Chest
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We describe a case of air embolism complicating neodymium-YAG laser resection of an endobronchial carcinoid tumor. A 27-year-old man experienced an acute neurologic syndrome during laser photoresection which responded to acute hyperbaric therapy.
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Case Reports
Combination high dose amrinone and dopamine in the management of moribund cardiogenic shock after open heart surgery.
Two patients who suffered severe cardiogenic shock after open-heart surgery were successfully resuscitated with high doses of amrinone and dopamine. Both patients had required cardiopulmonary resuscitation and neither was responsive to more conventional mechanical and pharmacologic intervention. ⋯ These two case reports suggest the potential for using higher than previously reported doses of amrinone in combination with dopamine for the successful treatment of moribund cardiogenic shock in the post open-heart surgical patient. Further studies are needed to assess whether this high-dose drug combination will be successful in patients who present with severe cardiogenic shock unrelated to the post open-heart surgical setting.
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Upper airway obstruction following adult respiratory distress syndrome. An analysis of 30 survivors.
To evaluate the effects of current supportive care measures for the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) upon the upper airway, we studied 30 survivors of ARDS. All patients were interviewed and examined and performed inspiratory and expiratory maximal flow-volume curves more than six months after the onset of ARDS. Three women had developed symptomatic upper airway obstruction due to laryngotracheal stenosis 4 to 12 months after discharge from the hospital. ⋯ Although corrective surgery improved airflow, two survivors of ARDS had upper airway obstruction and exertional dyspnea more than five years after the ARDS. We conclude that upper airway obstruction is an important cause of dyspnea and impairment following ARDS. Exertional dyspnea weeks to months following treatment for ARDS suggests the possibility of laryngotracheal stenosis.
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Retracted Publication
Influence of PEEP ventilation immediately after cardiopulmonary bypass on right ventricular function.
Ventilation with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is often the appropriate therapy for treating patients with impaired pulmonary function after cardiac surgery procedures. Circulatory depression, however, sometimes limits the level of PEEP. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of PEEP ventilation (+15 cmH2O) immediately after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass 1) period of PEEP application and 45 min thereafter; 2) period of PEEP application on right ventricular hemodynamics using a new thermodilution technique for measuring right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF), right ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes (RVEDV, RVESV). ⋯ We conclude that hemodynamic changes related to PEEP ventilation are minimal in the intact right ventricle. Abnormalities in right ventricular function due to stenosis of the RCA, however, have had marked clinical influence on the circulatory response. Monitoring of right ventricular function seems to be of benefit for cardiac surgery patients in this situation.