FOCUS: Journal for Respiratory Care & Sleep Medicine back issues from June 2004:
Notes from the dungeon.
Jun 22, 2004; ... Welcome to the Summer issue of FOCUS. This issue has a number of articles on a myriad of topics. Starting us off, is a thought-provoking piece by Sandy McCleaster RRT on the subject of whether therapists need to aspire to the RRT credential anymore. For me, an "old-timer" who dreamed of ...
The RRT--an endangered species?(registered respiratory therapist)
Jun 22, 2004; ... Here's a rather curious fact. Respiratory care practitioners have all but stopped taking the exams that could earn them the title Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). It seems that once they earn the CRT credential, modern day practitioners no longer feel the need to become an RRT. This ...
Get your poor performers back on track.(MANAGEMENT)
Jun 22, 2004; ... Got a task for Joe? He has a message for you: "It's not my job." You probably have an employee just like Joe: He doesn't outright refuse your orders, but kind of shunts them to the back of his mental shelf and forgets about them. The result, though, is the same: Come deadline time he gives ...
Pleural effusion--a review.(RESPIRATORY CLINICAL KEEPER #9)
Jun 22, 2004; ... A pleural effusion is defined as the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the intrapleural space. It is not a disease entity unto itself. In fact, the presence of a pleural effusion signifies the existence of some underlying process. Because the accumulation of fluid in the intrapleural space ...
Congestive heart failure and CPAP.(SLLEP MEDICINE)
Jun 22, 2004; ... Heart failure occurs when the ventricles pump out diminished amounts of blood. Ventricular action can be hindered: 1) if an excessive amount of blood is allowed to enter the ventricles (i.e., volume overload); 2) if heart tissue is damaged by infarction; or 3) if too little blood enters ...
A study to evaluate the competency of ICU personnel in mechanical ventilation.(RESPIRATORY CLINICAL STUDY)
Jun 22, 2004; ... INTRODUCTION: The benefit assessment of mechanical ventilation on clinical outcomes presumes competent caregivers who posses the knowledge and skills to optimize care while simultaneously minimizing potential complications. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge of ...
How to establish your personal "brand".(MANAGEMENT KEEPER #51)
Jun 22, 2004; ... Positioning is the process of presenting yourself to others in a way that establishes a favorable relationship with the audience. It determines how you appear to others, what they conclude about you, and how they react to you. Positioning means creating an identity for yourself (a brand) ...
Does a PSV Weaning Guideline reduce length of stay on the ventilator?(RESPIRATORY RESEARCH)(pressure support ventilation)
Jun 22, 2004; ... For this issue, we will discuss a PI project. Our Respiratory Care Department wanted to contribute to a shortened length of stay on the ventilator by developing a therapist-driven weaning guideline. This was originally titled a protocol, but Hospital Risk Management suggested the name ...
Central sleep apnea syndrome.(SLEEP MEDICINE)
Jun 22, 2004; ... Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) is often interchanged with Sleep Apnea when actually SDB encompasses any form of disordered breathing during sleep. Not to be overlooked is Central Sleep Apnea Syndrome; characterized by a cessation or decrease of ventilatory effort during sleep and usually ...
CPAP instruction outside the residence.(continuous positive airway pressure therapy)
Jun 22, 2004; ... Compliance with continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP) has been a heavily debated subject for several years and will continue to be as RCP's strive to improve patient compliance. Previously raised issues related to compliance included education provided, humidification systems, ...
Interpreting pulmonary function tests.(PULMONARY FUNCTION TESTING)
Jun 22, 2004; ... The first two articles that I wrote for FOCUS Journal, published in the Winter and Spring 2004 editions, addressed test quality and the importance of separating the signal from the noise in measurements. This article will focus on what the signal means once it has been isolated. ...
Parasomnias or paranormal--things that go clunk in the night.(SLEEP MEDICINE)
Jun 22, 2004; ... The field of sleep medicine has had a long if somewhat cryptic history with the paranormal. One of the first sleep laboratories in New York City, one at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, was dubbed the Dream Lab. Work was carried out there on telepathic reception between senders ...
"Croup revisited".(RESPIRATORY CLINICAL)
Jun 22, 2004; ... Of all the sounds that have the potential to wake one from a sound sleep few are so terrifying, especially to the new parent, as that of the barking cough and laborious tachypnic breathing of an infant with croup. When we use the term "croup" we are referring to a somewhat ...
Pharmaceutical stocks may be the antidote to a new round of interest-rate pressure.(PERSONAL GROWTH)
Jun 22, 2004; ... When interest rates rise, investors usually head for the medicine cabinet. That's because pharmaceutical stocks have spelled r-e-l-i-e-f in difficult times. They historically perform well six months before and 12 months after a rate-tightening cycle begins. It's a safe bet that the drug ...
The ethical handling of ethical issues!(ETHICS IN MANAGEMENT)
Jun 22, 2004; ... It is alleged that there is nothing new under the sun, however the mapping of the human genome, stem cell research, and the like have certainly raised questions that we, as a people and as health professionals, have never had to address before their development! For example, Harvard, using ...
Dolphin Medical's pulse oximetry sensors.(UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS EQUIPMENT REVIEWS)
Jun 22, 2004; ... This issue we report on our review of the disposable pulse oximetry sensor line manufactured by Dolphin Medical (Model 2000/3000 sensors). Upon our request, Dolphin supplied us with several of their infant, pediatric and adult SpO2 probes for analysis. All of the compatible probes supplied ...
Let's give 'em something to talk about.(RESPIRATORY CARE ON-LINE)
Jun 22, 2004; ... While attending the Focus Conference in Baltimore, MD, I had the privilege of guest speaking in the area of Patient Education. My topic was "Internet Resources for the Patient Educator". One point that I discussed was that health information on the Internet should always come with a ...
Emergency preparedness becomes top priority for Joint Commission.(JCAHO NEWS)
Jun 22, 2004; ... Since September 11, 2001, when we experienced the worst terrorist attack ever on our soil, emergency preparedness has become a much more prominent focus of the Joint Commission. The attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon outside Washington, D. C., followed by ...
Sleep and academic performance.(SLEEP MEDICINE)
Jun 22, 2004; ... With the beginning of a new school year, parents start preparing their children to perform well in a school setting. These preparation may include getting vision checked, verifying all vaccinations are up-to-date and making sure they have a healthy breakfast prior to getting off to school ....
Need sleep tech education? Go to the source!(Buyers Guide)
Jun 22, 2004 ... NEW! Artifact & Troubleshooting Guide [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [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 ...
Health literacy.(HOT TOPICS)
Jun 22, 2004; ... The topic of health literacy is one you're surely going to be hearing a lot about. Far from just a buzzword, it reflects a growing awareness of a national problem. Broadly defined, the concept describes the relationship between literacy skills and health outcomes. Narrowly ...
Fundamentals of Lung and Heart Sounds, Third Edition.(Audiovisual Review)
Jun 22, 2004; ... This program is comprised of a small paperback text book and an accompanying audio compact disc (CD-ROM). Both are enclosed in a hard plastic binder that allows the book to be opened without removal from the binder. A pocket is supposed to hold the CD for safe-keeping but mine kept falling ...
A Woman's Guide to Sleep Disorders.
Jun 22, 2004; ... This all-inclusive book highlights the fact that although sleep disorders are on the radar screen for the medical community and the public at large due to increased awareness, one population subset--women--might still go untreated. The author, an esteemed sleep pioneer, Meir Kryger, MD, ...
Hyperbaric files: decompression sickness.(HYPERBARIC MEDICINE)
Jun 22, 2004; ... I just surfaced next to the boat after a 45-minute dive off the coast of Honduras. This is the southern end of the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world, Australia being number one. My wife and 2 other diving companions surfaced right next to me. One, who I will call Jack, looked very ...
Ventilation without intubation in the acute care setting.(RESPIRATORY CLINICAL)
Jun 22, 2004; ... Whenever a respiratory care practitioner, nurse, or physician encounters a patient requiring ventilatory support, the use of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) should always be considered. NPPV should be separated into two different treatment categories: acute and chronic ...
On a lighter side with Andy Rooney.
Jun 22, 2004 ... Taking a vacation isn't easy. There are all sorts of ways to do it wrong and I suspect that right now, here in August, a lot of you are making a mess of your vacation. First, we all ought to face the fact that planning a vacation is more fun, more satisfying and more restful than actually ...
Professional staffing services.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jun 22, 2004 ... 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 ...
Audio monitoring for the sleep lab.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jun 22, 2004 ... 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 ...
O2 analyzers & replacement sensors.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jun 22, 2004 ... 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 ...
Littmann Stethoscope Model 2000.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jun 22, 2004 ... 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 ...
New airway pressure monitor.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jun 22, 2004 ... 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, ...
Oral and nasal suction device.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jun 22, 2004 ... 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 ...
New humidifier heater.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jun 22, 2004 ... 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 ...
Partnership with imt medical.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jun 22, 2004 ... Michigan Instruments, Inc. announces the PneuView[R] Flow Analyser[TM]. Based on the imtmedical PF300 Flow Analyser[TM], the device is the perfect compliment to the PneuView[R] TTL[R] Training and Test Lung Systems. The operation of modern ventilators, and other RC ...
Medtrade award winner.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jun 22, 2004 ... 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 ...
Portex[R] tracheostomy products.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jun 22, 2004 ... 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 ...
VIP[TM] Oro-Nasal CPAP Vmasks.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jun 22, 2004 ... The world's best fitting, most comfortable, leak-free Masks now have a New button-on accessory seal named the Sensa Seal[TM] which allows 5 more half-sizes to the existing range of 5 sizes. The Sensa Seal[TM] is an optional accessory to solve leak & sizing problems for patients world ...
Value in pre-owned equipment.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jun 22, 2004 ... 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 ...
Neonatal/adult breathing simulator.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jun 22, 2004 ... 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 ...
VORTRAN products.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jun 22, 2004 ... 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 ...
Home disinfection training kit.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jun 22, 2004 ... 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 ...
Futuremed introduces "Bubbles".(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jun 22, 2004 ... 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 within ...
New Keystone 3 PFT lung analyzer.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jun 22, 2004 ... 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 ...
Modular blood gas system.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jun 22, 2004 ... 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, ...
Bronchial provocation device.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jun 22, 2004 ... 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 product line.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jun 22, 2004 ... Alliance Tech Medical, Inc., an international distribution and sales management company will market Clement Clarke's highly reputable and unique asthma/COPD line including MINI WRIGHT[TM], IN-CHECK DIAL[TM], and AIRZONE[TM]. Additionally, ATM will expand ...
New oxygen monitor.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jun 22, 2004 ... 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)
Jun 22, 2004 ... 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, ...
New recording device website.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jun 22, 2004 ... Watch our Product Family Grow in 2004! BRAEBON Medical Corporation invites you to visit our new website featuring the new & revolutionary MediPalm[R] family of Personal Recording Devices. For Product Technical Information, Events and ...
The secretion solution.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jun 22, 2004 ... Reducing ICU Heated Water Bath costs to near zero is the goal of ARC Medical, Inc. The ThermoFlo[TM] System provides optimal humidification so that sputum characteristics are unchanged when compared to heated water baths. The ThermoFlo[TM] System is ...
New ventilator introduced.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jun 22, 2004 ... The e500 Ventilator is a critical care ventilator that allows clinicians to focus on patient care. Designed for simplicity of use, the e500 provides mode selection, expanded monitoring and enhanced safety features making it ideal for infant/pediatric and adult ...
New desktop format Spirometer.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jun 22, 2004 ... Ferraris Respiratory introduces the KoKo LEGEND, intuitive color touch screen Spirometer. With all the performance of the KoKo Spirometer in a new desktop format, the KoKo LEGEND walks both physician and patient through standard testing procedures. Our ...
EasyOne Spirometry System.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jun 22, 2004 ... 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 ....
Manual Jet Ventilator.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jun 22, 2004 ... Instrumentation Industries, Inc.'s Manual Jet Ventilator and Transtracheal Catheter may be the emergency intervention of choice for the patient with facial trauma, partial airway obstruction, upper airway bleeding, or otherwise difficult airway access and management. We ...
New features on full face masks.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jun 22, 2004 ... The ALIZES[TM] Nasal Mask is available in 3 sizes and is a steam autoclavable/pasteurizable & dishwasher safe Mask which deflects the exhaled air from the sleep mate, fits & forms to any nose shape and has the popular Comfort Seal[TM] Foam Accessory for a leak free seal. The nose ...
Cable rebuilding and replacement.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jun 22, 2004 ... Beta Biomed offers cost effective repair, rebuild or replacement of all Pulse Ox Finger Sensor Cables and includes a one-year warranty. We also repair fetal monitoring cables. ECG recording and monitoring cables, Holter monitors, and ...
Inductrotrace System.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jun 22, 2004 ... Data Examiner enhances the Inductotrace System, providing an interface to Windows 9X/NT via a RS-232 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 ...
Finger oximeter.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jun 22, 2004 ... Smith Medical introduces the Digit[TM] Finger Oximeter providing fast, reliable SpO2, pulse and pulse strength measurements on pediatric--adult patients. The pocket-size Digit[TM] has a large LED display for use in many light environments, one-button ease ...
Comfort Seal[TM] Foam on ALIZES[TM].(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jun 22, 2004 ... The Comfort Seal[TM] Foam accessory is a very soft, inert, medical grade foam that is preferred by many ALIZES[TM] customers. This Foam Accessory assures a soft, comfortable, leak-free fit while sleeping with the ALIZES[TM] Mask on. The malleable Nose Strap allows any of the 3 ...
New octagonal sleep watch.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jun 22, 2004 ... Ambulatory Monitoring, Inc. now offers the Octagonal SLEEP WATCH. This innovative xmotor activity recorder with 2MB memory; event marker; 2-3 Hz filter; sensitivity .016G at mid band; and numerous codes of operation. It includes an LCD feature with time-of-day, which also ...