Journal of medical engineering & technology
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In the five years which have passed since the previous review, the literature has been concerned more with the ways in which ventilators may be applied to patients and the effects of differing patterns of ventilation than with the design philosophy of the ventilators themselves. This account should be read in conjunction with that of 1982 [1].
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Review
Intracranial pressure: a review of clinical problems, measurement techniques and monitoring methods.
Intracranial hypertension is a dangerous condition and is common in patients suffering from a severe head injury or from a variety of pathological problems. Measurement of intracranial pressure (ICP) is considered by many to be a valuable aid in the management of such patients. Despite the invasive nature of the more widely-used measurement techniques, and hence their associated risks, results from many centres have convincingly shown that ICP measurement enables management of intracranial hypertension to be rationally approached, and a direct measure of the progress and outcome of treatment to be obtained. ⋯ The paper then concentrates upon the methods of measuring ICP and discusses their relative merits and limitations. A selection of typical pressure sensors is described. Finally, methods that have been devised to monitor ICP and to anticipate intracranial hypertension are reviewed, and the direction of work in this area is assessed.
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The equipment described allows the accuracy of a syringe pump to be tested quickly and conveniently. A digital micrometer assembly clips in place of the disposable syringe and transmits readings to a separate unit which displays flow rates in ml/h. Initial readings of pump output are given in 30 s, with readings to a higher accuracy within 4 min.
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The beneficial aspects of electrosurgical cutting and coagulating techniques are nearly too numerous to list. The major contribution and electrosurgery has been to drastically reduce both blood loss and operative time resulting in reduced morbidity and mortality. There are, as well, procedures which would not be possible without electrosurgery. ⋯ Though the rate of incidents is low--in terms of the number per 100 000 procedures--individual accidents tend to be fairly catastrophic and traumatic to both the patient and surgical team. Frequently, litigation results from these accidents. Though the hazards cannot be eliminated, the probability of an incident can be minimized by careful technique.