Resp Care
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Endotracheal suctioning is required but can have adverse effects, and could affect cardiorespiratory variables that are used to predict whether the patient is ready for extubation. ⋯ Post-suctioning changes in the measured variables persisted longer in these spontaneously breathing patients weaning from mechanical ventilation than in patients who are sedated and paralyzed. The effects of suctioning on cardiopulmonary function should be considered in practice and during the design of future studies on weaning and extubation prediction variables.
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Postoperative pneumonia continues to be a leading cause of mortality and morbidity after thoracic surgery. High-frequency chest-wall compression (HFCWC) is an established therapeutic adjunct for patients with chronic pulmonary disorders that impair bronchopulmonary secretion clearance. We studied the feasibility of applying HFCWC following thoracic surgery. ⋯ HFCWC is a safe, well-tolerated adjunct after thoracic surgery. The observation of hemodynamic stability is especially important, considering that the patients were studied in the early postoperative period, during epidural analgesia.