Thorax
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Compliance at night with low flow oxygen therapy: a comparison of nasal cannulae and Venturi face masks.
The factors that influence nocturnal compliance among patients prescribed low flow oxygen therapy were determined and tolerance of nasal cannulae and Venturi face masks compared. ⋯ Nocturnal tolerance of nasal cannulae is superior to Venturi face masks, and this factor should be considered when choosing the method of oxygen delivery.
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Case Reports
Demonstration of supernumerary tracheal bronchus by computed tomographic scanning and magnetic resonance imaging.
A bronchus arising directly from the trachea is an infrequent congenital anomaly which usually represents the displaced origin of a normal bronchus. Rarely, a true supernumerary tracheal bronchus occurs supplying an associated tracheal lobe. The case is described of a patient in whom a supernumerary tracheal bronchus and tracheal lobe was demonstrated by computed tomographic scanning and magnetic resonance imaging.
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Computerised x-ray planimetry has been advocated as an alternative to body plethysmography and helium dilution for measuring static lung volumes. The accuracy and reproducibility of this method has been assessed in comparison with these standard methods. ⋯ Mean lung volumes measured by planimetry in a group of patients probably reflect a regression to the mean of the computer algorithm rather than accurate TLC estimation. The technique is not yet robust enough to replace the established techniques of helium dilution or plethysmography.
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In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) periods of hypopnoea occur during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, but the mechanisms involved are not clear. ⋯ Hypopnoea during REM sleep in patients with COPD is associated with reduced inspiratory muscle activity. The pattern of hypopnoea may be either "obstructive" or "central" and is generally consistent within an individual. Relatively unopposed action of the diaphragm on the rib cage during REM sleep is not accompanied by greater lateral inspiratory paradox.
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Preliminary experience of video assisted thoracoscopic pneumonectomy in six patients with bronchogenic carcinoma is described. ⋯ Video assisted thoracoscopic pneumonectomy can be performed safely in patients who have stage I and stage II bronchogenic carcinomas, up to 6 cm in diameter, with no mediastinal involvement on mediastinoscopy and thoracic computed tomographic assessment. This technique may result in less postoperative pain and discomfort and should allow a quicker return to normal activities.