FOCUS: Journal for Respiratory Care & Sleep Medicine back issues from September 2003:
Total airway management begins with Laerdal.
Sep 22, 2003 ... Laerdal[R] Silicone Resuscitators New Features! Over the past 35 years, Laerdal Silicone Resuscitators have proven to be the leader in reusable resuscitators. This new design enhances convenience and maintains the outstanding quality and economy healthcare professionals have ...
Notes from the dungeon.(Editorial)
Sep 22, 2003; ... Welcome to the Fall issue of FOCUS Journal. With this issue we complete our 13th year of national publication, the most productive year in our history as regards the number of people reading FOCUS regularly and the number of columnists and articles we feature in each issue--and there's ...
Don't get sued for what an employee does.(MANAGEMENT)
Sep 22, 2003; ... Suppose one of your employees gets mad and slugs a patient's family member, or worse, a patient? Or maybe your employee drives a fellow worker home after imbibing in the parking lot, and injures his passenger in a car wreck? Or perhaps he breaks into a home during his lunch hour and ...
Congestive heart failure.(RESPIRATORY CLINICAL KEEPER #6)
Sep 22, 2003; ... Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart fails to function as a pump, and thereby becomes ineffective in providing an adequate blood flow to meet the metabolic demands of the body. When CHF develops, the impaired pumping action of the heart causes an accumulation of fluid in the ...
The politics of non-participation.(MANAGEMENT KEEPER #48)
Sep 22, 2003; ... If you were to ask managers what they dislike about their jobs you would hear the expected litany: "The hours, the responsibility, the firing, dealing with the hierarchy or bureaucracy," etc. For the last couple of years, however, we've heard another complaint that seems to ...
HMO's, incentives and greed.(ETHICS IN MANAGEMENT)
Sep 22, 2003; ... In the early 1990s, with the defeat of the Clinton Health Plan, the American public "chose" by default market based 'reform' as that strategy most likely to yield the highest quality service for the lowest cost. It has failed, pretty much across the board. HMOs are jettisoning ...
Melatonin and nocturnal asthma.(SLEEP MEDICINE)
Sep 22, 2003; ... Asthmatics have long noted that symptom severity varies daily and seasonally. Recent studies showing a connection between melatonin production and symptoms validate this observation. Asthma worsens at night when the daily production of melatonin is at its highest and improves during the ...
Dangers of joint ventures in homecare.(RESPIRATORY HOMECARE)
Sep 22, 2003; ... In April 2003, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) issued a nation wide warning stating that joint ventures between health care providers may be illegal under the federal anti-kickback laws. The special advisory bulletin questioned the legality of pharmacy management agreements ...
Acute COPD exacerbations: an evidenced-based approach.(RESPIRATORY CLINICAL)
Sep 22, 2003; ... The treatment of patients with acute exacerbations of their COPD is a critical topic for those who work in the acute setting. It is (or should be) also of deep concern to those who work in the rehabilitation and home-care of these patients since a good, formal rehabilitation program and/or ...
Mr. Sandman ... send me a dream ...(Respiratory Care On-line)
Sep 22, 2003; ... I don't know if he's "the cutest that I've ever seen", but he sure comes close. I met him on-line. He calls himself the Sandman. No, it wasn't through a virtual dating service. I met him when I decided to delve into the subject of Sleep Disorders on the Internet, and I paid a visit to ...
Sleepy kids: understanding the effects of pediatric sleep disorders.(SLEEP MEDICINE)
Sep 22, 2003; ... Understanding the effects of pediatric sleep disorders has become a personal crusade for me. My interest in this not only stems from being an educator but also from being a mother. I have four children, three which suffer from sleep breathing disorders and the other that suffers ...
JCAHO seeks volunteers to test ICU core measures.(Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, intensive care units)
Sep 22, 2003; ... In September 2002, the Joint Commission's Intensive Care Advisory Panel recommended an initial set of eight candidate core measures. These measures addressed key aspects of care in the intensive care unit. They underwent a 30-day period of public comment in late 2002, and an initial phase ...
Choosing intubation: the patient's perspective.(RESPIRATORY CLINICAL)
Sep 22, 2003; ... Have you ever contemplated the fact that you could find yourself intubated and being mechanically ventilated? I have, in the past, stood at the bedside of someone close to my own age and asked myself if I would make the same choices that they did. Of course the choice to be intubated is ...
Coping with shift work.(SLEEP MEDICINE)
Sep 22, 2003; ... People working shifts other than a traditional business day (nine to five) are increasing at an estimated rate of 3% annually. Currently about 20% of male and 15% of female workers work afternoon and night shifts either on a permanent schedule or in a rotating fashion. Health care workers ...
Drug company stocks--a surprising disappointment.(PERSONAL GROWTH)
Sep 22, 2003; ... In 2003, Congress passed a bill that said every third message sent on the Internet was required to be an advertisement for Viagra. The President dutifully signed it into law. The spam messages from patriotic Viagra prescription sellers that flooded home and office computers served to ...
Closing the program.(Passaic County Community College discontinues educational program in respiratory therapy)
Sep 22, 2003; ... Three years ago the administrators of Passaic County Community College (PCC) made the decision to discontinue its long-standing educational program in Respiratory Therapy. The program, centered in an urban setting in downtown Paterson NJ, opened at the technician level in 1972 in response ...
CAS Medical System's 740 monitor.(UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS EQUIPMENT REVIEWS)
Sep 22, 2003; ... Question: What is about the size of a hardback novel, provides lots of information and does so at a reasonable cost? Answer: The neatly packaged CAS 740 monitor, which provides quick and easily obtained information on the status of a patient's vital signs. We here at the University of ...
Pharmacological treatment of insomnia.(SLEEP MEDICINE)
Sep 22, 2003; ... If insomnia is secondary to another sleep disorder it is usually recommended that the primary sleep disorder be treated first. Some examples of sleep disorders that may be primary include: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) which may be treated by abstaining from long-acting sedative hypnotics ...
Professional Guide to Sleep Disorders Management.
Sep 22, 2003; ... This book is written for health care professionals. The author consolidates his 25 years of experience in the sleep disorders arena into a guide for both screening patients for sleep disorders and increasing practice revenue through screening, as well as a compilation of published ...
Homecare technology, how far we've come.(HOMECARE)
Sep 22, 2003; ... Recently, I attended MedTrade, the annual fall ritual of the homecare industry, held in the Atlanta (GA) World Trade Center. I look back on the fact that I have attended this largest of all medical trade shows every year since 1983. That was the year I started in homecare on a fulltime ...
Foundations of Respiratory Care.(Book Review)
Sep 22, 2003; ... A new respiratory care textbook has been born (and it weighs more than I did when I was born). Here are the vital statistics. Weight = 2,386 grams, Dimensions = 22 X 28 X 4.5 cm, Number of Chapters = 33, Number of Pages = 1,032, Number of Authors = 3 and Number of Contributors = 29, Price ...
Being the best means educating about sleep, too.(National Sleep Foundation )
Sep 22, 2003 ... The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) can help your sleep center successfully reach out and educate your community about the importance of sleep to health and about the signs and symptoms of sleep disorders. Last year more than 550 sleep centers and labs across the United States, ...
Need sleep tech education? Go to the source!(Association of Polysomnographic Technologists)
Sep 22, 2003 ... NEW! Artifact & Troubleshooting Guide [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Full-color booklet with Polysomnographic recording samples designed to assist in troubleshooting during data acquisition, or as a reference during scoring records. Each artifact sample lists separate plates ...
AARC requires state societies to sign contracts or risk losing revenue sharing.(American Association for Respiratory Care)
Sep 22, 2003 ... In a letter sent October 7, 2003 to the presidents of all AARC chartered state societies, AARC Executive Director Sam Giordano RRT, announced that because of increased competition, state societies would be required to sign contracts with the AARC that would legally bind them to follow a ...
English ain't easy.(ON A LIGHTER SIDE with Andy Rooney)
Sep 22, 2003 ... Like the basement, the attic or garage, our language needs to be cleaned out once in a while. There are some words and phrases in our language that we ought to retire. I've made a small collection of some we could do without: "Have a good one." This is a trite substitute for people who ...
Healthline Medical teams with Nephron Pharmaceuticals for national sales coverage of it's aerosol drug delivery products.
Sep 22, 2003 ... Healthline Medical, Inc., manufacturer of the high-efficiency, environmentally protective Medicator[R] Aerosol Maximizer systems for aerosol drug delivery, has selected Nephron Pharmaceuticals of Orlando, Florida as its national sales representation force. The agreement, effective December ...
Filters for spirometers and PF Labs.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... The Nagel Network offers 4 viral filters guaranteed to fit any spirometer in any PF Lab. As a leading distributor we guarantee the lowest prices and can ship same day or overnight if needed. Bacterial filtration efficiency is 99.99%, Viral filtration ...
Ambulatory monitoring.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... Data Examiner enhances the Inductotrace System, providing an interface to Windows 9X/NT via a RS232 serial port from which the device is powered, (no batteries or power connection). Included software provides an effective method to capture respiration data and a simple interface without ...
New packaging of Albuteral 0.5%.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... Nephron's 0.5% Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Solution is the first FDA approved packaging of this medication in 0.5mL single, unit-of-use vials. This is a sterile, preservative, additive free, oral inhalation solution in a dosage form that is convenient and premeasured. The ...
New transport ventilator.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... The Pneuton Transport Ventilator (pronounced newton) provides adult/pediatric volume targeted ventilation and high performance CPAP for use in hospital, MRI and EMS environments. Fully pneumatic technology eliminates the need for batteries. A choice of ...
CPAP/BiLevel & NIV Masks.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... CPAP/BiLevel Therapy and Non-Invasive Ventilation with New Models of Hans Rudolph VIP 75[TM] & VIP 76[TM] Oro-Nasal(full face) Vmasks[TM] and ALIZES[TM] Nasal Masks has reached a new level worldwide and due to the large demand for these Masks, Hans ...
EasyOne Spirometry System.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... ndd Medical Technologies offers the EasyOne Spirometry System which uses the company's patented ultrasonic flow measurement technology. This cutting edge highly configurable spirometer features FVC, FVL, SVC and MVV testing. The graphic curve display allows quick assessment of results ....
Rotational Mattress Replacement System.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... Hill-Rom introduces the V-Cue[R] Dynamic Air Therapy[R] Mattress Replacement System. The V-Cue[R] unit is the first rotational mattress system designed to meet the needs of the critically ill and high-acuity patient. The V-Cue[R] unit provides lateral rotation percussion and vibration, and ...
New aerosol delivery system.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... Healthline Medical, Inc., of Baldwin Park, CA announces their Medicator[R] Aerosol Maximizer, a patented, high-efficiancy delivery system for respiratory therapy, systemic drug delivery and new drug research applications. The unique, patented technology offered by the ...
SportNeb nebulizer/compressor.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... Medical Industries America is proud to have shipped their one millionth SportNeb nebulizer/compressor this year. The quality construction of this 35 PSI piston compressor has die-cast aluminum components for years of reliable service. The ...
O2 analyzers & replacement sensors.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... VTI manufactures O2 analyzers, monitors, and replacement O2 sensors. Our monitor is a full feature unit that remains outside of the capital budget. Our O2 analyzer has been developed for "spot checks" in instances where alarms are not necessary. Our polargraphic O2 sensor consists of a ...
New grant available.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... Healthline Aerosol Medicine, manufacturer of the high-efficiency, environmentally protective Medicator[R] aerosol drug delivery system, announces an Aerosol Investigator Grant. The grant will be awarded to an AARC-member respiratory professional, who will conduct ...
Professional staffing services.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... RTTEMPS and RNTEMPS provide qualified Respiratory Therapy and Nursing staff for short-term or long-term assignments nationwide. Founded and operated by healthcare professionals, RTTEMPS and RNTEMPS are dedicated to meeting the staffing needs ...
Silicone re-usable resuscitators.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... Laerdal's[R] re-useable resuscitator is easy to assemble and use. It offers sensitivity to signal changes in impedance to gas flow and has superior re-expansion qualities. The one-piece see-through mask design offers a better seal, is easier to clean and enables a clear vision of the ...
New airway pressure monitor.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... ResMed Corp's ResAlarm II airway pressure monitor featuring a backlit LCD screen provides viewing from across a room. The peak airway pressure display and pressure bar graph verify accuracy of breath delivery. An internal battery automatically recharges during use, providing ...
New humidifier heater.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... The DeVilbiss 9200 Humidifier Heater is a new addition to the DeVilbiss sleep therapy line. The DeVilbiss 9100 Humidifier stacks on top of this new heater providing an add-on solution for patients requiring heated humidity. Temperature can be adjusted ...
Oxygen-safe thread sealants.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... Excitement filled the air during Medtrade 2003 for Sunrise Medical. The latest product release from DeVilbiss, the FlexAire Mask, was chosen the Most Innovative New Product of the Year. This annual award, given by the Medtrade Group of VNU Expositions, recognizes state-of-the-art design, ...
New Oro-nasal CPAP--BiLevel mask.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... CPAP/BiLevel Therapy and Non-Invasive Ventilation with New Models of Hans Rudolph VIP 75[TM] & VIP 76[TM] Oro-Nasal(full face) Vmasks[TM] has taken both applications to the next level. New models include; buttons for attaching the new Sensa Seal[TM] accessory for leak free ...
Audio monitoring for the sleep lab.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... Louroe Electronics is a U.S. manufacturer and leader in the field of audio monitoring technology. We specialize in providing audio monitoring systems for customers requiring extra sensitive and clear audio transmission. These markets include sleep disorder ...
Littmann Stethoscope Model 2000.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... 3M manufactures the Littman Electronic Stethoscope Model 2000 which amplifies sounds up to 14 times (20 decibels) greater than conventional stethoscopes. With state-of-the-art filtering systems and an ergonomic design, the Model 2000 is an exceptional tool ...
Oral AND nasal suction device.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... The Neotech Little Sucker is a soft, simple suction device designed for oral AND nasal suction of patients. It is designed to have some of the features of the bulb syringe but all the advantages of wall suctioning. Try and and you'll agree ...
Breath Simulation Module.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... Michigan Instruments, Inc. has introduced a Breath Simulation Module that will turn existing Michigan Instruments lung models into a spontaneously breathing lung simulation system. The system simulates a spontaneously breathing patient for training ...
Portex[R] tracheostomy products.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... Portex[R] manufactures high-quality tracheostomy products. Combining Per-fit[TM], D.I.C.[R], Blue Line[R] and Bivona[R] product ranges, Portex[R] offers you an unmatched selection of tracheostomy products including adult and pediatric tubes, cuffed or uncuffed tubes, specialty tubes, ...
Value in pre-owned equipment.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... Save 30%-40% on quality, pre-owned equipment. Excellent values on ventilators, oximeters, PFT units, end tidal CO2 monitors, oxygen monitors, cardiac monitors, stress test equipment, defibrillators and more, all backed with full warranties. Anderson Medical provides quality ...
New vital signs monitor.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... The CAS 740 vital signs monitor offers leading-edge technology in a rugged, portable unit weighing only 3 lbs. With CAS's proprietary MAXNIBP[TM] technology and Masimo SET[R], pulse oximetry, there is no better solution for monitoring during low ...
Home disinfection training kit.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... An introductory training package is now available for CONTROL III[R] surface and instrument home disinfecting products. This package includes educational patient materials describing product applications and usage. Product samples with patient instructions are also ...
New Keystone 3 PFT lung analyzer.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... Pulmonary Data Services, Inc. introduces the all new Keystone3, modernizing the industry standard Keystone PF Analyzer. The affordable Keystone3 is a comprehensive PF system, which performs spirometry, FRC and DLCO. The system features advanced software that allows the user to realize the ...
Bronchial provocation device.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... The TURBOAIRE CHALLENGER from EQUILIBRATED BIO SYSTEMS, INC. is an excellent source of portable arctic air for bronchial provocation and Exercise Induced Asthma studies. Perform bronchial challenge testing using cold air, without the wait or ...
New oxygen monitor.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... MSA is proud to offer its new portable MiniOX[R] 3000 Oxygen Monitor replacing our long-running MiniOX III Monitor. The MiniOX 3000 Monitor with large display features automatic calibration, battery strength indicator, alarm verification ability and ...
Oakes' ventilator management.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... THE GOLD STANDARD -- For quick and easy bedside reference: ACCP/AARC/SCCM Weaning/Discontinuation Guidelines, ARDS Network, COPD GOLD Standard, NIH Asthma, AHA Near-Fatal Asthma, AARC Clinical Practice Guidelines, Lung-Protective Strategies, ...
VORTRAN products.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... VORTRAN manufactures a unique line of inexpensive, single patient use, respiratory products for hospital and home: VORTRAN Automatic Resuscitator (VAR)--a MRI compatible, hands-free automatic resuscitator for transport and ...
Futuremed introduces "Bubbles".(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... Futuremed's new SpiroVision-3+ for Windows now includes the "Bubbles" incentive display, using soap bubbles to encourage patients during spirometry testing. During an FVC maneuver, an "actual bubble" based on real test data forms with-in ...
Modular blood gas system.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... AVL OMNI Systems offer optional menu additions for centralized and decentralized hospital testing. High volume blood gas testing, full automated quality control, touch-and-go operation, maintenance-free electrodes, liquid calibration, ...
100% plastic blood gas capillary tubes.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... RAM Scientific's 100% plastic blood gas capillary tubes are the perfect replacement for glass tubes. They come in three sizes: 115mL, 150mL, and 230mL, and are available with either sodium or balanced heparin for accurate testing of pH, blood gases, electrolytes, ...
New hand-held spirometer.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... The new MicroGP spirometer from Micro Direct, Inc. offers exceptional features at an exceptional price and a high degree of accuracy with simplicity of operation. Available in two versions. The basic MicroGP measures eight key diagnostic parameters and ...
New ventilator introduced.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... The Newport HT50 Ventilator is appropriate for pediatrics and adults, and suitable for emergency room, sub acute care, homecare and transport applications. The HT50 features an micro dual piston gas delivery system, a 10-hour internal battery and a power source that ...
New holding chamber.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... PARI Respiratory Equipment, Inc.'s new Vortex[TM], non electrostatic valved holding chamber increases the amount of a given medication dose that gets delivered to the patient's lungs. With most aerosol chambers particles are trapped in the interior of the chamber as a result of ...
New features on full face masks.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... Very Popular Hans Rudolph Full Face Masks now have new features and available from stock! The New Models of the Hans Rudolph VIP[TM] Series 7600 CPAP & 7500 NIV Oro-Nasal Vmasks[TM] are now available. The New Models feature buttons for attaching the ...
Neonatal/adult breathing simulator.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... Choose Boehringer Laboratories, Inc. for accuracy and safety you can trust. For over 30 years, we have designed and produced quality instruments that clinicians choose time and time again. We feature mechanical ...
Relief for stuffy and/or dry noses.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Sep 22, 2003 ... The AYR[R] family of products provide relief for many patients suffering from stuffy and/or dry noses due to CPAP or BiPAP use. The Ayr family includes AYR[R] Saline Nasal Mist, AYR[R] Saline Nasal Drops, AYR[R] Saline Nasal Gel and Baby AYR[R] Nose Spray/Drops. AYR[R] ...