Respiratory care
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Ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) results from injury to the blood-gas barrier caused by mechanical ventilation. The determinants of VILI are more complex than originally thought, and include the nature, duration, and intensity of the exposure, as well the pattern of initial insult to the lung. ⋯ The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the pathogenesis of VILI and its determinants. We also discuss the best preventive approach in patients with or at risk for ARDS and critically appraise the most recent evidence, expert opinion, and implementation of the acquired knowledge to the bedside.
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Relatively little attention has been directed toward damage inflicted upon the airway network that connects the alveoli, or toward the problems caused by invasive ventilation for patients with severe airflow obstruction. Mechanical ventilation with positive pressure can cause non-edematous barotrauma, inflict airway injury, and promote lung remodeling. ⋯ Awareness of such associations not only helps to avoid complications during and after the critical phase of obstructive illness, but also opens a window to improved patient comfort and safety. The purpose of this review is to survey the range of structural damages and functional impairments that occur in an "obstructive" context.
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Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a form of cardiopulmonary bypass that is a mainstay of therapy in neonatal and pediatric patients with life threatening respiratory and/or cardiac failure. Historically, the use of ECMO in adults has been limited, but recent reports and technological advances have increased utilization and interest in this technology in adult patients with severe respiratory failure. As ECMO is considered in this critically ill population, patient selection, indications, contraindications, comorbidities, and pre-ECMO support are all important considerations. ⋯ Close monitoring is also necessary for complications, some of which are related to ECMO and others secondary to the patient's underlying degree of illness. Despite the risks, reports demonstrate survival > 70% in some circumstances for patients requiring ECMO for refractory respiratory failure. As the utilization of ECMO in adult patients with respiratory failure continues to expand, ongoing discussion and investigation are needed to determine whether ECMO should remain a "rescue" therapy or if earlier ECMO may be beneficial as a lung-protective strategy.
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The evolution of critical care and mechanical ventilation has been dramatic and rapid over the last 10 years and can be expected to continue at this pace into the future. As a result, the competencies of the respiratory therapist regarding mechanical ventilation in 2015 and beyond are expected to also markedly increase. ⋯ This requires an expanded education in a number of areas. To achieve these levels of competency, as recommended by the third "2015 and Beyond" conference, the entry level education of the respiratory therapist of the future must be at the baccalaureate level.
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Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) for acute respiratory failure has gained much academic and clinical interest. Despite this, NIV is underutilized. The evidence strongly supports its use in patients presenting with an exacerbation of COPD and in patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema. ⋯ Although a variety of interfaces are available, the oronasal mask is the best initial interface in terms of leak prevention and patient comfort. Some critical care ventilators have NIV modes that compensate well for leaks, but as a group the ventilators that are designed specifically for NIV have better leak compensation. NIV should be part of the armamentarium of all clinicians caring from patients with acute respiratory failure.