Journal of intensive care medicine
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Critically ill patients are transported within and between hospitals on a regular basis; thus, transport of the critically ill is a component of most intensivists-practice. The motivation for these transports lies in obtaining diagnostic or therapeutic services not available at the bedside (intrahospital transport) or not available in the sending institution (interhospital transport). Deterioration in respiratory, cardiovascular, and other physiological systems is a potential complication of any patient transport. Using appropriate equipment and personnel and planning for each transport can minimize these complications and ensure optimal benefit to the patient.
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J Intensive Care Med · Jul 1992
ReviewIndications, technique, and complications of balloon tamponade for variceal gastrointestinal bleeding.
Timely treatment of bleeding esophageal varices with balloon tamponade effectively achieves initial hemostatis. However, therapeutic endoscopy and sclerotherapy in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage is associated with better short- and long-term follow-up. We describe the technique of esophagogastric balloon insertion, as well as principles of monitoring and maintenance. The different types of balloons for tamponade are described, as well as potential complications.
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In the last 10 years, lung transplantation has become an increasingly common procedure for patients with end-stage respiratory disease. Although long-term survival can be achieved, there is still significant morbidity within the first year. ⋯ These problems and others make the immediate perioperative period particularly challenging. With aggressive management, however, the probability of a successful outcome can be enhanced.