Resuscitation
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Despite recent advances in its management, the outcome from cardiac arrest is often poor despite appropriate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) achieved during CPR is associated with successful return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Continuous balloon occlusion of the descending aorta is an experimental method that can occlude the 'unnecessary' part of the circulation, thus diverting generated pressure and blood flow to the heart and brain. We present a case report with a patient unresponsive to standard CPR in which constant intraaortic balloon occlusion achieved ROSC and successful survival.
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In the current guidelines of the European Resuscitation Council (ERC), tracheal intubation, as an instrument for securing the airway during resuscitation, has become less important for persons not trained in this method. For those persons, different supraglottic airway devices are recommended by the ERC. The present investigation deals with the application of the laryngeal tube disposable (LT-D) during pre-hospital resuscitation by paramedics. ⋯ As an alternative airway device recommended by the ERC in 2005, the LT-D may enable airway control rapidly and effectively. Additionally, by using the LT-D, a reduced "no-flow-time" and a better outcome may be possible.
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To assess the impact of therapeutic hypothermia on cognitive function and quality of life in comatose survivors of out of Hospital Cardiac arrest (OHCA). ⋯ CPC at discharge from hospital was significantly improved following implementation of therapeutic hypothermia in comatose patients resuscitated from OCHA with VF/VT. However, significant improvement in survival, cognitive status or quality of life could not be detected at long-term follow-up.
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Physicians are expected to manage their role as teamleader during resuscitation. During inter-hospital transfer the physician has the highest medical credentials on a small team. The aim of this study was to describe physician behaviour as teamleaders in a simulated cardiac arrest during inter-hospital transfer. Our goal was to pinpoint deficits in knowledge and skill integration and make recommendations for improvements in education. ⋯ Junior physicians performed well with respect to the treatment given and the delegation of tasks. However, variations in the time of initiation it took for each treatment indicated lack of leadership skills. It is imperative that the education of physicians includes training in leadership.
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Unplanned admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) is associated with high mortality, having the highest incidence among patients who are emergency admissions to the hospital. This study was designed to identify factors associated with unplanned ICU admission in emergency admissions to hospital and develop an absolute risk tool to individualise the risk of an event during a hospital stay. ⋯ This study identified factors associated with unplanned ICU admission and developed a nomogram to individualise risk prior to a patient being transferred from the ED. This nomogram provides clinicians the opportunity prior to transfer from the ED, to either (1) review the appropriateness of the ward level of planned transfer or (2) flag patients for follow-up on the general ward to assess for deterioration.