management of severe TBI using Brain Trauma Foundation targets: ICP greater than 22, CPP 60–70, secondary injury prevention, osmotherapy, CRASH-3 TXA, and RESCUEicp deco (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Venous air embolism in the sitting position: detection, prevention, and management](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/venous-air-embolism-sitting-position) — Sitting-position neurosurgery risks, VAE pathophysiology, detection hierarchy from TOE to EtCO2, PFO and paradoxical embolism, Durant manoeuvre management, multi-orifice CVP aspira (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)

### Neuromuscular blockade & reversal

- [Atracurium, cisatracurium and mivacurium](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/atracurium-cisatracurium-mivacurium) — Atracurium, cisatracurium and mivacurium are the benzylisoquinoline non-depolarising neuromuscular blockers, competitive antagonists at the postsynaptic nicotinic (muscle-type) ace (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Neostigmine reversal of neuromuscular blockade](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/neostigmine-reversal) — Neostigmine is a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that raises the concentration of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction so that it outcompetes a non-depolarising bl (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Neuromuscular monitoring and the train-of-four](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/neuromuscular-monitoring-tof) — Neuromuscular monitoring is the objective assessment of the depth and recovery of a neuromuscular block by delivering a supramaximal electrical stimulus to a peripheral motor nerve (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Rocuronium](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/rocuronium) — Rocuronium is an aminosteroid non-depolarising neuromuscular blocker that acts as a COMPETITIVE antagonist at the postsynaptic nicotinic (muscle-type) acetylcholine receptor — it d (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Sugammadex reversal and residual neuromuscular blockade](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/sugammadex-reversal-residual-blockade) — Sugammadex is a modified gamma-cyclodextrin — a selective relaxant binding agent — that reverses the aminosteroid neuromuscular blockers by ENCAPSULATION: it forms a tight 1 to 1 h (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Suxamethonium](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/suxamethonium) — Suxamethonium (succinylcholine, sux) is the ONLY depolarising neuromuscular blocker in clinical use — structurally it is two acetylcholine molecules joined back-to-back as a di-ace (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)

### Obstetric anaesthesia

- [Amniotic fluid embolism collapse: diagnosis, biphasic course and resuscitation](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/amniotic-fluid-embolism-collapse) — Amniotic fluid embolism for fellowship exams: clinical diagnosis, biphasic cardiorespiratory collapse then DIC, resuscitation, RV support, blood products, delivery and ECMO. (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Anaesthesia for placenta accreta spectrum](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/placenta-accreta-spectrum) — Exam-exhaustive placenta accreta spectrum anaesthesia: risk factors, multidisciplinary planned delivery, massive haemorrhage preparation, interventional radiology, caesarean hyster (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Caesarean anaesthesia: spinal, CSE, general anaesthesia and spinal hypotension](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/caesarean-anaesthesia) — Exam-exhaustive neuraxial and general anaesthesia for caesarean section: exact spinal doses, phenylephrine-first spinal hypotension management with fetal acid-base rationale, oxyto (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Cardiac disease in pregnancy: risk stratification and anaesthetic delivery planning](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/cardiac-disease-in-pregnancy) — Anaesthesia for cardiac disease in pregnancy: mWHO risk, multidisciplinary planning, lesion-specific haemodynamics, neuraxial versus GA, monitoring, and postpartum autotransfusion  (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Failed intubation in obstetrics: OAA/DAS algorithm and wake-versus-proceed](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/failed-obstetric-intubation) — Exam-exhaustive OAA/DAS 2015 obstetric failed intubation coverage: pregnancy airway risk physiology, RSI modifications, Plans A to D, structured wake-versus-proceed decision table, (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Labour analgesia: epidural, CSE, and non-neuraxial alternatives](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/labour-analgesia-epidural-cse) — Fellowship coverage of labour neuraxial analgesia: consent, epidural and CSE technique, low-dose mobile solutions, COMET trial findings, PCEA, breakthrough pain, complications, and (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Maternal physiology of pregnancy for the anaesthetist](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/maternal-physiology-pregnancy) — Exam-exhaustive maternal physiological changes by system with anaesthetic implications: aortocaval compression, reduced FRC and rapid desaturation, airway oedema, aspiration risk,  (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Neonatal resuscitation for the anaesthetist: NLS/NRP sequence and adrenaline dosing](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/neonatal-resuscitation-anaesthetist) — Neonatal resuscitation skills for anaesthetists at delivery: initial steps, PPV, 3:1 compressions, adrenaline 0.01–0.03 mg/kg IV/IO, volume 10 mL/kg, and role allocation with neona (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Non-obstetric surgery in pregnancy: timing, conduct and fetal considerations](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/non-obstetric-surgery-in-pregnancy) — Exam-exhaustive anaesthesia for non-obstetric surgery in pregnancy: ACOG timing principles, trimester physiology, aspiration and left uterine displacement, haemodynamic and CO2 goa (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Obstetric anaesthesia](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/obstetric-anaesthesia) — Exam-pass obstetric anaesthesia hub (SSOB): maternal physiology, labour epidural/CSE, caesarean decision matrix, OAA/DAS failed intubation and wake-versus-proceed, pre-eclampsia/ma (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Postpartum haemorrhage: uterotonic ladder, tranexamic acid, and massive obstetric haemorrhage](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/obstetric-haemorrhage-pph) — Exam-exhaustive postpartum haemorrhage for fellowship: definitions and 4 Ts, uterotonic ladder with exact doses and contraindications, WOMAN trial tranexamic acid, fibrinogen-guide (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Pre-eclampsia anaesthetic plan: magnesium sulphate, blood pressure and neuraxial decisions](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/pre-eclampsia-anaesthetic-plan) — Anaesthetic plan for pre-eclampsia and eclampsia with exact MgSO4 Pritchard/Zuspan regimens, BP control, fluid restriction, neuraxial versus GA decisions, and airway risk. (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)

### Ophthalmic anaesthesia

- [Anaesthesia for strabismus, cataract, and glaucoma surgery](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/strabismus-cataract-glaucoma) — Exam-exhaustive anaesthesia differences across strabismus, cataract, and glaucoma for ANZCA Final: OCR and PONV planning, topical and sub-Tenon cataract pathways, IOP-stable techni (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Oculocardiac reflex and intraocular pressure under anaesthesia](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/oculocardiac-reflex-iop) — Exam-exhaustive OCR pathway and treatment (stop stimulus, atropine 10–20 microg/kg) plus IOP pharmacology (normal 10–21 mmHg; sux +5–10 mmHg) for ANZCA Final, FRCA, and equivalents (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Open-globe and penetrating eye injury anaesthesia](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/open-globe-penetrating-injury) — Exam-exhaustive open-globe anaesthesia including suxamethonium debate for ANZCA Final. (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Ophthalmic drugs with systemic effects for the anaesthetist](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/ophthalmic-drugs-systemic-effects) — Exam-exhaustive systemic effects of ophthalmic medications for ANZCA Final: absorption via the nasolacrimal route, timolol beta-blockade, phenylephrine hypertensive crisis, echothi (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Ophthalmic regional blocks: retrobulbar, peribulbar, sub-Tenon](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/ophthalmic-regional-blocks) — Exam-exhaustive ophthalmic regional anaesthesia for ANZCA Final: orbital anatomy, retrobulbar versus peribulbar versus sub-Tenon versus topical choices, local anaesthetic pharmacol (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)

### Opioids & analgesics

- [Opioids & analgesics](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/opioids-analgesics) — The opioids and the analgesics in the perioperative care. The framework rests on the receptor pharmacology (the mu, the kappa, the delta), the agents (the fentanyl, the remifentani (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)

### Orthopaedic anaesthesia

- [Arthroplasty anaesthesia, ERAS, and blood conservation](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/arthroplasty-eras-blood-conservation) — Arthroplasty ERAS combines optimised comorbidities, preferred neuraxial or regional plus light GA, TXA for blood conservation (typical 1 g IV or 10–15 mg/kg with local protocols),  (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Tourniquet physiology, bone cement implantation syndrome, and fat embolism](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/tourniquet-bcis-fes) — Exam-exhaustive orthopaedic triple crisis: tourniquet inflation/deflation physiology and ~2 h limit; Donaldson BCIS grades 1–3 at cementation; fat embolism syndrome triad (respirat (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)

### Paediatric anaesthesia

- [Difficult and syndromic paediatric airway: anticipation, syndromes, and algorithms](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/difficult-paediatric-airway-syndromic) — Exam-exhaustive anticipated difficult paediatric airway: syndrome-specific anatomy (Pierre Robin, Treacher Collins, mucopolysaccharidoses, Down syndrome, Goldenhar), APAGBI/DAS una (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Neonatal anaesthesia and the ex-preterm infant](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/neonatal-anaesthesia-prematurity) — Premature physiology, Coté postoperative apnoea risk by post-menstrual age, NEC and inguinal hernia procedures, glucose and temperature management, oxygen targeting, and monitoring (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Paediatric airway anatomy, equipment sizing, and ETT selection](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/paediatric-airway-equipment-sizing) — The paediatric airway differs from the adult airway in ways that change every step of airway management: the larynx is high and anterior, the tongue and occiput are large, the epig (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Paediatric anaesthesia](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/paediatric-anaesthesia) — Exam-pass paediatric anaesthesia hub (SSPA): airway sizing formulae, induction choices, fluids/glucose, emergence delirium, sick-child pointers, laryngospasm ladder, GAS 2- and 5-y (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Paediatric anaesthesia neurotoxicity debate: GAS, MASK, PANDA and counselling](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/anaesthesia-neurotoxicity-debate) — Exam-exhaustive synthesis of the paediatric anaesthetic neurotoxicity debate: animal apoptosis signal, GAS trial 2- and 5-year outcomes, PANDA and MASK human studies, FDA/SmartTots (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Paediatric emergence delirium and postoperative nausea and vomiting](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/paediatric-emergence-delirium-ponv) — Fellowship-level coverage of paediatric emergence delirium versus pain, the PAED score, prevention (dexmedetomidine, propofol, TIVA), PACU management, and paediatric PONV risk, pro (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Paediatric fluids, fasting, and glucose: Holliday-Segar and safe maintenance](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/paediatric-fluids-fasting-glucose) — Exact Holliday-Segar 4-2-1 maintenance, AAP isotonic maintenance guidance, perioperative fasting including liberalised clear fluids, glucose monitoring in infants, and prevention o (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Paediatric induction techniques: inhalational versus intravenous, premedication, and the sick child](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/paediatric-induction-techniques) — Exam-exhaustive paediatric induction: sevoflurane inhalational technique, IV induction doses, premedication, parental presence, modified RSI, full-stomach and sick-child pathways,  (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Paediatric multimodal analgesia and pain assessment](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/paediatric-analgesia-multimodal) — Age-appropriate pain assessment (FLACC, FACES, self-report), multimodal paediatric analgesia with weight-based doses, opioid PCA/NCA principles, and the codeine/tramadol contraindi (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Paediatric regional anaesthesia: caudal block dosing and safety](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/paediatric-regional-caudal-dosing) — Caudal anatomy and landmark versus ultrasound technique, exact Armitage volume dosing by block height, local anaesthetic mg/kg limits, test-dose limitations, LAST recognition and l (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Paediatric respiratory and cardiovascular physiology for the anaesthetist](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/paediatric-respiratory-cardiovascular-physiology) — Infant oxygen consumption, FRC and closing capacity, compliant chest wall, heart-rate-dependent cardiac output, transitional circulation residues, thermoregulation, and the anaesth (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Stridor, acute upper airway obstruction, and laryngospasm in children](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/stridor-upper-airway-obstruction-laryngospasm) — Exam-exhaustive paediatric laryngospasm and acute stridor: recognition, risk factors, escalation ladder with exact IV and IM rescue doses, differentials (croup, epiglottitis, bacte (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [The sick child: sepsis, resuscitation, and congenital heart disease for anaesthesia](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/sick-child-sepsis-congenital-heart) — Anaesthesia for the critically ill child covering septic shock resuscitation (Surviving Sepsis Campaign paediatrics), induction of the septic child, and congenital heart disease pr (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)

### Patient safety

- [Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/critical-incidents-patient-safety/vte-prophylaxis) — Exam-exhaustive perioperative VTE prophylaxis: risk stratification, mechanical and pharmacological options, extended prophylaxis after major ortho/cancer surgery, and ASRA timing p (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)

### Patient safety, human factors & CRM

- [Patient safety, human factors & CRM](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/professional-safety-pain-medicine/safety-human-factors-crm) — The patient safety science is the study of the harm and its prevention in the healthcare. The framework rests on the systems approach (the Swiss cheese model, the active and the la (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)

### Perioperative cardiac arrest

- [Perioperative cardiac arrest](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/critical-incidents-patient-safety/perioperative-cardiac-arrest) — Exam-exhaustive perioperative cardiac arrest: NAP7 epidemiology, theatre-modified ALS, 4 Hs and 4 Ts with anaesthesia-specific differentials (anaphylaxis, MH, LAST, embolism, haemo (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)

### Perioperative fluid & goal-directed therapy

- [Perioperative fluid & goal-directed therapy](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/perioperative-medicine/perioperative-fluid-gdt) — Exam-exhaustive perioperative fluid: liberal vs restrictive vs GDT, crystalloid vs colloid at high level, vasopressor vs fluid for vasodilation, oliguria interpretation, dynamic in (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)

### Perioperative medicine

- [Anaesthesia for obesity and bariatric surgery](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/perioperative-medicine/anaesthesia-obesity-bariatric) — Exam-exhaustive obesity and bariatric anaesthesia: BMI classes, STOP-Bang OSA screening, ramping/HELP, IBW/LBW/TBW drug dosing, RSI and VL strategy, protective ventilation for lapa (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Anaesthesia for renal failure and dialysis](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/perioperative-medicine/renal-failure-dialysis-anaesthesia) — Exam-exhaustive anaesthesia for CKD and dialysis: potassium and fluid strategy, dialysis timing, renally adjusted drug dosing, AV fistula protection, uraemic bleeding, haemodynamic (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Anaesthesia for the solid organ transplant recipient](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/perioperative-medicine/transplant-recipient-anaesthesia) — Exam-pass anaesthesia for solid organ transplant recipients having non-transplant surgery: graft function, immunosuppression drug interactions, infection risk, physiology by organ, (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Anaesthesia in remote sites and the MRI environment](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/perioperative-medicine/anaesthesia-remote-site-mri) — Exam-exhaustive remote-site and MRI anaesthesia: organisational standards equal to the OR, MRI Zones I–IV, ferromagnetic projectile risk, implant labelling, MRI-conditional monitor (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Anticoagulation and neuraxial / regional anaesthesia](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/perioperative-medicine/anticoagulation-neuraxial-regional) — Exam-pass anticoagulation timing for neuraxial and regional anaesthesia: ASRA principles for LMWH, UFH, warfarin, DOACs and antiplatelets, catheter management, haematoma recognitio (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Blood products and massive transfusion](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/perioperative-medicine/blood-products-massive-transfusion) — Exam-pass massive transfusion and blood products: MTP activation, PROPPR 1:1:1 ratios, ROTEM/TEG high-level interpretation, TXA timing, calcium and hypothermia, product contents, a (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Day-case and ambulatory anaesthesia](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/day-case-ambulatory) — Exam-pass day-case ambulatory anaesthesia: patient and procedure selection, OSA rules, short-acting techniques, PONV prophylaxis, PADSS discharge, unplanned admission drivers, and  (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS)](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/perioperative-medicine/eras) — High-yield ERAS for fellowship exams: bundle philosophy, anaesthetic elements (fasting, carb load, opioid-sparing, PONV, fluids, normothermia), audit/adherence, and when not to for (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Hepatic failure and liver transplant anaesthesia](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/perioperative-medicine/hepatic-failure-liver-transplant) — Exam-pass hepatic failure and liver transplant anaesthesia: ALF vs cirrhosis, MELD, rebalanced coagulopathy, encephalopathy, transplant phases high-level, drug dosing, and ICU prio (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Intraoperative cell salvage](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/perioperative-medicine/cell-salvage) — Exam-pass intraoperative cell salvage: indications, wash pathway, contraindications, obstetrics/malignancy nuances, coagulopathy after wash, and PBM integration. (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Jehovah's Witness and bloodless perioperative care](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/perioperative-medicine/jehovahs-witness-transfusion) — Exam-pass Jehovah's Witness care: ethics and consent, product acceptance matrix, preoperative optimisation, bloodless intraoperative strategies, and emergency incapacity frameworks (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Opioid-tolerant and chronic pain patient — perioperative care](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/perioperative-medicine/opioid-tolerant-chronic-pain-perioperative) — Exam-pass perioperative care of the opioid-tolerant chronic pain patient: baseline opioid continuation, multimodal and regional strategies, PCA adjustments, acute-on-chronic pain,  (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Perioperative management of diabetes mellitus](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/perioperative-medicine/diabetes-perioperative) — Exam-exhaustive perioperative diabetes: HbA1c discussion, day-of insulin and OHA rules, DKA versus elective pathways, VRIII principles, dexamethasone/PONV tradeoff, and hypoglycaem (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Perioperative management of pacemakers and ICDs](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/perioperative-medicine/pacemaker-icd-perioperative) — Exam-exhaustive CIED perioperative care: NBG modes at high level, pacing dependence, magnet behaviour (pacemaker vs ICD), diathermy EMI mitigation, reprogramming indications, ICD t (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Preoperative anaemia and iron therapy](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/perioperative-medicine/preoperative-anaemia-iron) — Exam-pass preoperative anaemia: thresholds, iron studies, oral vs IV iron, PREVENTT caveats, ESA use, PBM pillars, and transfusion decisions for ANZCA Final and equivalents. (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Sepsis under anaesthesia](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/perioperative-medicine/sepsis-under-anaesthesia) — Exam-pass sepsis under anaesthesia: Sepsis-3 framing, SSC hour-1 principles, induction of the septic patient, source control, noradrenaline and MAP targets, lactate interpretation, (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)

### Physiology

- [Distribution, clearance and half-life](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology/distribution-clearance-half-life) — Distribution, clearance and half-life are the three pharmacokinetic parameters that govern how much drug to give, how often to give it, how long it takes to reach steady state, and (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)

### Plastics and burns anaesthesia

- [Burn excision and grafting: blood loss, temperature, massive transfusion](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/burn-excision-massive-transfusion) — Exam-exhaustive anaesthesia for major burn excision and massive transfusion for ANZCA Final: blood-loss anticipation, normothermia as coagulation therapy, MTP ratios, calcium, TXA, (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Burn resuscitation: Parkland formula, endpoints, and fluid creep](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/burn-resuscitation-parkland) — Exam-exhaustive Parkland burn resuscitation for ANZCA Final: exact 4 mL × kg × percent TBSA timing from injury, urine output endpoints, fluid creep, rule of nines, modified Brooke, (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Free flap reconstruction: perfusion-focused anaesthesia](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/free-flap-reconstruction) — Exam-exhaustive free-flap anaesthesia for ANZCA Final: flow determinants, normothermia and euvolaemia, vasopressor nuance, shared-airway head and neck flaps, flap observation, and  (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Inhalational injury, carbon monoxide, and cyanide in burns](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/inhalational-injury-co-cyanide) — Exam-exhaustive inhalational injury with CO and cyanide management for ANZCA Final: early intubation triggers, co-oximetry, CO half-life on oxygen, hydroxocobalamin 5 g IV, protect (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Suxamethonium in burns: hyperkalaemia window and safe alternatives](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/suxamethonium-in-burns) — Exam-exhaustive suxamethonium hyperkalaemia risk after burns for ANZCA Final: extrajunctional AChR upregulation, exact time window, peak risk period, rocuronium/sugammadex alternat (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)

### Postoperative nausea & vomiting

- [Postoperative nausea & vomiting (PONV)](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/critical-incidents-patient-safety/ponv) — Exam-exhaustive PONV: Apfel four factors with exact risk steps, paediatric modifiers, prophylaxis by receptor class with mg/kg doses, different-class rescue, TIVA and opioid-sparin (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)

### Preoperative assessment & risk

- [Preoperative assessment and risk stratification](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/perioperative-medicine/preoperative-assessment-risk) — Exam-exhaustive preoperative assessment: functional capacity in METs, exact ASA-PS classes, RCRI six predictors with risk steps, when to order tests, shared decision-making for hig (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)

### Regional / perioperative medicine

- [Perioperative VTE prophylaxis and neuraxial anaesthesia timing](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/perioperative-vte-prophylaxis-neuraxial) — Exam-exhaustive VTE prophylaxis versus neuraxial haematoma risk: Caprini/Padua-type risk, mechanical and pharmacological methods, ASRA principles for drug-specific timing, catheter (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)

### Regional anaesthesia

- [Combined spinal-epidural (CSE) anaesthesia](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/regional-anaesthesia/combined-spinal-epidural) — Exam-exhaustive CSE: needle-through-needle technique, single vs double space, labour and caesarean indications, DPE variant, hypotension anticipation, catheter migration/total spin (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Fascial plane blocks: TAP, ESP, and QL](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/regional-anaesthesia/fascial-plane-blocks-tap-esp-ql) — Exam-pass fascial plane blocks: TAP, ESP, and QL indications, ultrasound landmarks, typical volumes, LAST risk, ERAS role, and failure/rescue strategy for ANZCA Final and equivalen (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Interscalene brachial plexus block](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/regional-anaesthesia/interscalene-block) — Exam-exhaustive interscalene block: indications for shoulder surgery, C5–C7 coverage with ulnar spare, near-universal phrenic palsy, pneumothorax and LAST risks, low-volume and sup (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Lower limb regional anaesthesia: plexus and peripheral blocks](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/regional-anaesthesia/lower-limb-regional-blocks) — Exam-exhaustive lower-limb regional anaesthesia for ANZCA Final: femoral and fascia iliaca, adductor canal, sciatic and popliteal, obturator, IPACK, ankle block; ultrasound landmar (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Neuraxial complications: PDPH, haematoma and high spinal](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/regional-anaesthesia/neuraxial-complications-pdph-haematoma-high-spinal) — Exam-exhaustive neuraxial complications: PDPH diagnosis and blood-patch volumes, epidural haematoma red flags and ASRA timing principles, high/total spinal drill, abscess, and emer (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/regional-anaesthesia/ultrasound-pnb) — Exam-exhaustive ultrasound PNB: probe and needle skills, upper and lower limb block selection by surgery, fascial plane blocks, ultrasound vs nerve stimulator evidence, intraneural (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Upper limb regional anaesthesia: brachial plexus approaches](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/regional-anaesthesia/upper-limb-regional-blocks) — Exam-exhaustive upper-limb brachial plexus anaesthesia: interscalene, supraclavicular, infraclavicular, axillary; ultrasound landmarks, phrenic and pneumothorax risk, LAST rescue w (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)

### TIVA & target-controlled infusion

- [Effect-site targeting in clinical TIVA practice](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/airway/tiva-tci-effect-site-clinical-use) — Effect-site targeting is the clinical refinement of target-controlled infusion that aims the pump at the brain rather than the plasma. By modelling the plasma-to-effect-site delay  (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [TIVA & target-controlled infusion (TCI)](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/airway/tiva-tci) — Exam-exhaustive TIVA/TCI: plasma vs effect-site targeting, Marsh vs Schnider at high level without fake constants, awareness risk and syringe safety, when TIVA is preferred (MH, ne (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [TIVA and target-controlled infusion: the compartment model](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/airway/tiva-tci-compartment-modelling) — Total intravenous anaesthesia by target-controlled infusion delivers a drug to a predicted plasma or effect-site concentration computed from a compartment pharmacokinetic model. Un (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)

### The anaesthetic machine

- [The anaesthetic machine](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology-physics-equipment/anaesthetic-machine) — The anaesthetic machine is the device that delivers a precisely controlled mixture of gases (oxygen, nitrous oxide, medical air) and vapourised anaesthetic agents to the patient, r (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)

### Thoracic anaesthesia

- [Anaesthesia for anterior mediastinal mass](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/mediastinal-mass-anaesthesia) — Exam-exhaustive management of anterior mediastinal mass: risk stratification, awake strategies, spontaneous ventilation, cardiopulmonary bypass readiness, and rescue for airway or  (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Anaesthesia for bronchoscopy and shared airway surgery](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/bronchoscopy-airway-surgery) — Shared-airway anaesthesia for flexible and rigid bronchoscopy and interventional airway surgery: oxygenation strategies, TIVA, jet ventilation, laser/fire safety, and massive haemo (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Anaesthesia for lung transplantation](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/lung-transplant-anaesthesia) — Exam-pass lung transplant anaesthesia: end-stage lung disease physiology, induction risks, PA clamping and reperfusion, ECMO/CPB triggers, primary graft dysfunction, and ICU ventil (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Anaesthesia for oesophagectomy](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/oesophagectomy-anaesthesia) — Exam-pass oesophagectomy anaesthesia: two-cavity physiology, lung isolation, fluid and anastomotic concerns, thoracic analgesia, aspiration risk, and ERAS-leaning postop care for A (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Lung isolation: double-lumen tubes and bronchial blockers](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/lung-isolation-dlt-bronchial-blocker) — Fellowship-level lung isolation: exact adult DLT sizing, left versus right DLT margin of safety, bronchial blocker types and indications, fibreoptic confirmation, and crisis manage (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [One-lung ventilation physiology and the hypoxaemia management algorithm](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/olv-physiology-hypoxaemia-algorithm) — OLV shunt physiology, hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, DLT versus bronchial blocker principles, lung-protective OLV settings, and the stepwise hypoxaemia algorithm for fellowshi (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Pulmonary hypertension and COPD in thoracic anaesthesia](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/pulmonary-hypertension-copd-thoracic) — Perioperative management of pulmonary hypertension and COPD for thoracic surgery: RV physiology, haemodynamic goals, OLV risks, ventilation strategies, and crisis treatment of acut (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [VATS lobectomy anaesthesia and postoperative analgesia](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/vats-lobectomy-analgesia) — Anaesthesia for VATS lobectomy with lung isolation, protective OLV, and multimodal analgesia comparing thoracic epidural, paravertebral, ESP and systemic opioid-sparing strategies. (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)

### Thoracic anaesthesia & one-lung ventilation

- [Thoracic anaesthesia and one-lung ventilation](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/thoracic-anaesthesia-olv) — Exam-pass thoracic anaesthesia hub (SSTS): left DLT vs bronchial blocker, HPV and OLV hypoxaemia algorithm, protective ventilation, mediastinal mass rescue plan, and leaf links for (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)

### Trauma and massive haemorrhage

- [Trauma and massive haemorrhage](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/trauma-massive-haemorrhage) — Trauma and massive haemorrhage is the prototypical time-critical anaesthetic emergency and the commonest cause of preventable trauma death is uncontrolled haemorrhage. The modern r (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)

### Ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks

- [Ultrasound physics and sonoanatomy for regional anaesthesia](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/regional-anaesthesia/sonoanatomy-basics) — Ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia (USGRA) directs a block needle onto a target nerve under real-time imaging so that local anaesthetic is deposited precisely while intraneural (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)

### Vaporisers

- [Vaporisers](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/physiology-physics-equipment/vaporisers) — The vaporiser vaporises the liquid volatile anaesthetic agent and adds a precise concentration to the fresh gas flow. The framework rests on four exam-critical ideas: the variable- (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)

### Vascular anaesthesia

- [AAA open repair versus EVAR: anaesthetic decision matrix](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/aaa-open-evar) — Exam-exhaustive open AAA vs EVAR anaesthesia for ANZCA Final. (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Aortic cross-clamp physiology: clamp-on and clamp-off](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/aortic-cross-clamp-physiology) — Exam-exhaustive aortic cross-clamp on and off physiology for vascular and major aortic anaesthesia: afterload and cardiac output vectors, myocardial ischaemia risk, organ ischaemia (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Carotid endarterectomy: GA versus awake and cerebral monitoring](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/carotid-endarterectomy-anaesthesia) — Exam-exhaustive CEA anaesthesia including GALA and wake-up monitoring for ANZCA Final. (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Perioperative cardiac risk: Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI)](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/perioperative-cardiac-risk-rcri) — Exam-exhaustive Revised Cardiac Risk Index: exact six predictors, original risk bands, limitations, functional capacity, further testing principles, and POISE beta-blockade caution (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Thoracoabdominal aortic surgery and spinal cord protection](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/subspecialty-anaesthesia/thoracoabdominal-aorta-spinal-cord) — Exam-exhaustive spinal cord protection in TAAA/TEVAR for ANZCA Final. (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI; updated=2026-07-26)

### Vasopressors & inotropes

- [Vasopressors & inotropes](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/anaesthetic-vasopressors-inotropes) — The vasopressors and the inotropes are the vasoactive agents used to maintain the haemodynamic stability in the perioperative and the critically ill patient. The framework rests on (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)

### Volatile & inhalational agents

- [Desflurane](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/desflurane) — Desflurane is a fluorinated methyl ethyl ether and the most pharmacokinetically extreme of the modern volatile anaesthetics, defined by four exam-critical ideas. Its blood-gas part (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Halothane](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/halothane) — Halothane (2-bromo-2-chloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane, CF3-CHBrCl) is the historical standard volatile anaesthetic, introduced in 1956 and the agent against which every modern volatile (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Isoflurane](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/isoflurane) — Isoflurane is a fluorinated methyl ether and one of the three modern volatile anaesthetic agents, the stable and cheap workhorse volatile used for maintenance where its pungency ma (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [MAC and solubility: principles of volatile anaesthetic action](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/mac-solubility-volatile-principles) — Minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) is the ED50 of an inhalational agent, defined as the minimum alveolar concentration (in volume percent at 1 atmosphere, standardised to age 40, (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Nitrous oxide](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/nitrous-oxide) — Nitrous oxide (N2O) is the only non-halogenated inorganic inhalational agent and a weak anaesthetic but potent analgesic adjunct. Its MAC of 105 percent is the highest of any agent (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Sevoflurane](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/sevoflurane) — Sevoflurane is a fluorinated methyl isopropyl ether and the most widely used volatile anaesthetic agent in the world, the default maintenance agent in much of adult practice and th (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Volatile & inhalational agents](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/volatile-inhalational-agents) — The volatile anaesthetic agents — sevoflurane, desflurane, isoflurane and the older halothane — together with xenon and nitrous oxide, produce general anaesthesia by an action on t (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)
- [Xenon](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/topics/applied-pharmacology/xenon) — Xenon (Xe, element 54) is an inert noble-gas inhalational anaesthetic whose blood-gas partition coefficient of 0.115 is the LOWEST of any agent, giving extremely rapid onset and of (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-07-26)

## SAQs (3)

### Obstetric anaesthesia

- [Amniotic fluid embolism: recognition and management](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/saqs/amniotic-fluid-embolism-collapse-saq) — Final-examination SAQ. (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,EDAIC,ABA,FCAI; updated=2026-07-10)

### TIVA & target-controlled infusion

- [The compartment model and target-controlled infusion](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/saqs/tiva-tci-compartment-modelling-saq) — Primary-viva (basic-science) question on the compartment model underlying TCI: the central and peripheral compartments, context-sensitive half-time, effect-site targeting, and the  (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,EDAIC,FCAI,FCA_SA; updated=2026-06-29)

### Thoracic anaesthesia

- [Anaesthesia for anterior mediastinal mass](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/saqs/mediastinal-mass-anaesthesia-saq) — Final-examination SAQ for mediastinal-mass-anaesthesia. (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,EDAIC,ABA,FCAI; updated=2026-07-10)

## Cases (1)

### Thoracic anaesthesia

- [Anaesthesia for anterior mediastinal mass — hot case](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/cases/mediastinal-mass-anaesthesia-hot) — Hot case for mediastinal-mass-anaesthesia. (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,ABA,FCAI; updated=2026-07-10)

## Vivas (2)

### Obstetric anaesthesia

- [Amniotic fluid embolism — viva](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/vivas/amniotic-fluid-embolism-collapse-viva) — Structured oral examination station. (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,EDAIC,ABA,FCAI; updated=2026-07-10)

### Thoracic anaesthesia

- [Anaesthesia for anterior mediastinal mass — viva](https://medvellum.com/s/anaesthesia/vivas/mediastinal-mass-anaesthesia-viva) — Structured oral examination station for mediastinal-mass-anaesthesia. (exams=ANZCA,FRCA,EDAIC,ABA,FCAI; updated=2026-07-10)