Intensive care medicine
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Intensive care medicine · Sep 2006
Physiological responses during a T-piece weaning trial with a deflated tube.
T-piece trials and spontaneous breathing trials through the tracheostomy tube are often used as weaning techniques. They are usually performed with the cuff inflated, which may increase the inspiratory load and/or influence the tidal volume generated by the patient. We assessed diaphragmatic effort during T-piece trials with or without cuff inflation. ⋯ Diaphragmatic effort is significantly lower during a T-piece trial with a deflated cuff than when the cuff is inflated, while RIP-V(T) is higher, so that the diaphragm's efficiency in generating tidal volume is also improved.
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Intensive care medicine · Sep 2006
Decreased accuracy of pulse oximetry measurements during low perfusion caused by sepsis: Is the perfusion index of any value?
To evaluate the effects of deteriorating perfusion caused by sepsis on the accuracy of pulse oximetry measurements using two more recently available techniques (Nellcor N-395 and Masimo Radical) and to evaluate the perfusion index as a marker of impaired peripheral perfusion to indicate that accuracy of pulse oximetry readings may be affected. ⋯ We conclude that accuracy of pulse oximetry measurements was considerably affected with both devices with progressively deteriorating hemodynamics in this animal model of severe sepsis. Perfusion index as a marker for increased risk of bias was not a useful tool.
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Intensive care medicine · Sep 2006
The Mucus Slurper: A novel tracheal tube that requires no tracheal tube suctioning. A preliminary report.
The buildup of mucus within the endotracheal tube (ETT) progressively reduces its internal volume. We devised the Mucus Slurper as an integral part of the tracheal tube to aspirate all mucus automatically at its distal tip. ⋯ The Mucus Slurper is a novel device designed to keep the tracheal tube and proximal trachea free of mucus. In studies in sheep lasting 24 h the Mucus Slurper was safe and prevented all mucus accumulation within the ETT.
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Intensive care medicine · Sep 2006
Editorial CommentElectrical impedance tomography: Ready for prime time?