Implicit in any attempt to optimize the circulation are two key issues. First, it is important to identify those measures or parameters that constitute the most appropriate treatment options. Second,…
Septic patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) represent some of the sickest patients in the hospital, and optimal initial antibiotic selection is paramount to their survival. In this patient…
The ability to evaluate and manage a critically ill patient is one of the most important skills any intensivist brings to the bedside. Patients already resident in the intensive care…
Rapidly identifying causes of hemodynamic instability is essential during the care of critically ill patients. Central venous pressure catheters, pulse pressure variability devices, and transesophageal echocardiograms are commonly used in…
Over recent decades, we have seen many advancements in mechanical ventilation (MV) and respiratory monitoring, some resulting in documented decreases in mortality. Nevertheless, the mortality attributable to acute respiratory distress…
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common complication of critical illness or injury associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The pathogenesis of ARDS involves mechanical and inflammatory injury to…
Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is a treatment option for patients with inadequate oxygen delivery. Inadequate oxygen delivery can result from either ineffective oxygenation from severe lung disease or ineffective cardiac…
The main indications for hemodynamic monitoring in critical care are the identification of the type of shock, guidance of therapeutic interventions, and the cardiopulmonary evaluation of the patient with respiratory…
To address the question whether ventilators damage lungs, one must first understand several commonly used related terms. Ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) denotes acute lung damage that develops during mechanical ventilation….
“Weaning” refers to the transition from full mechanical ventilatory support to spontaneous ventilation with minimal support. “Liberation” refers to discontinuation of mechanical ventilation. This chapter focuses on the clinical assessment…
