Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)
BACKGROUND Print Section Listen Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a form of modified cardiopulmonary bypass that has evolved since the beginnings of bypass in the 1950s.1 It can be used…
Chronic Ventilation
RESPIRATORY PHYSIOLOGY IN THE DEVELOPING CHILD Print Section Listen Spontaneous ventilation requires adequate function of the central control of breathing, ventilator muscle function, and lung mechanics. Respiratory failure occurs when…
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME (ARDS) Print Section Listen Acute inflammation occurring as a result of either direct or indirect injury Hallmark of acute phase is diffuse alveolar damage…
Asthma and Status Asthmaticus
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen Asthma is a heterogeneous disease of bronchial inflammation and bronchospasm. Status asthmaticus is a state of respiratory compromise characterized by bronchial inflammation and bronchospasm secondary to…
Other Critical Care Procedures
NEEDLE CRICOTHYROTOMY Print Section Listen This procedure involves the creation of a communication between airway and skin via the cricothyroid membrane. An over-the-needle catheter is then passed through the membrane….
Airway Clearance
AIRWAY CLEARANCE – WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS? Print Section Listen INDICATIONS FOR AIRWAY CLEARANCE Indications for airway clearance include impaired mucocillary escalator function or impaired cough. According to the American…
Patient Monitoring
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen The aim of this chapter is to introduce the reader to commonly deployed patient monitoring devices in critical care medicine. It is necessary to have a…
Vascular Access
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen Although it is always best to utilize the least invasive access, central venous access is often required in the PICU. This chapter addresses central venous access…
Endotracheal Intubation
INDICATIONS Print Section Listen Respiratory Apnea Hypoventilation Severe respiratory distress/respiratory muscle weakness Acute respiratory failure (PaO2 <50 mmHg in patient with FiO2 >0.5 and PaCO2 >55 mmHg acutely) Need to…
Cardiac Arrest
BACKGROUND Print Section Listen Cardiac arrest is defined by a triad of derangements: Pulselessness Apnea Unresponsiveness This state leads to progressive tissue ischemia and organ dysfunction, which, if not rapidly…
