Journal of clinical monitoring and computing
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J Clin Monit Comput · Feb 2022
LetterPressure monitoring devices may undetect epidural space: a report on the use of Compuflo® system for epidural injection.
Lumbar epidural infiltration (EI) is a feasible procedure performed in pain therapy. Even though epidural analgesia is widely applied, it remains a blind technique, based on the operator's hand sensations, and it is associated with significant failure rate and several potential complications. Compuflo® (Compuflo, Milestone Scientific, Livingston, NJ) is a computerized injection pump which precisely detects the real time pressure at the tip of a Tuohy needle when placed in human tissues, thanks to a continuous fluid path. In our institution, we usually perform EI for chronic back pain guided by the Compuflo device, especially for expected difficult procedures. ⋯ In conclusion, we consider the epidural pressure monitoring device Compuflo as a tool which may be able to ease the correct positioning of an epidural needle. The percentage of 10% false negative identifications of the epidural space in our case series however suggests more investigations on adequate or specific settings for this epidural system. In the meantime, in chronic pain patients, this anesthetic technique should only be used by experienced hands.
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J Clin Monit Comput · Feb 2022
Case ReportsA novel system that continuously visualizes and analyzes respiratory sounds to promptly evaluate upper airway abnormalities: a pilot study.
Although respiratory sounds are useful indicators for evaluating abnormalities of the upper airway and lungs, the accuracy of their evaluation may be limited. The continuous evaluation and visualization of respiratory sounds has so far been impossible. To resolve these problems, we developed a novel continuous visualization system for assessing respiratory sounds. ⋯ We re-intubated her after diagnosing post-extubation laryngeal edema. Subsequent review of our novel system revealed serially increased stridor after the extubation, at an earlier time than was recognized by healthcare providers. This unique continuous monitoring and visualization system for respiratory sounds could be an objective tool for improving patient safety regarding airway complications.
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J Clin Monit Comput · Feb 2022
Observational StudyFocus on renal blood flow in mechanically ventilated patients with SARS-CoV-2: a prospective pilot study.
Mechanically ventilated patients with ARDS due to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) seem particularly susceptible to AKI. Our hypothesis was that the renal blood flow could be more compromised in SARS-CoV-2 patients than in patients with "classical" ARDS. We compared the renal resistivity index (RRI) and the renal venous flow (RVF) in ARDS patients with SARS-CoV-2 and in ARDS patients due to other etiologies. ⋯ A linear correlation was found between PEEP and RRI in patients with SARS-COV-2 ARDS (r2 = 0.31; p = 0.03) but not in patients with ARDS. Occurrence of AKI was 53% in patients with SARS-COV-2 ARDS and 33% in patients with ARDS (p = 0.46). We found a more pronounced impairment in renal blood flow in mechanically ventilated patients with SARS-COV-2 ARDS, compared with patients with "classical" ARDS.
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J Clin Monit Comput · Feb 2022
Safety aspects of the PiCCO thermodilution-cardiac output catheter during magnetic resonance imaging at 3 Tesla.
Thermodilution cardiac output monitoring, using a thermistor-tipped intravascular catheter, is used in critically ill patients to guide hemodynamic therapy. Often, these patients also need magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnostic or prognostic reasons. As thermodilution catheters contain metal, they are considered MRI-unsafe and advised to be removed prior to investigation. ⋯ No magnetically induced catheter displacements were observed. Under the tested circumstances, no heating or dislocation of the PiCCO™ catheter was observed in a tissue mimicking phantom during 3T-MRI. Leaving the catheter in the critically ill patient during MRI investigation might pose a lower risk of complications than catheter removal and replacement.
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J Clin Monit Comput · Feb 2022
ReviewAugmented reality in anesthesia, pain medicine and critical care: a narrative review.
Augmented reality (AR) is the integration of computer-generated information with the user's environment in real time. AR is used in many industries, including healthcare, where it has gained significant popularity. ⋯ AR has also been implemented in pediatric care to reduce periprocedural anxiety. In this narrative review, we summarize the current role of AR in anesthesiology, pain medicine, and critical care.