Current opinion in critical care
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The purpose of this review was to give an overview of the most significant updates in resuscitation guidelines and provide some insights into the new topics being considered in upcoming reviews. ⋯ A continuous evidence evaluation process for resuscitation after cardiac arrest is triggered by new evidence or request by the resuscitation community, and provides more current and relevant guidance for clinicians.
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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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Curr Opin Crit Care · Jun 2022
ReviewElectrical impedance tomography in the adult intensive care unit: clinical applications and future directions.
Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a novel, noninvasive, radiation-free, bedside imaging and monitoring tool to assess and visualize regional distribution of lung ventilation and perfusion. Although primarily a research tool, rapidly emerging data are beginning to define its clinical role, and it is poised to become a ubiquitous addition to the arsenal of the intensive care unit (ICU). In this review, we summarize the data supporting clinical use of EIT in adult ICUs, with an emphasis on appropriate application while highlighting future directions. ⋯ As EIT becomes more common and its clinical role more defined, intensivists will benefit from a clear understanding of its applications and limitations.
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Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) offers advanced mechanical support to patients with severe acute respiratory and/or cardiac failure. Ensuring an adequate therapeutic approach as well as prevention of ECMO-associated complications, by means of timely liberation, forms an essential part of standard ECMO care and is only achievable through continuous monitoring and evaluation. This review focus on the cardiorespiratory monitoring tools that can be used to assess and titrate adequacy of ECMO therapy; as well as methods to assess readiness to wean and/or discontinue ECMO support. ⋯ Novel applications of existing monitoring modalities alongside evolving technological advances enable the advanced monitoring required for safe delivery of ECMO. Liberation trials are necessary to minimize time sensitive ECMO related complications; however, these have yet to be standardized.
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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.