FOCUS: Journal for Respiratory Care & Sleep Medicine back issues from January 2009:
A note from the publisher.(Editorial)
Jan 01, 2009; ... Welcome to the Jan/Feb, issue of FOCUS, our first issue of 2009 and the first of our 18th year of national publication. I'm happy to report that just about all of our writers have signed on with us for another year and we are honored to have joining us, Dr. William Dement, the "father" of ...
Does family understanding about mechanical ventilation change during ICU stay?(RESPIRATORY RESEARCH)
Jan 01, 2009; ... This issue's column is based on the peer-reviewed article by Tasnim Sinuff MD, PhD, Mita Giacomini, PhD, Rhona Shaw, MA, PhD, Marilyn Swinton, MSc and Deborah J. Cook, MD, MSc, for the CARENET (Canadian Researchers at the End-of-Life Network) entitled: "'Living with dying': The evolution ...
Designing the "hospital of the future".(NEWS FROM THE JOINT COMMISSION)(Report)
Jan 01, 2009; ... The Joint Commission has released a report that provides a roadmap to designing hospitals in the future. Titled "Guiding Principles for the Development of the Hospital of the Future," the latest in the "Healthcare at a Crossroads" series, the report offers the basic guidelines that must be ...
Transcranial sonography and RLS.(SLEEP MEDICINE)(Restless legs syndrome)(Report)
Jan 01, 2009; ... A person with restless leg syndrome has uncomfortable, irritating or painful sensations in the legs that usually manifest as the person is settling down before going to sleep. The sensations may feel like burning, tugging, or insects creeping or crawling inside. To relieve the sensations, ...
Can ignoring airway secretions and repositioning limit lung injury?(MECHANICAL VENTILATION)
Jan 01, 2009; ... In respiratory care and nursing circles, benefits from frequent repositioning of the bedridden patient and actively clearing fluids and secretions in the lower airway are seldom challenged. When clearance of retained mucus is needed, I couldn't agree more. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...
Pathophysiology and laboratory identification of pneumonia.(CLINICAL LABORATORY MEDICINE)
Jan 01, 2009; ... This time of the year, two significant events happen to most respiratory therapists: They enjoy the holidays with family and friends, and patients start showing up in hospitals with pneumonia. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Each year, more than 4 million cases of pneumonia ...
Integrating evidence-based medicine into an allied health curriculum.(FOCUS ON EDUCATION)
Jan 01, 2009; ... Broadly defined, evidence-based medicine (EBM) is the "use of the best clinical evidence in making patient care decisions." Current literature has brought us to believe that EBM is central to effective patient care. Teaching in the health professions should be based on best practice, and ...
A closer look at asthma.(RESPIRATORY CLINICAL KEEPER)
Jan 01, 2009; ... Asthma can be defined as a chronic inflammatory disease of the tracheobronchial tree, characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness to a variety of antigens or stimuli. These stimuli cause bronchoconstriction, chest tightness, wheezing, increased mucus production and air flow limitation, all ...
Sleep disorders: a widely ignored pandemic.(SLEEP MEDICINE)
Jan 01, 2009; ... It is now widely known and accepted that more than 50 million Americans suffer from sleep problems. Lamentably, the vast majority of these individuals remain undiagnosed and untreated. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This high prevalence and significant impact of untreated ...
The mechanism of pulmonary diffusion.(PULMONARY FUNCTION TESTING)
Jan 01, 2009; ... Diffusing capacity was introduced as a clinical test in 1915 but never caught on because of the difficulty in measuring carbon monoxide. With the introduction of reliable infrared carbon monoxide analyzers in the 1950s, the test was revived, and various testing techniques were developed ...
How to convince your boss to pay your way (or at least part of your way) to the 9th annual FOCUS conference.(Conference notes)
Jan 01, 2009; ... In this era of very tight budgets, how can you encourage your employer to pay for, or at least partially subsidize, your trip to the FOCUS conference this coming May 14-16, 2009? Here are some tips that can help you gain your employer's approval--and funds--to attend. First and ...
Could functional magnetic resonance imaging be the new dream machine?(SLEEP MEDICINE)
Jan 01, 2009; ... Following multiple sleep latency test trials for narcolepsy diagnosis, sleep technologists are instructed to ask patients if they have dreamed. REM sleep is associated with dreaming and anyone entering REM sleep in 20 minutes or less is diagnosed as having sleep onset REM. Not everybody ...
Baby's breath: a precious gift.(RESPIRATORY CARE ON-LINE)
Jan 01, 2009; ... Newborn babies, especially pre-term ones, are the smallest, most vulnerable and most delicate patients that we care for. However, they can be the biggest fighters in the struggle for life. Babies must wage battle when confronted with hypoxic respiratory failure associated with pulmonary ...
Chicken soup.(Cartoon)
Jan 01, 2009 ... "In lieu of offering workers a formal health plan, I recommend ...
The Top 10 Medical Innovations of 2009.(RESPIRATORY CLINICAL)
Jan 01, 2009; ... Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the unveiling of the Cleveland Clinic's third edition of the Top 10 Medical Innovations. The annual Medical Innovations Summit at the Cleveland Clinic is one of the more fascinating conferences in the world of medical design and innovation. This ...
Alternative ways to get your Z'S.(RESPIRATORY CLINICAL)
Jan 01, 2009; ... Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies encompass a variety of disciplines, including nutrition, exercise, and mental and respiratory health. So, it stands to reason that people experiencing sleep difficulties have delved into the realm of alternative medicine to help get a ...
My boss hates me wasting time.(Cartoon)
Jan 01, 2009 ... "Sorry, my boss hates me wasting time talking to my friends ...
Capped rental on home oxygen: this is not the answer.(RESPIRATORY HOMECARE)
Jan 01, 2009; ... When the 36-month capped rental on home oxygen became reality in summer 2008, most people felt a victory was won on Capitol Hill for respiratory patients using home oxygen, the respiratory profession and the home care industry. However, the reverse appears to be the case. In fact, I was ...
I'm not dumping you.(Cartoon)
Jan 01, 2009 ... "I'm not dumping you ... I'm merely ...
Pulse oximetry and children.(FOCUS ON THE TECHNOLOGY)
Jan 01, 2009; ... From croup to congenital heart disease, respiratory clinicians have used pulse oximetry as a useful adjunct to clinical assessment in children. However, over the past five years, studies have shown that many pediatric health care providers, particularly nurses, are not as knowledgeable ...
The Devilbiss VacuAide[R] Compact Suction Unit.(SUNY UPSTATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY EQUIPMENT REVIEWS)
Jan 01, 2009; ... The DeVilbiss VacuAide[R] Compact Suction Unit lives up to the DeVilbiss good name as regards quality, performance and design. The company website touts this unit by stating "Now the safety and performance advantages (of DeVilbiss products) are built into the compact DeVilbiss VacuAide, ...
Waking up to better polysomnography.(FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY)
Jan 01, 2009; ... When "Grey's Anatomy" star Justin Chambers checked into Los Angeles' UCLA Medical Center last January, he hadn't slept for weeks. By the time doctors diagnosed his insomnia, Chambers admitted to going through a two-month span where he got about one solid hour of rest each week. ...
Patient education: OTC cold medicines in Pediatrics.(PEDIATRIC/NEONATAL RESPIRATORY CARE)
Jan 01, 2009; ... The medical literature has featured many investigations into the use of over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines in pediatric patients, discouraging their use in kids less than 6 years of age. Many parents have asked me and other respiratory therapists, "What are the official ...
Steroid rage: using aerosolized steroids for asthma treatment.(RESPIRATORY PHARMACOLOGY)
Jan 01, 2009; ... In the last two issues, we discussed the different types of inhaled corticosteroids available, and hazards and effect of agents. This issue will focus on where and when corticosteroids can be used in clinical practice. The focus will be toward inhaled corticosteroids in the use of asthma ...
Staffing your sleep lab effectively.(THE BUSINESS OF SLEEP)
Jan 01, 2009; ... The best business investment a hospital, sleep physician or independent sleep lab owner can make is in recruiting, selecting, training and retaining high performing, patient-focused, technically competent sleep professionals. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Recruiting targets ...
Evacuation and hyperbaric medicine.(HYPERBARIC MEDICINE)
Jan 01, 2009; ... What if a fire started in close proximity to your hyperbaric chamber area and you could even smell the smoke? Would you know how to react and evacuate the patient? How long would it take to get the patient out of the chamber and away from danger? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...
Combination therapy for Asthma and COPD: a look at Advair.(STUDENT PAPERS)
Jan 01, 2009; ... I want all of you to imagine what it would be like not be able to take a big deep breath. Imagine what it would be like to not be able to take a simple walk without having to stop and rest to catch your breath. That is exactly what it feels like to have COPD and Asthma. We don't have to ...
Sorry the product didn't work.(Cartoon)
Jan 01, 2009 ... "Sorry the product didn't work. We'll send you another ...
Vapotherm earns a top award for exhibit at AARC Congress.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(American Association for Respiratory Care)(Brief article)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Vapotherm, the global leader in High Flow Oxygen Therapy products, earned one of the top awards for its exhibit at the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC)'s 54th Annual Convention and Exhibition in Anaheim, California. Second place honors went to Vapotherm for its ...
Draeger announces FDA clearance for proportional pressure support.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief article)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Draeger Medical Systems, Inc., US headquarters of Draeger Medical AG & Co. KG, an international leader in the field of medical technology and a worldwide leader in mechanical ventilation, announced that it has received 510(k) clearance from the FDA to market Proportional Pressure Support, ...
Sequal Technologies and AOTI work together to delivery oxygen system across Europe.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief article)
Jan 01, 2009 ... SeQual Technologies, Inc. (SeQual), developers of medical oxygen concentrators and AOTI Ltd. (AOTI), providers of innovative solutions to resolve severe and chronic wounds, have announced a strategic partnership that will accelerate the widespread availability of the Integra [TM] and ...
Covidien wins 2008 Zenith Award.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief article)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Established in 1989, the Zenith Award recognizes respiratory care product and service providers who offer exemplary service to the respiratory care community. The award for 2008 was presented during the AARC 54th International Respiratory d in Anaheim, CA in December. Every ...
Merck statement in response to the FDA's update regarding a safety review of SINGULAIR [R].(INDUSTRY NEWS)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Merck stands by the proven efficacy and safety of SINGULAIR, a medicine that has been prescribed to tens of millions of patients with asthma and allergic rhinitis for more than 10 years. Nothing is more important to Merck than the safety of its medicines and vaccines. Since distribution of ...
Resmed offers new versatile nasal mask.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
Jan 01, 2009 ... ResMed's Mirage Activa [TM] LT is a versatile nasal mask with numerous ease-of-use and comfort features designed to promote long-term compliance in an everyday nasal mask. The compact ActiveCell [TM] cushion automatically adjusts to varying sleeping positions and pressure modes, while the ...
New PC-based spirometer.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jan 01, 2009 ... The new PC-based SpiroVision-3+ from Futuremed is a cost-effective spirometer that interfaces directly with your computer's USB port. The handset is small and lightweight. The colorful software provides real time graphs and QC messages to ensure optimal results. The optional "Bubbles" ...
Outfit your lab or clinic with NSI.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jan 01, 2009 ... NeuroSupplies Integra [TM] is a leading distributor of a wide range of neurological and sleep studies supplies required for electroencephalograph, evoked potentials, electromyography and sleep disorders testing. We supply air pressure transducers, snore sensors, electrodes, adhesive paste ...
SERVO ventilators from Maquet.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jan 01, 2009 ... For 30+ years, SERVO ventilators have been recognized as the leading name in ventilation technology. From its non-invasive option on the SERVO-i to the new SERVO-s for chronic care, SERVO is recognized for providing ventilation for neonatal, pediatric & adult patients. SERVO's graphical ...
Transtracheal oxygen.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Transtracheal Systems is a medical device manufacturing company that specializes in the design and production of innovative oxygen therapy products. Each product in our line is designed to improve oxygenation, ambulation, and quality of life for patients requiring continuous supplemental ...
New lightweight ventilator.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Smiths Medical introduces the Pneupac VR1[R] emergency and transport ventilator with air mix feature. This lightweight, ergonomically designed, palm-sized oxygen powered ventilator will provide 100% oxygen when necessary but can now, with a flick of a switch, provide approximately 50% ...
New Face Mask CPAP system.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Airon Corporation is pleased to announce FDA marketing approval of MACS, the next generation Face Mask CPAP system for critical care. MACS is the most sophisticated, versatile and economical CPAP system available today. Designed for use on critically ill patients, MACS meets the rugged ...
Fingertip oximeter W/ Bluetooth[R].(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Nonin Medical has introduced the Onyx[R] II, Model 9560, the world's first interoperable fingertip oximeter with Bluelooth[R] wireless technology. Designed for easy integration into medical ecosystems, numerous leading technology manufacturers are developing working interfaces for the ...
Manual Jet Ventilator.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jan 01, 2009 ... 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 sleep apnea full face mask.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Try the NEW Full Face V2[TM] Mask from Hans Rudolph. Designed from years of feedback from sleep techs, patients, key sleep professionals, Therapists, Family Care Doctors & Homecare Dealers & Suppliers. The silicone rubber V2[TM] Mask offers guaranteed patient satisfaction with the entirely ...
Need CEU's tonight?(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jan 01, 2009 ... One-stop shopping for continuing education & career advancement exclusively for healthcare professionals. Highest quality, state-of-the-art, non-traditional educational programs & seminars available. Updated yearly, always timely. Stay ahead of the changes in healthcare. Join us & step ...
Home disinfection training kit.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jan 01, 2009 ... All Control III surface and instrument disinfectants have a pleasant odor, require no ventilation and are easily disposed. Control III Disinfectant Germicide--Concentrated formula. 10-minute contact time for disinfection. The mixed solution can be re-used for 14 days. Control III ...
New cuffless supralaryngeal airway.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jan 01, 2009 ... The SLIPA airway represents the first cuffless supralaryngeal airway that is superior to other equivalent airways because it maximizes on the space available for trapping and storing liquids that could be aspirated if regurgitation occurs during anaesthesia or resuscitation. Air cushions ...
Bronchial provocation device.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Covidien's new Alarm Management System* (AMS) for the Nellcor [TM] OxiMax [TM] N-600x [TM] pulse oximeter identifies and alerts staff to ongoing developments, such as periods of desaturation and potentially worrisome patterns. AMS includes the OxiMax SPD [TM] alert, which provides notice ...
Automatic respiratory products.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jan 01, 2009 ... VORTRAN manufactures a line of low cost, single patient, automatic respiratory products: VORTRAN Automatic Resuscitator- MRI safe, automatic resuscitator for transport or emergency ventilation for pediatric/adult patients 22 lbs. and above. E-Vent Case[TM]-for rapid emergency ventilation ...
Roche high volume ABG analyzer.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jan 01, 2009 ... The Roche cobas b 221 analyzer is a complete blood gas solution designed for high-volume use. Delivers time & cost efficiencies. Configurable menu has options for blood gas, electrolytes & metabolites. Built-in AutoQC [R] module holds up to 40 days of QC material & automatically provides ...
Two new sensors for sleep testing.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Cadwell Laboratories, Inc. has begun shipping an SpO2 Oximeter sensor and a Nasal Pressure Airflow sensor to be used with the Cadwell Easy [R] Ambulatory and Easy III sleep diagnostic systems. The modules use Cadwell's EasyNet [R] communications protocol to share data with these and other ...
Maximize patient care.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Maximize patient care while facing reduced resources. Drager's EvitaXL offers a full range of ventilator performance and provides clinicians with a high degree of user-configurability. Drager has been a leader in developing such features as APRV, NIV, MMV, ATC and AutoFlow. Now there's ...
New portable diagnostic system.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jan 01, 2009 ... The Alice PDx portable diagnostic recording device is intended for Obstructive Sleep Apnea screening, follow-up and diagnostic assessment of cardio-respiratory sleep disorders. The flexible and portable system incorporates advanced features required to meet today's industry needs. It ...
Value in pre-owned equipment.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jan 01, 2009 ... 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, backed with full warranties. Anderson Medical provides ...
New blood gas analyzer.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
Jan 01, 2009 ... OPTI Medical Systems, Inc. manufactures the OPTI CCA-TS portable analyzers for measuring time sensitive diagnostic assays including blood gas, electrolytes, ionized calcium, measured SO2, tHb, and glucose. With the OPTI CCA-TS analyzer, obtaining accurate blood gas results is fast, easy ...