GasGasGas - Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthesia!
An anaesthesia podcast focusing on the scientific knowledge anaesthetists should know, tracking the UK Primary FRCA Curriculum. Each episode delivers a treatise on a drug, concept, or practice critical to passing the FRCA Primary Exam, with natural tangents to keep it engaging. Relevant to anyone interested in pharmacological, physiological, clinical, physical, and chemical concepts in anaesthesia. Notes are available on the podcast's website.
Episodes
VivaCast Round 2 - Physiology fun Ft. Shyam (who passed!)
Shyam handles the autonomic nervous system, GPCRS but does get caught out with regards to receptor down regulation on exposure(beta arrestin pathway)
β−Arrestins: Structure, Function, Physiology, and Pharmacological Perspectives
Listen to find out more!
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists!
Sponsored by Teach Me Anaesthetics
VivaCast Round 2 - Shyam from t'north Vs Pharmacology
Shyam first of his name, possible King of the Andals puts his claymore aside and handles the first of four 15 min vivas for the FRCA primary exam!
This episode handles core pharmacology to start with dabbles in the milk of the poppy (compare and contrast those opioids) and then TCI models as a nice little closer!
Listen to find out more!
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Vivacast Round 2 - Martin Vs Vapourisers (the Vapourisers win the first round)
The fourth and final Martin from Sweden vivacast episode, he has been prepping for the EDAIC oral exams.
This session tackled vapourisers and their safety features, and it identified a gap in Martins knowledge, whether or not the EDAIC would ask such things, is naturally another question, but nevertheless this is important knowhow for the apocalypse (when you are getting the boyles bottle out of t
VivaCast Round 2 - Clinical station - Paeds Appendix + Bronchospasm!
The third of a new panel of vivacast episodes, Martin, all the way from Sweden, who is prepping for the EDAIC oral exams.
This session handles some thinking behind liberating the appendix from a 12 year old boy, a structured approach to high airway pressures and managing bronchospasm
Listen to find out more!
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science
Vivacast Round Two - Physiology of pregnancy, Peri partum emergencies and cardiac risk
The second of a new panel of vivacast episodes, introducing Martin, all the way from Sweden, who is prepping for the EDAIC oral exams.
This session explores the physiological changes of pregnancy, peri partum emergencies and introduces cardiac risk stratification.
Listen to find out more!
Show notes at:
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for
VivaCast Round Two - Heparin and Propofol
The First of a new panel of vivacast episodes, introducing Martin, all the way from Sweden, who is prepping for the EDAIC oral exams.
This session explores heparin and what happens with a single dose of propfol!
Listen to find out more!
Show notes at:
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists!
Sponsored by Teach Me Anaesthetics
Che
AntiCholinesterases for Adept Anaesthetists
Anti-Cholinesterases, they find widespread use in clinical medicine.
Their role in reversal of neuromuscular blockade is certainly dwindling given sugammadexes rise to post patent [can actually afford to use it] supremacy.
But if you are using atracurium, then go nuts!
Listen to find out more!
Show notes at : https://gasgasgas.uk/anticholinesterases/
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Sugammadex - the best drug in the world?
Sugammadex, if Carlsberg made Sugammadex, it might just be the best drug in the world.
I.e. if you were to describe a perfect neuromuscular reversal drug, sugammadex is getting very close!
Listen to find out more!
Show notes at : https://gasgasgas.uk/sugammadex/
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists!
Sponsored by Teach me Anae
Pancuronium and NMJ block terminology
Pancuronium pandemonium, with a dash of Type 1 and Type 2 Block for good measure.
Listen to find out more!
Show notes at : https://gasgasgas.uk/pancuronium/
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists!
Sponsored by Teach me Anaesthetics
Check out the Teach Me Anaesthetics 1100+ SBA Resource [affiliate]
Contributions to keep the lam
Vecuronium for Anaesthetists + NMB monitoring
Vecuronium for anaesthetists with a segue into NMJ/MNB monitoring!
Listen to find out more!
Show notes at : https://gasgasgas.uk/vecuronium/
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists!
Sponsored by Teach me Anaesthetics
Check out the Teach Me Anaesthetics 1100+ SBA Resource [affiliate]
Contributions to keep the lamps lit here
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Cisatracurium + other drugs that impair neuromuscular function
Cisatracurium is one of the ten isomers found in an ampoule of Atracurium! It has been selected out as a useful, potent, predictably degrading drug with a very stable side effect profile!
Althought, it might be that, whilst Cisatracurium probably sounded like a great idea at the time... it was perhaps batting for a marketing USP that wasn't quite there..
If we were being particularly clever we cou
Mivacurium + mischief with plasma cholinesterase
Mivacurium, a drug that is perhaps not found in your cupboard anymore! It does have a number of interesting properties, which does make it a worthy exam question and a useful example of geometric isomerism!
Listen to find out more
Show notes at:https://gasgasgas.uk/mivacurium
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists!
Sponsored by T
A not so brief jaunt with Oxygen, toxicity, exploding cylinders + heli-ox vs sulphur hexafluoride gas.
The ubiquity of oxygen in the curriculum is directly correlated with its importance! One of many episodes that focus on the facets o knowledge needed to understand how oxygen does its thing.
Today, when too much oxygen is a bad thing, how it is obtained, transported in hospitals and the negative implications of its use + some history that I know you all deeply desire!
Show notes at: https://gasg
Nitrous Oxide: Anaesthetic Mechanisms, B12 Toxicity and Safe Storage
Nitrous Oxide, once a corner stone of 'passing the gas' has been progressively displaced by better agents, think sevoflurane with less PONV, remifentanil for rapid titratable pain relief and even desflurane for its speedier offset.
This episode handles everything you need to know and more for the exams!
Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/ether_enflurane_explosions/
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Ether, Enflurane and Explosions for 'Victorian' Anaesthetists
The 2025 Bumper Christmas Special, delving into the delights of Ether, Enflurane and Explosions (+ fires, flames and/or power metal)
We find out a little bit about the first Ether anaesthetic, and then get to grips with what an explosion is, and why understandably, it was problematic for anaesthetists.
Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/ether_enflurane_explosions/
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Desflurane Anaesthesia: Tec6 Vaporiser & Clinical non-Applications
I've checked the house, there are no polar bears so we should be fine to talk about this drug.
Desflurane is pricey, polar bear poison that you may get examined on! Check it out!
Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/desflurane-and-vapourisers/
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists!
Sponsored by Teach me Anaesthetics
Check out the
Halothane: Historic Volatile Anaesthetic & Hepatotoxicity for FRCA
With the advent of halothane, smoking, static and other sizzling was back in style! Gone were the explosive diethyl ether, acetylene, trichloroethylene and cyclopropane anaesthetics of the 1950's and with it a new era of fewer explosions, and possibly a greater prevalence of post operative liver distress.
Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/halothane/↗
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Sevoflurane: Volatile Anaesthetic for Inhalational Induction & Maintenance
Having a solid understanding of Sevoflurane is, as you might expect, quite important for the FRCA primary and your career. as it is likely the most commonly used volatile anaesthetic agent, at least in the UK.
Show notes @ https://gasgasgas.uk/sevoflurane-for-the-frca-primary/
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists!
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Isoflurane: Halogenated Volatile Anaesthetic Agent Pharmacology
This Primary FRCA podcast episode introduces you to Isoflurane, a ubiquitous and fairly cheap volatile anaesthetic agent that always seems to be left alone while its sevoflurane friend lives the high life, This episode probably won't sway your use, but if you walk into an anaesthetic halfway thru and have no idea what your ET for MAC-1 is, then this is for you!
GasGasGas - putting knowledge in you
Introducing Volatile Anaesthetic Agents! MAC, Blood-Gas Solubility & the 'Ideal Agent question'
This Primary FRCA podcast episode introduces you to Volatile anaesthetic agents and the pharmaceutical particulars that make their behaviour through a human very interesting!
We cover Blood gas and oil gas partition coefficients, Saturated vapour pressure, critical temperature and boiling points - and touch on pharmacodynamics and the Viva Question 'What is the ideal anaesthetic agent' approach.
S
Opioids Quiz: FRCA Primary Exam Viva Practice & Comparison Tables
Yet again, the sound engineer has been sacked........
Apologies that this is a second attempt at an Opioids Quiz, the music cuts went rather wrong - so we've slung the music in the bin!
This is a straight up quiz, with gaps so you can think up an answer and then, as you might expect... an Answer!
The goal isn't to give you verbatim words to regurgitate but to build up these facts in your mind so
Clonidine: Alpha-2 Agonists + Mechanism of Action
Clonidine is a drug found in many a cupboard, acting as a useful adjunct for pain, sedation and having utility in smoothing out post op emergence, it has off license use as a adjunct in regional and neuraxial blockade (at least in the literature!)
Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/clonidine/
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetis
Dexmedetomidine in Anaesthesia: Sedation, Anaesthesia & Regional Techniques
Dexemedetomidine is a drug that it seems we are really only just getting our hands on in the UK, it is an Alpha 2 AGOnist causing sedation, anxiolysis and analgesia.
This episode of GasGasGas explores its use, mechanisms side effect profile and kinetics
Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/dexmedetomidine/
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science fo
Midazolam: Sedation & peri-Anaesthetic uses + GABA Receptors
Midazolam represents the cornerstone benzodiazepine in perioperative medicine, offering rapid onset sedation, anxiolysis, and amnesia with predictable pharmacokinetics. Understanding its mechanism, dosing strategies, and clinical applications is fundamental for safe anaesthetic practice and optimal patient care.
Show notes @: https://gasgasgas.uk/midazolam/
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Etomidate Anaesthesia: Pharma, Adrenal Suppression & Clinical Use
Having an Iota of a Scooby-Doo about Etomidate is perhaps what is required for the FRCA primary exams. We've gone into naturally more detail when we're talking Etomidate for gasgasgas, because we love a bit of detail. This episode covers the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of Etomidate, but also explores briefly steroidogenesis and what the implications of this is clinically.
GasGasGas - put
Stereoisomers & Chirality: Pharmacology Fundamentals for FRCA Primary
Understanding molecular stereochemistry is fundamental to modern anaesthetic practice. The three-dimensional arrangement of atoms within drug molecules directly impacts their pharmacological properties, with some arrangements being therapeutically beneficial while others may be inactive or even harmful. This episode explores the concept of isomerism in anaesthetic drugs, with particular focus on h
Peri-Neural Local Anaesthetic Adjuncts for Regional Anaesthesia
Welcome to the final local anaesthetic episode - Peri-neural adjuncts- because we should not forget the medley of mixing options that you could stir into your NRfit cauldron.... although most folks don't.
Ketamine, in it goes, give it a stir - a dash of clonidine for a bit of dozy chill - 3 grains of morphia and don't forget the sodium bicarbonate.
Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/peri-neural-a
Local Anaesthetics Quiz: FRCA Primary Viva Practice Questions
Welcome to an experimental episode of GasGasGas - where you get the joys of a quiz after listening to all these episodes on local anaesthetics agents. Let me know if you think it's dry as hell.
Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/local-anaesthetic-quiz/
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists!
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Local Anaesthetics Summary: Complete Review for FRCA Primary Exam
Welcome to another essential episode of Gas Gas Gas, where we summarise all the local anaesthetic content we have covered - In order to get you fired up for the most exciting quiz on local anaesthetics you've ever had the pleasure of listening to.
Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/comparing-local-anaesthetics/
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Sc
LAST: Local Anaesthetic Systemic Toxicity Management for Anaesthetists/Emergency Docs
Welcome to Local Anaesthetic Systemic Toxicity!!
(LAST) is one of the most significant complications in regional anaesthesia practice. This episode explores the pathophysiology, recognition, and management of LAST with particular emphasis on emergency management protocols and risk mitigation strategies. Understanding LAST is crucial for safe regional anaesthesia practice (in Anaesthetic rooms, sur
Ropivacaine: The local anaesthetic better than levobupivacaine?
Today we're exploring ropivacaine - the local anaesthetic you might not see every day, but absolutely need to understand when bupivacaine is in short supply or when examiners want to test your knowledge of enantiomeric purity and differential motor blockade....
Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/ropivacaine/
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science
Lidocaine Pharmacology: Amide Local Anaesthetic not for Spinal Anaesthesia
Welcome to lidocaine - the ubiquitous local anaesthetic that's everywhere in clinical practice but comes with some important caveats. Whether you're preparing for your primary FRCA exams or just starting your anaesthesia rotations, understanding lidocaine's extensive clinical applications, antiarrhythmic properties, and the growing role of IV infusions for pain management is core know how!.
Show n
Prilocaine: Amide Local Anaesthetic - Day Case Champ
Welcome to the Prilocaine episode - the local anaesthetic that's often overshadowed by Bupivacaine but deserves a place in your clinical toolkit. Whether you're preparing for your primary FRCA exams or just starting your anaesthesia rotations, understanding Prilocaine's unique properties will help you tailor anaesthesia to patient and surgery, bupivacaine isn't always the answer
Show notes at: htt
Cocaine: Local Anaesthetic Properties & Pharmacology + Hx Spinal Anaesthesia!
If you like a story about tenacious testicular traction and slamming shins then this is the episode for you.
This FRCA Primary Podcast episode explores cocaine and the exposure patients have to it in the clinical environment, chiefly courtesy of the ENT surgeons. The episode explores mechanism, side effects, onset, implications, but also the history of spinal anaesthesia and treatment of cocaine
GasGasGas - Bupivacaine and Friends
This FRCA Primary Podcast episode burrows into bupivacaine, exploring its friends (additives), mechanism of action, and clinical applications. We'll cover the key differences between neuronal and cardiac action potentials, and discuss why levobupivacaine has become the preferred choice in many clinical scenarios.
Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/primary-frca-podcast-episode-31-bupivacaine-and-f
GasGasGas - Introduction to Local Anaesthetics
This FRCA Primary Podcast episode establishes the scientific foundation for understanding how Local Anaesthetic drugs work, why they behave differently and how to use them safely. By the end, you'll understand nerve physiology, sodium channel blockade, drug classification, and the basics of local anaesthetic toxicity.
Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/local-anaesthetic-fundamentals-for-the-frca/
GasGasGas - Comparing Opioids - Viva Style!
Opioids are a significant cornerstone of anaesthetic practice, forming part of the triad of anaesthesia with their analgesic properties. We utilise these analgesic properties not just because "surgery hurts," but also because our interventions cause physiological upset - laryngoscopy being a prime example.
Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/comparing-opioids-for-the-frca-primary/
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GasGasGas - RemiFentanil and the Minto TCI Model
Remifentanil is an anaesthetist’s dream: ultra-short acting, reliably titratable, and deeply potent. This episode takes a dual-pronged approach, covering both the FRCA-relevant pharmacology of remifentanil and introducing the Minto target-controlled infusion (TCI) model.
Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/remifentanil-and-minto-tci-model/
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GasGasGa
Neuraxial Opioid Kinetics: Spinal & Epidural Analgesia for Regional Anaesthesia
In this explainer episode of GasGasGas, we make our descent into the joyful complexities of neuraxial opiate pharmacology.
Why do we bother putting opiates into this space at all? What governs their journey, how do they behave once administered, and what clinical pearls can be drawn from their behaviour? This episode follows the journey of a single opioid molecule through the fatty labyrinth of th
Diamorphine (Golden Brown): Opioid Pharmacology for Anaesthetic Practice
In this episode of Gas, Gas, Gas, we drill a figurative oil well into the pharmacology of diamorphine — also known by its more notorious street name, Heroin/Smack/Golden Brown. Diamorphine is a synthetic diacetylated derivative of morphine, and this episode details its mechanism of action, clinical applications, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and side effect profile. The episode is structured
Oxycodone: Synthetic Opioid Analgesic for Perioperative Pain
We are plunging into the pharmacology of oxycodone, a potent semi-synthetic opioid analgesic widely used in perioperative and chronic pain settings. We explore oxycodone's mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics
We dissect its action on mu-opioid receptors, compare it to morphine and other opioids, and review evidence regarding oral vs intravenous formulations, metabolism via C
Methadone: Long-Acting Opioid for Chronic Pain in Anaesthesia
In this episode of the GasGasGas Primary FRCA podcast, we explore methadone, its pharmacology (pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics), diverse receptor activity, and its clinical uses.
While traditionally associated with managing opioid dependency, methadone’s unique pharmacodynamics and potential utility may have been overlooked given its other uses…
Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/methadone-
Tramadol: Atypical Opioid Analgesic Pharmacology & Clinical Use
This episode takes a dive into the detailed pharmacology of Tramadol focussing on the content for the FRCA Primary exam. We explore its unique multi-mechanism analgesic action, pharmacokinetics, clinical uses, and key points.
Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/tramadol-for-frca-primary-exam/
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetis
Alfentanil: Short-Acting Synthetic Opioid Pharmacology for the FRCA and your Anaesthetic Practice
In this episode of GasGasGas, we explore Alfentanil, a short-acting μ-opioid receptor agonist pivotal for anaesthetic practice. Discovered in 1976 by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Alfentanil remains a super handy agent, especially for (modified) rapid-sequence inductions and acute pain management.
Show notes at https://gasgasgas.uk/alfentanil-for-the-frca-primary/
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Target-Controlled Infusion (TCI): Pharmacokinetic Models for TIVA Anaesthesia
TIVA Models for Propofol particularly the: Marsh, Schnider, and Eleveld TCI models.
Avoid the classic pitfalls of blindly trusting a pump. If you’re prepping for the FRCA or just want to master the ‘why’ behind TCI behaviour, you’re in the right place. Sorry to the USA folks stuck with mcg/kg/min!
Show notes at: https://gasgasgas.uk/tiva-models-for-propofol/
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Vivacast 16 - Misplacing 1000ml of circulating volume on the floor, Nerve conduction physiology, pH and acid base derangement
In this VivaCast episode, we simulate a comprehensive FRCA Primary physiology viva covering three key topics: physiological response to acute blood loss, nerve conduction and classification, and acid-base balance including pH regulation and anion gap interpretation.
Show Notes @ https://gasgasgas.uk/hemorrhage-nerves-ph/
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesth
Interview - The first three months of UK anaesthetics, insights and learning - Dr James Smith
Welcome to a special interview edition of GasGasGas – the podcast that explores anaesthetic life in all its glorious detail, venturing out into its terrifying, and human dimensions.
I want those thinking about anaesthetics to gain insight, and I want everyone else Post IAC to remember the IAC experience and focus on what we can do to make the IAC time maximally useful for our colleagues.
Today, h
VivaCast 15 - Clinical Case PsuedoAneurysm
In this VivaCast episode, we present a complex clinical scenario involving an intravenous drug user (IVDU) presenting with an infected pseudoaneurysm.
Tom grapples with the challenges of these high BBV risk cases and managed local anaesthetic toxicity as it all goes terribly pear shaped!
Show Notes Here!
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for
VivaCast 14 - Kinetics, Hypoglycaemics and Drug Trial fun!
In this episode of GasGasGas, we dive into the essential principles of pharmacokinetics, focusing on how drugs are processed by the body. We also explore the mechanisms and clinical implications of hypoglycaemic medications and discuss the fundamentals of clinical trials. Whether you're a medical professional or an interested listener, this discussion is packed with keywords, critical insights and
VivaCast 13 - Ultrasound - Cardiac Output Monitoring - Diathermy
This VivaCast episode covers essential FRCA Primary knowledge areas, focusing on ultrasound use and physics, cardiac output monitoring techniques, and the principles and safety considerations of diathermy in anaesthesia.
Designed to simulate the viva experience, this episode prepares candidates with model answers and key concepts likely to appear in the examinations.
Don't forget all the other Viv
VivaCast 12 - Anti Emetics, Propofol (again!) and Antimicrobial Prophylaxis in Surgery
Tom's exam inches ever closer to reality, here he gets caught out on Droperidol, nails the Journey a Propofol Bolus Takes and handles Anti-Microbial Surgical Prophylaxis.
Show-notes on gasgasgas.uk
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists!
Sponsored by Teach Me Anaesthetics
Check out the Teach Me Anaesthetics 1100+ SBA Resource [af
VivaCast 011 - Liver Physiology,
Tom and James wade through Liver physiology, debrief afterwards when we try and devise a way to talk about this functions without listing out something written on our arms!
Check out the show-notes at gasgasgas.uk/liver
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists!
Sponsored by Teach Me Anaesthetics
Check out the Teach Me Anaesthetics
VivaCast 010 - Physiology - Classifying Hypoxia, Oxygen Delivery and Oxy-Haemoglobin Sat Curves
Classifying Hypoxia, Oxygen delivery and taking oxy-haemoglobin Sat Curves
Tom gets quizzed on what defines hypoxia, how oxygen is delivered to tissues and how the oxyhemoglobin disassociation curve behaves.
Shownotes on gasgasgas.uk
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists!
Sponsored by Teach Me Anaesthetics
Check out the Teach Me
VivaCast 009 - Physiology - Pressure, Flow, Coronary perfusion, Cardiac Cycle
Tom talks cardiac physiology, exploring blood pressure, Hagen–Poiseuille law, and coronary blood flow, finishing up with a brief chat of the cardiac cycle.
There is a debrief and extra detailing at the end in very quick fire ‘words that convey you know what you’re on about’ sot of standing.
Show notes here!
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science f
VivaCast - 008 - Oxygen Storage - Wheatstone Bridges - Resonance/Damping - Fibre optics and Lasers
This viva cast takes Tom on an epic battle, sundering his way through the VIE, crossing the Wheatstone Bridge, looking around corners with Fibre Optics and finally zapping everyone with Lasers.
Show notes @ gasgasgas.uk/vivacast_8
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists!
Sponsored by Teach Me Anaesthetics
Check out the Teach Me An
VivaCast 007 - License to....? Adrenoceptors, Local anaesthetic, Classification Anti-Arrythmics
Tom experiences some catecholamine release of his own in this episode as he talks serpiginous GPCRs, Adenyl cyclase, PKA and comparing local anaesthetics, and getting tied up (like we all do) with the clinically pointless, but delightfully examinable Vaughan-Williams Anti-arrythmic classes!
We Debrief and break into some of the questions as we go.
As always the show notes are on the website!
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VivaCast 006 - Physiology Station - Oxygen - Sensing - Valsalva
Tom dives into the critical details of how oxygen makes it to the mitochondria, tells me of this concept called shunt and then gets thoroughly beaten to shreds by the Valsalva manoeuvre - a tactical doozy that gets rolled out because it is a baffling set of steps.
Alveolar Gas Equation
Shunt
Hypoxic Pulmonary Vasoconstriction
Oxygen concentration Sensing of Plasma
And the Valsalva Manoeuvre.
We
VivaCast 005 - Clinical Station Urgent Onco-Laparotomy
This VivaCast episode assesses Tom as we explore the structured approach to a clinical viva station requiring conversation around delivering an anaesthetic.
Show notes @: https://gasgasgas.uk/frca-clinical-viva-laparotomy/
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists!
Sponsored by Teach Me Anaesthetics
Check out the Teach Me Anaestheti
Gas Gas Gas - Poly-Compart-Mental Madness Pt.2 - Ft. Pharmacokinetic BathTubs.
This Podcast for the FRCA Primary Exam thoroughly explores what is going on within the multi compartmental model that we use to try and comprehend how drugs move through humans.
If you like this, leave me a comment, if you don't, also leave a comment it's a rather mad one - perhaps reflected in the build up to this over the last few episodes.
Show notes @: https://gasgasgas.uk/multi-compartmental
VivaCast 004 - Vapours - Heat - Gas
Willing Victim Tom wields his knowledge Vs Dr Gas
SVP - Humidity - Critical Temperature
Heat and Temperature (James defines the 4 laws of thermodynamics)
Vapourisers and their function + Sevo vs Des
Entonox Vs Nitrous Oxide
Gas Laws
Finishing with a novel... way to recall gay-lussac law.
Show notes @: https://gasgasgas.uk/physics-heat-humidity-gases/
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Gas Gas Gas - Poly-Compartmental Madness Pt.1 - Half time, Tc, Natural Log and more
This Podcast for the FRCA Primary Exam is the first part in a series covering the multi compartmental mode. It Introduces Half-lives and Time Constants, how they bear out influencing clearance and offset times and bi-exponential decay.
Show notes @: Poly-Compartmental madness part one
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists!
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VivaCast 003 - Paralysing the NMJ - Roc vs Sux - Reversal
Willing Victim Tom wields his knowledge Vs Dr Gas
Show Notes @: https://gasgasgas.uk/paralysis-suxamethonium-rocuronium-reversal/
How Carbon dioxide is transferred from tissue to atmosphere
The influences Carbon Dioxide, Oxygen, Mechanical and Drug factors have on intra-cranial pressure
Closing out with how the neonatal gasp and umbilical cord clamp triggers a number of cardio-vascular events in
VivaCast 002- Co2 Journey, IntraCranial Pressure and Neonatal Physiology
Willing Victim Tom wields his knowledge Vs Dr Gas
Shown notes @ : https://gasgasgas.uk/frca-physiology-viva-podcast-co2-icp-neonatal-physiology/
How Carbon dioxide is transferred from tissue to atmosphere
The influences Carbon Dioxide, Oxygen, Mechanical and Drug factors have on intra-cranial pressure
Closing out with how the neonatal gasp and umbilical cord clamp triggers a number of cardio-vasc
VivaCast 001 - Cleaning and Sterilisation
Welcome to the first episode that emulates the primary FRCA viva (bar the drawing). This crack at interview style podcast covers sterilisation and cleaning of medical equipment, one of the many viva curveballs!
Show Notes @: https://gasgasgas.uk/frca-viva-cleaning-and-sterilisation/
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists!
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Suxamethonium: Depolarising Neuromuscular Blocker for Anaesthetists
This FRCA Primary Exam Podcast discusses Suxamethonium, its action, uses and pharmacology as well as an intro to neuromuscular blockade monitoring and cholinesterase deficiency.
Shownotes @ : https://gasgasgas.uk/suxamethonium-for-the-frca-primary-exam/
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists!
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Morphine Pharmacology: Opioid Analgesic for Medical Practice
This FRCA Primary Exam Podcast analyses Morphine and the opiate receptors, the mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and puts its use into context.
Shownotes @ : https://gasgasgas.uk/morphine-for-the-frca-primary-exam/
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists!
Sponsored by Teach Me Anaesthetics
Check out the Teach Me Anaes
Ketamine: NMDA Mechanisms, Pharmacology, Clinical use thoughts
This FRCA primary exam podcast explores the kinetics and dynamics of Ketamine, describes the NMDA receptor in detail and discusses the clinical uses of ketamine in UK anaesthetic practice.
Shownotes @ : https://gasgasgas.uk/ketamine-for-the-frca-primary/
Read this from dec 2025: https://www.thebottomline.org.uk/summaries/icm/rsi-ketamine-or-etomidate-for-tracheal-intubation-of-critically-ill-adult
Gas Gas Gas - Why (lucky number 13)
A Brief intro as to why I am doing this podcast, and introducing the viva-cast subseries coming soon!
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists!
Sponsored by Teach Me Anaesthetics
Check out the Teach Me Anaesthetics 1100+ SBA Resource [affiliate]
Contributions to keep the lamps lit here
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Gas Gas Gas - Comparing Volatiles
This episode focuses on drawing comparisons between the different volatile anaesthetic agents
Shownotes @ : https://gasgasgas.uk/gasgasgas-comparing-volatiles/
Specifically : Comparisons between the blood gas partition coefficient their oil gas partition coefficient the boiling points and saturated vapour pressure differences and we’re going to define those two points a little bit and then also t
MAC & Blood:Gas Coefficients: Volatile Anaesthetic Pharmacology
Today we're covering more volatiles, thinking a bit more about the defining characteristics of volatiles and exploring MAC, Minimum alveolar concentration.
Including MAC BAR and MAC Awake - and what you really need to aim for to make sure no one remembers having their insides rummaged about in by a surgeon!
Show notes @: https://gasgasgas.uk/mac-and-anaesthetic-depth/
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Michaelis-Menten Kinetics: Zero-Order Fun for the FRCA Primary
The whirlwind that is enzyme kinetics in the human body for the FRCA primary exam, Enjoy!
Show Notes @: https://gasgasgas.uk/michaelis-menten-enzyme-kinetics/
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists!
Sponsored by Teach Me Anaesthetics
Check out the Teach Me Anaesthetics 1100+ SBA Resource [affiliate]
Contributions to keep the lamp
Atracurium: Benzylisoquinolinium NMB for Anaesthesia
FRCA Primary Podcast looking at the properties of Atracurium, further introduction to the action of neuromuscular blocking agents and that all important exam structure!
Shownotes @ : https://gasgasgas.uk/gasgasgas-atracurium-frca/
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists!
Sponsored by Teach Me Anaesthetics
Check out the Teach Me An
Thiopentone: Barbiturate Anaesthesia, does it still have a place?
Talking Thiopentone, the bits needed for the exam and the practical bits of when it might get used (rarely, unless the boss happens to be from the 1940's) or you're doing obstetrics.
Shownotes @: https://gasgasgas.uk/thiopentone/
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists!
Sponsored by Teach Me Anaesthetics
Check out the Teach Me Ana
Gas Gas Gas - Compartmentalised Volatiles and a brief jaunt with Sevoflurane
This episode explores how volatile anaesthetics behave and affect patients. Chiefly thinking about how the compartments in a breathing circuit and patient interplay to achieve depth / maintain anaesthetic depth and emerge from anesthesia.
Absolutely worth a listen to get your head around compartments and also starting thinking about blood gas and oil gas partition coefficients
Show notes @: https:
Hepatic Clearance: A key principle in anaesthesia
This primary FRCA podcast episode introduces clearance and then descends into bedlam trying to think about how the liver really clears drugs on a kinetics level.
Shownotes @: https://gasgasgas.uk/hepatic-clearance/
I am not making you run for the hills by talking phase 1 and 2 metabolism, CYP and all that jazz, that's for a later episode.
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GasGasGas
pKa in Anaesthesia: Ionisation & Drug Behaviour for the FRCA Primary
We're talking pKa and all the delightful brain strain associated (or disassociated!) from it
pKa is a concept which is critical to how drugs cross membranes to their respective active sites.
Shownotes @: https://gasgasgas.uk/what-is-pka-frca-primary-podcast/
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists!
Sponsored by Teach Me Anaestheti
Volume of Distribution (Vd): Pharmacokinetics for FRCA Exam
This Primary FRCA Podcast episode talks up Volume of distribution,
A pharmacological concept used as an introduction to compartmentalising humans into a variety of volumes in order to think about how drugs (or chemicals, or really anything even water....) distributes around a human.
Show Notes @: https://gasgasgas.uk/volume-of-distribution-for-frca/
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Fentanyl in Anaesthetic Practice
Were talking the core fentanyl waffle, a jump into the opiate GPCRs Receptors. Closing up with some talk on using fentanyl in day to day practice and a brief introduction to pKa
Show Notes @: https://gasgasgas.uk/fentanyl-frca-primary-exam/
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists!
Sponsored by Teach Me Anaesthetics
Check out the T
Propofol Pharmacology for FRCA Primary Anaesthesia Exam
Episode two! We're talking the core propofol science, what PKa is and how to think of it, and how to apply propofol to day to day work.
Show Notes @: https://gasgasgas.uk/propofol-for-the-frca-primary/
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists!
Sponsored by Teach Me Anaesthetics
Check out the Teach Me Anaesthetics 1100+ SBA Resource
Rocuronium: Non-Depolarising Neuromuscular Blockade for Anaesthesia
The first EVER episode of GasGasGas - it's come so far since this one! I hope you enjoy!
FRCA Primary podcast covering the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of rocuronium
An introduction and full breakdown of rocuronium.
Show notes @: https://gasgasgas.uk/rocuronium-for-the-frca-primary/
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GasGasGas - Covering Anaesthetic Science for Anaesthetists
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