Critical care medicine
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To determine the effects of fat emboli on cardiopulmonary function in critically ill patients. ⋯ Cardiopulmonary dysfunction commonly attributed to fat emboli is likely due to other causes.
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To assess whether communication capabilities of ventilator-dependent patients are improved by the use of the Passy-Muir unidirectional valve. ⋯ The Passy-Muir unidirectional valve allows ventilator-dependent patients to talk and communicate without assistance. Patients felt better and were motivated to participate in their own care.
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Critical care medicine · Apr 1993
Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical TrialClinical performance of a blood gas monitor: a prospective, multicenter trial.
To prospectively assess the clinical performance of a fluorescent optode-based blood gas monitoring system that is designed to perform arterial pH, PCO2, and PO2 measurements as frequently as clinically required without violating the integrity of the arterial catheter tubing system or permanently removing blood from the patient. ⋯ Clinical performance of this fluorescent, optode-based blood gas monitoring system demonstrates stability, consistency, and accuracy comparable to modern blood gas analyzers. This system withstood the normal abuse and rigors of clinical conditions common to the ICU while reliably performing in critically ill patients for up to 80 hrs. Use of the device did not significantly alter the function or longevity normally expected from a 20-gauge radial artery catheter. We submit that this blood gas monitoring system can replace the use of blood gas analyzers for ICU patients with indwelling arterial catheters.
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Critical care medicine · Apr 1993
Review Practice Guideline GuidelineA model for technology assessment applied to pulse oximetry. The Technology Assessment Task Force of the Society of Critical Care Medicine.
To test a model for the assessment of critical care technology. To develop practice guidelines for the use of pulse oximetry. ⋯ The model developed for technology assessment proved to be appropriate for assessing pulse oximetry. The available data have allowed us to develop an evidence-based practice policy for the use of pulse oximetry in critical care. Critical care clinicians, researchers, and industry have a shared responsibility to provide valid outcome and efficacy studies of new technologies.