FOCUS: Journal for Respiratory Care & Sleep Medicine articles from January 2006

FOCUS: Journal for Respiratory Care & Sleep Medicine archives from January 2006

Notes from the dungeon.
January 1, 2006... Welcome to the Jan/Feb issue of FOCUS, our first issue of 2006 and our first as a bi-monthly magazine. We just distributed this issue to over 58,600 professionals in respiratory care and sleep medicine, a new record circulation for us. If you...

How to handle the most stressful workplace problems.(MANAGEMENT)
January 1, 2006... Successful managers are great handlers of stress. Some work place situations, though, generate more than the usual level of supervisory heartburn. Meeting them head on requires interpersonal skills usually found in only the most seasoned of...

Pneumothorax.(RESPIRATORY CLINICAL KEEPER #15)
January 1, 2006... Pneumothorax is a condition characterized by the accumulation of gas between the parietal and visceral pleurae. Gas can enter the pleural space through an opening in the visceral pleura from inside the lungs, or through a communication between...

Melatonin and irritable bowel syndrome.(SLEEP MEDICINE)
January 1, 2006... Sleep disturbances such as frequent arousals occur in an estimated 26%-55% of people with the GI disorder, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Sleep problems can result from symptoms such as abdominal or rectal pain but poor sleep itself can...

Are you really paid what you're worth?(solid sources for underpaid people)
January 1, 2006... The other day I was throwing out some magazines that I had been saving. I often do this, but then never get around to actually reading the articles. One of the ones I was about to toss was an article in an old New Yorker magazine (January 5,...

Does oral endotracheal tube daily migration vary by immobilization technique?(RESPIRATORY RESEARCH)
January 1, 2006... For this initial issue of Focus in 2006, we will discuss a Respiratory Care Practitioner Performance Improvement (PI) project. This continues the format of articles in each issue of Focus representing a PI research project alternating with an...

CPAP titration in the pediatric population.(SLEEP MEDICINE)
January 1, 2006... Due to an increase in awareness of the consequences of sleep-related breathing problems in pediatric populations, many sleep laboratories are now performing polysomnographic evaluations on patients under 18 years old. While there are many...

Congress proposes major changes in oxygen reimbursement.(source for reimbursement of oxygen therapy equipment)
January 1, 2006... The only constant in health care is that it is always changing and evolving. Changes are constantly occurring not only in regards to clinical procedures but to the process by which health care is reimbursed as well. The home care respiratory...

Which reference set for spirometry?(national health and nutrition examination survey reference set)
January 1, 2006... Interpretation of spirometry typically requires comparison of the patient's measured values (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio) with expected values. For many years, pulmonary function laboratories have had to choose which set of reference or predicted...

Rock and relax.(rocking relaxes babies)(Column)
January 1, 2006... I hope all of you have had a relaxing and festive holiday season. 2006 arrived whether we were ready for it or not. I am happy to report that I had an amazing holiday season. I took an adventurous vacation and came back with a new attitude and...

Care of the lung transplant recipient.(RESPIRATORY CLINICAL)
January 1, 2006... This column will concentrate on the post operative management of single lung transplant and double lung transplant. I must note that these life giving measures would not be possible without the acts of compassionate giving by the donor and...

Dumping is still alive--and still stupid!(make a disease free environment)
January 1, 2006... The nation's public hospitals are in trouble. Not for the first time, and probably not for the last. Nonetheless, it still remains that something must be done--or the sick/poor will end up sicker and poorer. And even, quite probably, on the...

Blood gas Method Validation: the basics.(quality control procedures)
January 1, 2006... The February 28, 1992 update to CLIA allowed testing sites that were using unmodified, FDA approved, moderate complexity testing, to accept the manufacturer's performance data and were not required to perform Method Validation studies. The...

2005 publications place sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease into juxtaposition.(SLEEP MEDICINE)
January 1, 2006... The year ending 2005 turned out to be a banner year for the recognition and publication of reviews and studies linking cardiovascular disease and sleep disordered breathing. The year got off to a good start with the April release of Kryger,...

The challenges with reimbursement for homecare.(FOCUS ON RESPIRATORY HOMECARE)
January 1, 2006... Traditional healthcare typically performed in institutions [including hospitals, sub-acute care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, etc.] is now provided safely and effectively in the patient's home. This phenomenon occurs due in large part...

Four sleep accreditation questions answered.(focus on patient care)(Interview)
January 1, 2006... Accreditation of your sleep disorders center or laboratory is the gold standard to provide evidence that practice standards are being followed. A successful survey by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine or the JCAHO provides your...

Reflections on neonatal mechanical ventilation.(NEONATAL RESPIRATORY CARE)
January 1, 2006... Outcomes from neonatal intensive care have seen remarkable improvements over the last 15 to 20 years. In a report from the University of Chicago published in the journal Pediatrics in 2004 investigators reported a 57% improvement in survival...

Sexsomnia.(a subtype of parasomnia)
January 1, 2006... The recently published Second Edition of the International Classification of Sleep Disorders (ICSD) significantly expands the different diagnostic categories from the first ICSD (1997) reflecting the exponential growth in our knowledge base in...

Unannounced surveys by JCAHO are here!!(JCAHO NEWS)
January 1, 2006... As had been announced several years ago, when the Shared Visions-New Pathways program was rolled out by the Joint Commission, the unannounced survey process for the on-site survey began on January 1, 2006. The healthcare organizations will no...

Clinical instruction and instructors.(FOCUS ON EDUCATION)
January 1, 2006... Whether academicians care to admit it or not, the classroom is NOT the appropriate place for real learning. Real learning connotes use. If information isn't going to be immediately used or applied in some practical way, it simply doesn't get...

Aerosol delivery devices in home care.(FOCUS ON HOMECARE)
January 1, 2006... The delivery of inhaled respiratory medications using aerosol delivery devices is one of those modalities that therapists practicing in the home, hospital or other healthcare institutions share in common. Patients who use MDIs, dry powder...

Manual of Pulmonary Function Testing, 8th ed.(Book review)
January 1, 2006... This venerable book has been around for as long as I can remember. This is the 8th edition already and, although it came out in 2003, we would be remiss in not reviewing it now, especially as we welcome Gregg Ruppel MEd RRT RPFT FAARC on board...

Hyperbaric files: education & credentialing.(HYPERBARIC MEDICINE)
January 1, 2006... Back in the 1970s, when few chambers were operating throughout the country, hyperbaric oxygen therapy education consisted largely of on-the-job training. This training was conducted at locations where chambers were being used the most, with the...

The untapped wellspring of translational research--the auto PEEP example.(MECHANICAL VENTILATION)
January 1, 2006... Current respiratory care practitioners (RCPs) may find it hard to believe that dynamic hyperinflation and auto-PEEP remained clinically unrecognized long after the era of positive pressure ventilation had begun. Yet, this pervasive phenomenon...

Breathtaking beaches--here we come!(RESPIRATORY CARE ON-LINE)
January 1, 2006... One way to enjoy a little pick-me-up in the dead of winter is to dream about your summer vacation. And what better vacation to contemplate than those wonderful summers in the sun and in the water at camp! Kids and camp go together like peanut...

On a lighter side with Andy Rooney.(columnist views)(Column)
January 1, 2006... There's no telling what wakes you on those nights you can't sleep. Last night, I awoke at 20 minutes past two. It was the sound of falling snow that did it. I knew it was snow because there was not a single, solitary sound. The silence of...

Rapidpoint 400/405 Series.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... The Rapidpoint 405 from Bayer is the first blood gas system designed for point of care testing to offer an integrated CO-oximetry module. Provides a more accurate assessment of the oxygenation status of critically ill patients, and allows for...

Audio monitoring for the sleep lab.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... Louroe Electronics manufactures audio monitoring systems; several of which are especially designed for sleep applications. The system delivers crisp, clear audio, allowing the technician to closely monitor the patient. The technician can listen...

O2 analyzers & replacement sensors.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... On May 1st, VTI, for two decades a leading manufacturer of oxygen and blood-flow monitoring products, moves from Lowell, MA to new offices and R & D and production facilities in Nashua, NH. "It's essential we move," says VTI's VP, David Regan....

Transtracheal oxygen.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... Transtracheal Systems 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 nasal pillows system.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... ResMed's Mirage Swift nasal pillows system is one of the lightest nasal pillow systems on the market. It weighs approximately 2.5 oz (70 g) and rests lightly at the entrance of the nostrils. The Mirage Swift air tube features interchangeable...

Versatile ECG/spirometry unit.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... Futuremed America introduces the P8000 Power, an economically priced instrument that lets the user start with a resting ECG and add spirometry or exercise stress testing. The P8000 has a full keyboard and the unit's high resolution screen...

Automatic respiratory products.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... VORTRAN Medical Technology 1 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 and adult...

New features on full face masks.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... Former NFL running back Owen Gill & many other patients claim that the ALIZES[TM] Nasal Mask is the world's best nasal mask and that it has saved their life. They claim it is very comfortable and quiet. The newly upgraded ALIZES[TM] Nasal...

Roche OMNI[R]S system.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... The Roche OMNI[R]S system is a complete blood gas solution designed for high-volume use. With features that deliver time and cost efficiencies, this system maximizes uptime while providing extreme convenience and control. The configurable menu...

New RAPHAEL Color ventilator.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... The US Food and Drug Administration has granted HAMILTON MEDICAL a 510(k) clearance to market a new version of its RAPHAEL Color ventilator, complete with noninvasive ventilation (NIV) and tube resistance compensation (TRC). The NIV mode is an...

90[degrees] swivel adapter.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... At first glance this product looks like a simple 90[degrees] hose barb fitting. However, this patent pending fitting swivels a full 360 degrees! Imagine the possibilities! Hose assemblies that do not kink. Improved safety. More streamlined...

High efficiency aerosol maximizer.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... Healthline offers the Medicator[R] family of high-efficiency, environmentally-protective aerosol drug delivery devices for bronchodilators, antibiotics, pentamadine, morphine, & methacholine. Like a "holding chamber" for a nebulizer. Routine...

New continuous nebulizer.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... The HOPE continuous nebulizer is improved CNBT technology, which relieves the practitioner of the laborious task of remixing SVNs every 15 minutes. HOPE allows you the ability to mix medications from one to eight hours. Heliox administration...

New swiveling hose holder.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... B & G Steel Manufacturers introduces the BRO-GHO Hose Buddy designed to be used with CPAP, air supply and oxygen hoses. This unique device turns when your patient does and takes the drag out of air supply hose, often a problem encountered with...

New Reusable Airflow Sensor.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... Dymedix Corporation, Minneapolis, MN, now has a complete line of Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) reusable sensors to complement their existing line of disposable PVDF sensors and electrodes. The RealFlo[TM] Reusable Airflow Sensor is available...

New respiratory text.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... The new edition of this outstanding reference covers core areas of respiratory care in a convenient outline format that makes it a great quick-reference guide, a handy review tool for credentialing examinations, and a comprehensive resource for...

Respiratory inductive plethysmography.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... * Superior technology for identifying and differentiating sleep apneas and for detecting hypopneas * Greater accuracy and sensitivity * The ability to assess thoracoabdominal coordination * Minimization of motion artifact. RIP is considered the...

Need CEU's tonight?(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... One-stop shopping for continuing education and career advancement exclusively for healthcare professionals. Provide highest quality, state-of-the-art, non-traditional educational programs & seminars available. Updated yearly, always timely and...

SERVO ventilators from MAQUET.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... 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,...

Website voted best for PFT supplies.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... Easy to search by catalog number or keyword, vacumed.com lists most common and many unusual PFT and Stress testing products, including photos, specifications, cross references, prices and quantity discounts: Filters, Mouthpieces, Nose Clips,...

New CPAP Interface.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... Hudson RCI, a division of Teleflex Medical, is proud to introduce the NASAL-AIRE[R] II Critical Care CPAP Interface. Unique design features make it the ideal patient interface for Non-Invasive Ventilation. The ergonomic design fits any face and...

Trusted, full range HME.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... For 15 years, the ThermoFlo[TM] System from ARC Medical has been trusted to provide humidification to patients from intubation to extubation. ThermoFlo[TM] has earned a well deserved reputation for being the finest in its field of HME devices....

New ventilator introduced.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... The Newport e500 Ventilator is a critical care ventilator for infant/pediatric and adult application. It can be used for invasive and non-invasive ventilation and it provides comprehensive mode selection, including dual modes VTPC and VTPS,...

Original inductive plethysmograph.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... Ambulatory Monitoring, Inc. provides the Intuctotrace original inductive plethysmograph design--standard for monitoring respiratory volume changes from the chest/abdominal wall. Respiratory patterns reflecting intercostal/abdominal changes,...

EasyOne Spirometry System.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... 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...

Hi-flow oxygen delivery.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... The Standard in High Flow Therapy. Vapotherm, Inc., Stevensville, MD produces the Vapotherm 2000i, a respiratory therapy device that allows high flows of breathing gases to be delivered by nasal cannula or other interfaces using a unique...

New Sleep Sensors from SLP.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... SLP Inc. recently introduced the SleepSense[R] family of sensors for the recording of sleep studies. Included in the product line are sensors for respiratory effort (disposable and reusable), airflow, motion detection, body position and...

Value in pre-owned equipment.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... 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....

Respiration Monitors.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... Rochester Electro-Medical, Inc., Tampa, FL, offers a complete line of Respiration Monitors for recording nasal/oral airflow. The newest version of their most popular UltraFlow[TM] cannula-style monitor is available in Adult and Child sizes and...

New 3 in 1 handheld monitors.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... Smiths Medical PM, Inc. offers Pulse, SpO2, and CO2 monitoring, in easy-to-use handheld devices. The BCI[R] 3301 is an affordable pulse oximeter, while the BCI[R] 3303 provides pulse oximetry monitoring with alarms, rechargeable battery, and...

MRI / Transport Ventilator.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... The pNeuton Transport Ventilator (pronounced new-ton) provides adult/pediatric volume targeted ventilation and high performance CPAP for use in Hospital, MRI and EMS environments. Pure pneumatic technology eliminates the need for any batteries....

New Sleep Sensor line.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... Sleepmate Technologies is excited to unveil the NEW LOOK of their Sleep Sensor line. The NEW Sensor Line incorporates the feedback they have received from you, the users of their products, through surveys, personal conversations and think...

Home disinfection training kit.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... 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...

Sleep diagnostic system.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... Medcare brings you Rembrandt and Somnologica, two powerful, flexible and easy to use diagnostic systems. The only company 100% devoted to sleep diagnostics, Medcare's solutions for both clinical and research applications are the systems of...

Capnography / oximeter combo.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... CAS Medical Systems, Inc., Branford, CT, introduces the first capnography / oximeter combining Masimo SET[R] pulse oximetry and Oridion Microstream[R] EtCO2 technology--the CAS 750. A compact, mobile unit at 2 kg (4.4 lbs), the 750C can operate...

Spirometer and PF Lab filters.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... The NAGEL Network, Inc. offers the four leading manufacturers of viral filters guaranteed to fit any spirometer or PF Lab. As the leading national distributor of filters we guarantee the lowest prices. Same day shipping. Overnight delivery also...

Polysomnography courses.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... The Atlanta School of Sleep Medicine and Technology offers 5 and 8 day intensive courses in clinical polysomnography for physicians, technologists, respiratory therapists, and allied health care professionals to address the needs of the entry...

Manual Jet Ventilator.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... 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...

Continuous oxygen analyzer.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... Portable and easy to use, the MiniOX 3000 Oxygen Monitor is perfect for "in line" oxygen monitoring in such applications as hospital and home ventilators, NICU, and anesthesia delivery equipment. The MiniOX 3000 Monitor features high and low...

Sleep Lab Management System.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
January 1, 2006... You have a busy sleep lab, you are probably ready for a Laboratory Management System. The Compumedics ProFusion neXus Laboratory Management System is the perfect solution for the sleep lab, hospital, office, and clinic. Providing workflow,...