Ugeskrift for laeger
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Danish anaesthesiologists use ultrasound (US) to examine and treat acutely ill or traumatized patients in the emergency room, operating theatre and intensive care unit. They are also involved in pre-hospital care where US may theoretically be beneficial for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The literature concerning the potential use of emergency US in the pre-hospital setting is evaluated. Evidence from both Europe and the USA indicates that pre-hospital US improves diagnosis and visitation of acutely ill or traumatized patients.
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Lung sonography is an old technique applied in a new fashion. Applying lung sonography in the examination of an acute patient with pulmonary problems is a novelty in Denmark. ⋯ We introduce the "typical signs" such as lung sliding and artefacts. The rationale for lung ultrasonography in the treatment of acute patients seems obvious when comparing this technique with conventional diagnostic tools for the diagnosis of pulmonary status.
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Continuous delivery of high-quality chest compressions is the most important and difficult part of resuscitation. Two automatic mechanical chest compression devices - LUCAS and Autopulse - have been implemented in Denmark in order to optimize the circulation in patients with cardiac arrest. In spite of some practical benefits, improved haemodynamics in animal models, and a possible increase in short-term survival, none of the devices improved the long-term survival or neurological outcome in patients with cardiac arrest. Future randomized trials are crucial.
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Ugeskrift for laeger · Aug 2009
[Reconstruction of the maxilla with pedicled temporalis muscle after maxillectomy].
Removal of the maxilla requires adequate restoration of the maxillary structure to replace form and functions, especially vocal and eating functions. A host of reconstructive options are available to restore the maxilla, most of which include free-flap reconstruction. The aim of this study was to clinically evaluate the use of pedicled temporalis flap for reconstruction of the maxilla and to assess patient quality of life. ⋯ The follow-up study of the 27 patients showed a most satisfactory result evaluated objectively as well as subjectively using the EORTC questionnaire.