Medicina intensiva
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Neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) is a new mode of assisted mechanical ventilation that uses the signal obtained from diaphragmatic electrical activity (Edi) to control the mechanical ventilator. Edi directly represents the central respiratory drive and reflects the length and intensity of the patient's neural effort. ⋯ During inspiration, the pressure delivered is proportional to the Edi and the inspiratory pressure assist ceases when the neural activation of the diaphragm starts to decline after reaching the inspiratory maximum value. NAVA is a new conceptual approach to mechanical ventilation that can significantly improve patient-ventilator interaction and optimize the level of effective respiratory muscle unloading during assisted mechanical ventilation.
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Cerebral vasospasm remains a leading cause of death and disability in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. When vasospasm becomes refractory to maximal medical treatment, endovascular therapies may be considered as an option to increase cerebral blood flow to prevent cerebral infarction. Endovascular techniques include transluminal balloon angioplasty and intra-arterial infusion of vasorelaxants. This article reviews the various endovascular techniques for the treatment of cerebral vasospasm and discusses the mechanisms of action, techniques of administration, clinical results, and limitations of these treatment strategies.
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Review Case Reports
[Late amniotic fluid embolism among the diferential diagnosis of acute respiratory failure in the postpartum: case report and review].
The amniotic fluid embolism is an uncommon condition with a high mortality. The cardinal symptoms are hypoxia, hypotension, altered mental status and disseminated intravascular coagulation. ⋯ We describe a case of a primigravida who, after an uneventful delivery, suffers an acute respiratory failure in the late postpartum period. Exclusion of other causes of acute respiratory failure occurring during delivery or in the postpartum period led to establish the diagnosis.
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To study the postoperative factors associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation after cardiac surgery in children. ⋯ Weight less than 7 kg and extrapulmonary complications are the most important factors associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation after cardiac surgery in children.
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To detect donor characteristics related to graft function after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). ⋯ We detected no donor characteristics related to graft function or the appearance of complications in recipients during the immediate postoperative period. Donor age > 65 years and documented but appropriately treated bacteremia posed no risk for the viability of the liver after transplantation.