ECMO circuits have a sideport to allow for easy connection for hemodialysis. However, they can be bumped or caught in clothing, which can crack or break the connector. This can cause significant blood loss, compromise the ECMO circuit, and place the patient at significant risk.
Accumulating clot in the ECMO oxygenator increases the pressure gradient across the membrane which then requires higher pumps to maintain the same blood flows through the circuit. A simple flashlight test can help you inspect the circuit and diagnose this problem.
ECMO pump chatter is caused by blood flow limitations from the venous side of the ECMO circuit. It occurs at higher RMPs and can limit the maximum blood flow in the circuit and cause excessive hemolysis. Monitoring and correcting this is important for maintaining a well functioning ECMO circuit.
Expectations have risen for the professionalism of medical education videos requiring expertise not only in the specific content area, but also in audio/video production, graphic design, and editing. Skills not all physicians have. Creating a storyboard of your video can help you visualize and plan your project, which will help make the later steps easier. We will walk you through the steps of the content creation cycle, and give you specific techniques and tips for creating a great storyboard.
ARVD is a genetic cardiomyopathy that causes life-threatening arrhythmias and heart failure. Awareness and thorough evaluation are critical for diagnosis. New advanced treatments for ARVD are available for patients that have not had success with conventional therapies.
Patients come to the department because the are hurt and suffering, and can be overwhelmed and confused by the swirl of activity and people. A key to providing patient centered care is to guide them through the process and understand their care.
Structural failure of the silicone casing on a pacemaker/ICD lead allows externalization of the conductors. Electrical malfunctions and thrombosis complications often occur, though the externalized wires may remain silent until catastrophic failure happens.
Being able to use a test's PPV to understand a patient's probability of having a disease is critical. By visualizing the sample population, you can have a greater intuitive understanding of the results that are not hindered behind mathematical formulas.
Dinitrophenol uncouples oxidative phosphorylation increasing the metabolic rate which can effectively promote weight loss, but unfortunately it has a narrow therapeutic window and is toxic that can lead to mental status changes, multiorgan failure, and death.
The results of recent studies PRAMI and CVPRVIT have demonstrated that stenting nonculprit high-grade lesions during primary PCI for myocardial infarction reduces adverse events, and has prompted the ACC with withdraw its ABIM Choosing Wisely campaign.
Continuous improvement and future performance of codes and resuscitations can be achieved with structured debriefing to provide feedback to participants by exploring teamwork, communication, technical aspects, equipment, and provide emotional release.
Inhalation of noxious gases and fumes, including ammonia, nitric acid, sulfur dioxide, and chlorine gas can cause pulmonary injury including direct toxic effects and secondary ARDS requiring mechanical ventilation and permanent respiratory difficulties.