Articles: cations.
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A national audit of surgical deaths can be seen as the final step in what has been termed the 'journey of care' for both the individual patient and for the population as a whole. ⋯ These figures reflect the high quality of vascular services in Scotland, where there is a considerable consultant presence in the management of high-risk patients. This consultant involvement is higher than in other subspecialties and, bearing in mind the high percentage of emergencies, has significant resource implications for the delivery of vascular services.
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The Neurosurgical Society of Australasia through its Trauma Committee has a long involvement in the problem of neurotrauma. The management of acute neurotrauma in rural and remote locations is of particular interest and is part of a general policy which includes education, prevention, organization of an integrated neurotrauma system and support for the Early Management of Severe Trauma (EMST) programme instituted by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. The management of acute neurotrauma requires a consultative approach especially in the multiple injured patient and where transfer or retrieval is necessary. ⋯ This revision updates the guidelines and makes them accessible through the Journal. Reprints are available for practitioners in rural and remote settings, trauma course participants and others. Copyright 1999 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.
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We analyzed the causes and results of utilization of critical care services in the special care unit in patients after surgical procedures performed by the hepatobiliary surgical service during a 23-month period. ⋯ Respiratory failure was the predominant component of all complications after hepatobiliary surgery. No clinically useful predictors of eventual outcome could be identified.
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Pulse oximetry is one of the most commonly employed monitoring modalities in the critical care setting. This review describes the latest technological advances in the field of pulse oximetry. Accuracy of pulse oximeters and their limitations are critically examined. Finally, the existing data regarding the clinical applications and cost-effectiveness of pulse oximeters are discussed.
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Adequate humidification in long-term jet ventilation is a critical aspect in terms of clinical safety. AIM: To assess a prototype of an electronic jet-ventilator and its humidification system. ⋯ The problems of humidification associated with jet ventilation can be fully prevented by using this new jet-ventilator. These data were sustained by nondeteriorating MIS values at the end of the 4-day study period in groups A, C and D.