Respiratory care
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Although the fundamentals of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) have not changed in 3 decades, the technical elements continue to improve and have evolved from an assemblage of individual components to more integrated systems with added features, enhanced safety, and improved maneuverability. The introduction of polymethylpentene (PMP) fiber technology has expanded the development of artificial membranes that have low resistance, are more biocompatible, and can be used for extended durations. Extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal techniques continue to be enhanced as stand alone technology and modified renal dialysis systems are introduced. ⋯ The use of high-fidelity simulation training has become a standard and important method for reinforcing technical skills, refining troubleshooting sequences, and enhancing team interactions. Modifications to mannequins and ECMO systems coupled with clinical and physiologic scenarios will help achieve greater realism and enhance learning. ECMO technology continues to improve, with adaptability and versatility being essential attributes.
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Closed suction catheters are commonly used with pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) in ventilator-dependent patients receiving bronchodilator therapy. Although heated/humidified circuits result in a decrease in drug delivery, no studies have investigated the impact of a closed suction catheter with a pMDI on aerosol delivery during mechanical ventilation. We sought to quantify aerosol delivery with a variety of closed suction catheters and pMDI adapters in a simulated ventilator-dependent adult lung model with and without exhaled humidity. ⋯ Closed suction catheter, pMDI spacer/adapters, and exhalation conditions have an impact on drug delivery during simulated adult mechanical ventilation. Aerosol delivery without exhaled humidity appears to report unrealistically high values in comparison to the more accurate values with simulated exhalation humidity.
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A new holding chamber was designed to be used with the Aerogen Solo nebulizer to increase the aerosol emitted that reach the patient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of this holding chamber with the nebulizer and determine its usability with other nebulizers. ⋯ The use of the holding chamber with a jet nebulizer, Pro nebulizer, and the Solo nebulizer significantly increased the aerosol delivery. The Solo nebulizer-holding chamber had the highest aerosol emitted compared with all nebulizer-adapter combinations and higher urine samples 30 min after dosing and cumulatively collected urine for 24 h compared with the nebulizer-T-piece.
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Remote monitoring is increasingly used in patients who receive home mechanical ventilation. The average volume assured pressure support mode is a target volume pressure preset mode that delivers a given tidal volume (VT) within a range of controlled inspiratory pressures. In a mode such as this, it is important to verify that the VT value retrieved from the ventilator SD card is accurate. ⋯ In the 3 home-care ventilators, the ventilator SD card underestimated VT. Factors involved in this difference differed among the ventilators.
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Editorial Comment
Actual Versus Ideal Body Weight: The Devil Is in the Details.