FOCUS: Journal for Respiratory Care & Sleep Medicine articles from June 2005

FOCUS: Journal for Respiratory Care & Sleep Medicine archives from June 2005

Notes from the dungeon.(Editorial)
June 22, 2005... Welcome to the Summer issue of FOCUS... and an extra special welcome to the senior students of all RT & Sleep Medicine programs in the U.S. who are receiving FOCUS for the first time with this issue. We recently distributed this issue to...

Domestic partner benefits.(MANAGEMENT)
June 22, 2005... With a growing number of states legalizing same-sex marriage or equivalent domestic unions, human resources departments face the challenge of re-writing personnel policies to adapt to new realities. Recent events have raised the flames...

Ventilation/perfusion concepts.(RESPIRATORY CLINICAL KEEPER #13)
June 22, 2005... Respiratory therapists confront hypoxemia on a daily basis. Some forms of hypoxemia are amenable to oxygen therapy, but other forms are refractory to oxygen administration. Some types of hypoxemia can be corrected by applying common low-flow...

Palatal implants: a new surgical technique for sleep apnea.(SLEEP MEDICINE)
June 22, 2005... Sleep apnea occurs when tissues in the oropharynx block the airway during sleep. The typical surgery for sleep apnea--uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)--removes the uvula and excessive fatty tissue in the oropharynx in order to widen the upper...

How to prove your work makes a difference.(MANAGEMENT KEEPER # 55)
June 22, 2005... The economy continues to stumble defying all predictions of a robust recovery. Layoffs continue and have morphed from getting rid of the redundant to an ongoing pruning. (Top management might call this "re-engineering.") The major enemies...

Does compliance with guidelines for the reduction of VAP lower the incidence?(RESPIRATORY RESEARCH)
June 22, 2005... For this issue of Focus, we will discuss a Respiratory Care Practitioner Performance Improvement (PI) project. This continues the format of alternating articles in each issue of Focus representing a PI research project with a research project...

Sleep disorders in children: the need for early diagnosis, treatment & prevention--Part II.(SLEEP MEDICINE)
June 22, 2005... Childhood sleep disorders are common. Unfortunately they are under recognized and under diagnosed and the consequences of poor sleep in children are just beginning to be fully appreciated. The newly published International Classification of...

Selecting appropriate [O.sub.2] therapy equipment for the home.(RESPIRATORY HOMECARE)
June 22, 2005... There are, of course, many ways to provide oxygen therapy in a residence and the options available have increased greatly over the past few years as new technologies have presented themselves. The increase is also a result of a shift from...

Why do we measure lung function in patients with known obstructive lung diseases?(PULMONARY FUNCTION TESTING)
June 22, 2005... The National Asthma Education Project recommendations for treating asthma are based on an assessment of asthma severity. Their scale begins with mild, moves to intermittent and then continues through to severe and persistent. The categories are...

Assessment of the sleep disordered patient.(SLEEP MEDICINE)
June 22, 2005... Rapidly growing public awareness of sleep disorders, through debate and marketing, has motivated sufferers to seek answers for their sleep complaints. The challenge for sleep medicine professionals is to determine which complaints eminate from...

The clinical application of the ventilator "bundle" in the prevention of ventilator associated pneumonia.(RESPIRATORY CLINICAL)
June 22, 2005... I must begin this column with a huge nod towards the recent work of the ATS and the AARC in disseminating the information about Ventilator Associated Pneumonia, (VAP). The ATS published an exhaustive guideline that is an essential read for...

The public's health.(ETHICS IN MANAGEMENT)
June 22, 2005... 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...

ABG temperature correction: to correct or not to correct; that is the question.(THE BLOOD GAS LABORATORY)
June 22, 2005... A colleague recently asked me what the latest recommendations were for ABG temperature correction. I had to admit that I was not sure what the current thinking was, so I went on a journey through the literature to see if I could determine the...

Identifying in-patients with sleep disordered breathing.(SLEEP MEDICINE)
June 22, 2005... Patients come to their doctors with a myriad of misperceptions when it comes to their sleeping. The most frequent complaints are that they can't sleep, or that they wake up multiple times, often to urinate in the middle of the night. Some offer...

'Big Three' automakers show signs of life.(PERSONAL FINANCE)
June 22, 2005... For the Big Three automakers, it's out with the old and in with the new, which has been a bonus for car buyers but isn't guaranteed to be as good a deal for investors. This summer's aggressive discount pricing by the Big Three U.S. automakers...

Closing the quality gap in a competitive bidding environment with clinical respiratory standards.(FOCUS ON RESPIRATORY HOMECARE)
June 22, 2005... The disturbing gap in quality that exists in healthcare can be remedied by implementing consistent clinical quality standards that ensure quality while decreasing healthcare costs. The U.S. health care system's spending growth outpaces all...

EasyOne[TM] diagnostic spirometer (ndd Medical Technologies).(UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS EQUIPMENT REVIEWS)(Product/Service Evaluation)
June 22, 2005... In this issue of Focus we report our evaluation of the EasyOne Diagnostic Spirometer by ndd Medical Technologies. The EasyOne Spirometer is small, light weight and battery powered. It is designed for bedside, outpatient, including...

Newbies! 'Tis the season.(RESPIRATORY CARE ON-LINE)(Column)
June 22, 2005... When I first graduated I think that they purposefully made my classmates and I believe that we could do anything and everything. Right out of the gate we believed that we were great respiratory therapists. We knew EVERYTHING that we needed to...

JCAHO establishes International Center for Patient Safety.(JCAHO NEWS)
June 22, 2005... The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and Joint Commission Resources (JCR) announced the establishment of the Joint Commission International Center for Patient Safety in March of this year. The Center is a...

Capture the teaching moment.(FOCUS ON EDUCATION)
June 22, 2005... Terri Schiavo, 41 years old, died two weeks after the feeding tube which had kept her alive since 1990 was removed. She had suffered brain damage from cerebral anoxia and was long ago declared to be in a "persistent vegetative state." ...

Critical Diagnostic Thinking in Respiratory Care--a case-based approach.
June 22, 2005... First things first... This is an excellent book and I highly recommend it to all RTs who are involved or will be involved with direct patient care. Even if you are an old-timer who has logged thousands of hours at the inner sanctum of the...

Hyperbaric files: Medicare and diabetic wounds.(HYPERBARIC MEDICINE)
June 22, 2005... I realize that all of us in healthcare are challenged when working with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and their decisions regarding coverage and reimbursement issues, however it seems that the hyperbaric industry has had more than...

Getting your patient in tune with pressure support ventilation.(MECHANICAL VENTILATION)
June 22, 2005... When mechanical ventilation is initially instituted on a patient, dys-synchrony is not usually problematic, providing the patient is adequately sedated. These patients are on a control mode of ventilation such as volume or pressure...

On a lighter side with Andy Rooney.(Column)
June 22, 2005... Several times in the past five years, I've had some medical attention from doctors like ophthalmologists, orthopedists and cardiologists, or semi-doctors like podiatrists, optometrists and chiropractors. In each case, I've showed my card from...

New Endotracheal Tube Holder.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
June 22, 2005... The new Dale[R] Stabilock[TM] Endotracheal Tube Holder provides a more secure method of stabilization giving clinicians a better way to prevent accidental extubation. The comfortable latex-free system is easy to apply, secures most endotracheal...

Audio monitoring for the sleep lab.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)(Buyers Guide)
June 22, 2005... 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)(Buyers Guide)
June 22, 2005... 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....

WinDX Revelation upgrade.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
June 22, 2005... Creative Biomedics Inc. announces the WinDX Revelation, the latest upgrade to their Windows based spirometry system that offers customized printouts and review screens. Tailored test reports include everything from single test, pre-med, or...

New nasal pillows system.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
June 22, 2005... 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)
June 22, 2005... 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)
June 22, 2005... 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...

Digital fingertip pulse oximeter[TM].(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)(Buyers Guide)
June 22, 2005... Nonin's Onyx[R] 9500 brings portability and durability to a new level. Incorporating proven pulse oximetry and sensor into one unit, the Onyx provides a cost-effective solution for spot-checks and short-term monitoring. Used by clinicians...

Reusable compatible oximetry sensors.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)(Buyers Guide)
June 22, 2005... The Dolphin 2000/3000[TM] sensor line provides a full range of reusable and disposable compatible pulse oximetry sensors, including Nellcor[R] compatible sensors. Dolphin Medical has developed more than 150 oximetry sensors, including high...

Transtracheal oxygen.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)(Buyers Guide)
June 22, 2005... 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 medication from Nephron.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
June 22, 2005... Nephron Pharmaceuticals introduces the first and only FDA approved generic version of Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Solution, 0.042% individually foil wrapped and bar coded. Therapists or patients no longer have the exhausting task of using...

Trusted, full range HME.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
June 22, 2005... 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)
June 22, 2005... 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,...

New desktop format Spirometer.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)(Buyers Guide)
June 22, 2005... Ferraris Respiratory introduces the KoKo LEGEND, an 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...

EasyOne Spirometry System.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
June 22, 2005... 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...

Information management solution.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)(Buyers Guide)
June 22, 2005... AegisPOC is the new critical care and point-of-care connectivity and information management solution from Laboratory Data Systems. Provides connectivity to vendors, blood gas, glucose, coagulation and other devices while providing functionality...

New features on full face masks.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
June 22, 2005... 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...

Cable rebuilding and replacement.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
June 22, 2005... Beta Biomed offers cost effective repair, rebuild or replacement of all Pulse Ox Finger Sensor Cables and includes a one-year warranty to go with those repairs. We also repair fetal monitoring cables, ECG recording and monitoring cables, Holter...

Original inductive plethysmograph.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
June 22, 2005... 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,...

New 3 in 1 handheld monitors.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)(Buyers Guide)
June 22, 2005... 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...

New transport ventilator.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
June 22, 2005... 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....

Education to advance your career.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
June 22, 2005... Education to advance your career on your schedule, 24/7. CCHS offers Master's, Bachelor's and Associate degree level programs for working healthcare professionals that need to keep their jobs while advancing their careers. CCHS has been helping...

Home disinfection training kit.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)(Buyers Guide)
June 22, 2005... 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)
June 22, 2005... 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)(Buyers Guide)
June 22, 2005... 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...

Modular blood gas system.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
June 22, 2005... 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, extensive...

Bronchial provocation device.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
June 22, 2005... 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...

Inspiratory training device.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
June 22, 2005... The InCheck DIAL from Alliance Tech Medical is an Inspiratory training device to teach proper Inspiratory flow techniques for aerosol delivery devices. InCheck DIAL enables the practitioner to set the unit to the aerosol device prescribed, and...

Continuous oxygen analyzer.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)(Buyers Guide)
June 22, 2005... 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...

New modules for EEG/PSG system.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
June 22, 2005... Cadwell Laboratories is now shipping two new modules for its Easy[R] Ambulatory 2 EEG/PSG system. The Limb Movement and Body Position modules are about the size of a small wrist watch and are worn by the patient. Cadwell's proprietary...

New Sleep Sensor line.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)(Buyers Guide)
June 22, 2005... 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...

CASS Suction Regulator.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
June 22, 2005... The clinical effort to reduce rates of ventilator-associated pneumonia includes removal of subglottic secretions. Boehringer Laboratories, Inc. proudly introduces the only suction regulator specifically designed to aid in the efficient...

Comfort Seal[TM] foam on ALIZES[TM].(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
June 22, 2005... The 7600 Vmask[TM] is the only steam auto-clavable, hot water pasteurizable & dishwasher safe Oro-Nasal(full face) CPAP Mask which fits under the patient's chin to maintain a leak free, comfortable fit and eliminating the mask riding up the...

Smiths to acquire Medex.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)(Buyers Guide)
June 22, 2005... Smiths Group will acquire Medex, Inc., which will enhance the presence of Smiths Medical in the US and internationally for devices used in critical care. Medex is a leading supplier of infusion equipment specializing in intravenous infusion...

New sleep products from SLP.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
June 22, 2005... 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)
June 22, 2005... 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....

Sleep Medicine courses.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)(Buyers Guide)
June 22, 2005... The California Institute of Sleep Medicine, an internationally recognized school provides an ideal environment for learning. Learn the basics of Polysomnographic Technology from experienced staff. We offer a three day introductory course to...

Ambu Laryngeal Mask.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
June 22, 2005... As a sterile, single-use product, the Ambu Laryngeal Mask significantly reduces the risk of cross-contamination and other health hazards. Yet even though it is disposable, the mask is also remarkably cost-effective in use. State-of-the-art...

New electronic oxygen conserver.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
June 22, 2005... The newest addition to CHAD Therapeutics' best-selling line of oxygen conserving devices offers proven technology and reliable performance in a cutting edge design! In addition to the features you've come to depend on in the OXY-MATIC[R] 400...

New digital finger pulse oximeter.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
June 22, 2005... Micro Direct is pleased to announce the release of the PulseOx 5500 digital finger pulse oximeter. The PulseOx 5500 offers the features of a conventional oximeter in a compact, user-friendly, portable configuration. The PulseOx 5500 accurately...

New CPAP Interface.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
June 22, 2005... 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...

Sleep Lab Management System.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
June 22, 2005... 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,...

Rapidpoint 400/405 series.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
June 22, 2005... 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...

New respiratory care text.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
June 22, 2005... Critical Diagnostic Thinking in Respiratory Care James K. Stoller, MD; Eric D. Bakow, MA, MPM, RRT; and David Longworth, MD This case-based approach to decision-making in respiratory care offers a thorough introduction to the processes involved...

Osmetech expands OPTI family.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)(Buyers Guide)
June 22, 2005... Osmetech now offers the Osmetech OPTI' R Blood Gas Analyzer with a convenient reusable sensor cassette. Cassettes will be available in a variety of sizes for different usage rates. The OPTI R measures pH, blood gas, Na, K, iCa, total hemoglobin...

Spirometer and PF Lab filters.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
June 22, 2005... 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...

New swiveling hose holder.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
June 22, 2005... 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...

Need CEU's tonight?(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
June 22, 2005... One-stop shopping for continuing education and career advancement exclusively for healthcare professionals. We provide you with the highest quality, state-of-the-art, non-traditional educational programs and seminars available anywhere. They...