Current opinion in critical care
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Technology is being increasingly implemented in the fields of cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. In this review, we describe how recent technological advances have been implemented in the chain of survival and their impact on outcomes after cardiac arrest. Breakthrough technologies that are likely to make an impact in the future are also presented. ⋯ This review highlights the importance of technology applied to every single step of the chain of survival to improve outcomes in cardiac arrest. Further research is needed to understand the best role of different technologies in the chain of survival and how these may ultimately improve outcomes.
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Curr Opin Crit Care · Jun 2022
ReviewThe weaning from mechanical ventilation: a comprehensive ultrasound approach.
Due to heart, lung and diaphragm interactions during weaning from mechanical ventilation, an ultrasound integrated approach may be useful in the detection of dysfunctions potentially leading to weaning failure. In this review, we will summarize the most recent advances concerning the ultrasound applications relevant to the weaning from mechanical ventilation. ⋯ The present review summarizes the potential role of ultrasonography in the weaning process. A multimodal integrated approach allows the clinician to comprehend the pathophysiological processes of weaning failure.
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The purpose of this article is to review various contemporary cardiac output (CO) measurement technologies available and their utility in critically ill patients. ⋯ PAC thermodilution for CO measurement is still gold standard and most suitable in patients with cardiac pathology and with experienced user. CCE offers an alternative to thermodilution and is suitable for all ICUs; however, structural training is required.
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Curr Opin Crit Care · Jun 2022
ReviewSurviving cardiac arrest - what do we know about recovery & survivorship?
There has been increasing interest in examining how cardiac arrest survivors and their families experience life after sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Understanding their experiences provides a basis to study tools and interventions to improve short- and long-term recovery and rehabilitation. ⋯ In line with increased recognition of the importance for recovery and rehabilitation after SCA, there has been a commensurate increase in investigations documenting the needs of survivors and families surviving SCA. Pediatric and underserved populations continue to be understudied with regards to recovery after SCA.
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Curr Opin Crit Care · Jun 2022
ReviewExtracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest - who, when, and where?
Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is an invasive and resource-intensive therapy used to care for patients with refractory cardiac arrest. In this review, we highlight considerations for the establishment of an ECPR system of care for patients suffering refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). ⋯ To be consistently successful, ECPR must be a part of a comprehensive OHCA system of care that optimizes all phases of cardiac arrest management. Future investigation is needed for the knowledge gaps that remain.