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

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

Notes from the dungeon.(FOCUS Journal - Conference reports)
March 22, 2005... Welcome to the Spring issue of FOCUS Journal. We've been busy since we got back from our 5th anniversary conference in Cleveland and very excited by the way it all turned out. We had an excellent group of 1447 attendees, great weather, superb...

Laughter in the workplace.
March 22, 2005... Work, especially patient care, is no laughing matter, right? That's the common wisdom. But managers everywhere are discovering something else: Some lighthearted play at work can boost the bottom line of morale and productivity. "Humor is a...

Evaluation of blood oxygenation.
March 22, 2005... Applying critical thinking and problem solving skills when assessing the oxygenation status of the blood of a patient can be considered the cornerstone of respiratory therapy. Every clinical day respiratory therapists treat patients who have...

New hope for insomnia.
March 22, 2005... Physicians are often hesitant to prescribe a sleeping medication for a long period of time for patients with chronic insomnia. Long-term use of medications such as benzodiazepines can result in dependence and subsequent problems such as,...

8 traits of the perpetually employed person.
March 22, 2005... At least once a year we talk to human resources folk who've had to orchestrate organization-wide layoffs. In some cases, a hundred or more walked the plank at one time; in others, the layoffs were ongoing and choices as to who would go, and...

Does quinupristin/dalfopristin (Synercid[R]) treat nosocomial pneumonia comparably to vancomycin?(RESPIRATORY RESEARCH)
March 22, 2005... For this issue of Focus, we will discuss a Respiratory Care Research project funded by an outside agency. Outside agencies include pharmaceutical companies, equipment manufacturers and private or government grant sources. The...

Sleep disorders in children: the need for early diagnosis, treatment & prevention.(SLEEP MEDICINE)
March 22, 2005... In 1993 the National Center for Sleep Disorders Research published data indicating that 25% of children between 1 and 5 years of age experience some type of sleep disturbance. We also know that childhood sleep disturbances tend to persist if...

David Baker named Medcare President.(Appointment)(Brief Article)
March 22, 2005... David Baker has been named President of Medcare worldwide. Medcare, best known for its Rembrandt and Somnologica systems, is a leader in sleep diagnostic products, with major market share in North America and Europe. Baker has more than 20...

Discharge planning for the NPPV patient.(noninvasive positive pressure ventilation )
March 22, 2005... With decreasing length of patient stays in health care facilities, patient discharges involving noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV), including respiratory assist devices, are generally a frustrating experience for the referral...

Taking pulmonary laboratory quality control to a higher level.(PULMONARY FUNCTION TESTING)
March 22, 2005... In previous articles we have discussed how quality control reduces noise and errors and thereby increases the clinical value of the tests we deliver. Precise and accurate instruments are critical. Our most recent experience shows almost all...

Treatments of insomnia.(SLEEP MEDICINE)
March 22, 2005... I talked in my last article about the increased community awareness of Insomnia. It is advertised, talked about and debated in almost every venue in America. Interestingly, many of us working in sleep medicine have very little to do with the...

Upper respiratory tract infections.(RESPIRATORY CLINICAL)
March 22, 2005... It remains an interesting aspect of the social life of Respiratory Therapists that we are rarely, if ever, sought out as primary sources of public health information. That being said, I find it worthy of note that our most frequent non-hospital...

Integrity and success are not oxymorons.
March 22, 2005... If you are reading this essay at all, I presume that you are concerned about two things: one is success and the other is personal integrity. Thus I base my remarks on two premises: 1) that there is tacit agreement that in the workplace, you...

Sabg interpretation--which method should we use in the clinical setting?
March 22, 2005... A research article published in 2002 looked at physician expectations of respiratory care practitioners in patient assessment skills. The assessment skill that was ranked first by physicians was assessment of breath sounds. The skill that was...

Can therapists be trained as polysomnography techs? Sure ... but at what cost?(SLEEP MEDICINE)
March 22, 2005... Just a few years ago organized respiratory therapy decided, after mysteriously remaining mute on the subject for 20+ years, that the diagnosis of Sleep Disordered Breathing or Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome together with the titration of CPAP,...

Internet is ripe for investment scams.
March 22, 2005... Old scams don't die. They just modernize. Thirty-five years ago, my Aunt Elizabeth was stopped in her bank parking lot by a polite young man who explained that he had discovered $500 in cash and was willing to split it with her. His only...

Economic analysis of home oxygen delivery.
March 22, 2005... To control acute care hospital costs the centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) changed the reimbursement system from cost to the Prospective Payment System in the 1980s. Faced with declining Medicare reimbursement with no change in...

Limb-O[TM] breathing circuit (Vital Signs, Inc.).(UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS EQUIPMENT REVIEWS)(Product/Service Evaluation)
March 22, 2005... In this issue of Focus we undertake to report on our evaluation of the Limb-O breathing circuit by Vital Signs, Inc. At first glance the Limb-O circuit looks like most other ventilator or CPAP circuits. Then you look again, more closely,...

How virtual is too virtual?(Online respiratory care)
March 22, 2005... CPR recertification is one of those annual "chores" that most health care professionals groan and procrastinate through. Many of us will complete the class at the very last minute with our managers ripping at their hair to get us to go to the...

Patient safety vs. medical liability: can both be improved?(JCAHO NEWS)
March 22, 2005... The JCAHO has been beating the drum regarding patient safety for nearly a decade. It began with the Sentinel Event voluntary reporting system and the subsequent Sentinel Event Alerts. This information was the basis for the National Patient...

Quality assurance in the sleep center.(SLEEP MEDICINE)
March 22, 2005... Many of the procedures and processes used in a sleep center are unique; and comparable goals for development exist in all areas of health care. One of these goals is to monitor items that are "high volume" or "high risk" as well as those that...

The faculty shortage.(FOCUS ON EDUCATION)
March 22, 2005... Although some health fields date back to the 19th century, it was federal health professions legislation in the 1960s that introduced the concept of allied health. Following that, the Department of Health & Human Services implemented the...

Clinical blood gases: Assessment & Intervention, 2nd edition.(Book Review)
March 22, 2005... While literally all of the major comprehensive respiratory therapy textbooks include chapters on blood gases, none goes into the depth and detail that a dedicated book on the subject could. But oddly, there have only been a few books devoted...

Shiftwork Practices 2005.(Sleep disorders)
March 22, 2005... One-fifth of North American workers are employed outside of the conventional business day. Considering that this equals 24 million individuals, the extended hours workplace is likely not to be considered just a passing phenomena. Sleep...

Hyperbaric files: oxygen toxicity.(HYPERBARIC MEDICINE)
March 22, 2005... Too much of good thing can be bad for you--including oxygen. Ask an anaerobe bacteria. I first heard of problems associated with oxygen when I was learning about COPD patients and oxygen-induced hypercarbia. High blood levels of oxygen in...

RC_World on-line forum--open for learning everyday.(RESPIRATORY CARE ON-LINE)
March 22, 2005... Today's internet provides us with a wealth of information. One useful tool is that of discussion groups and other formats that allow for specific problems or points of view to be analyzed by others with a common interest. These groups can be...

Combination modes of ventilation: trying to please everyone.
March 22, 2005... As discussed in our last article in the Winter 2005 issue of Focus, there are clinicians who prefer volume-control ventilation (VCV) over pressure-control ventilation (PCV) and visa versa. It is comparable to the political scene in the United...

On a lighter side with Andy Rooney.
March 22, 2005... Our government is collecting something like two trillion dollars from us in taxes this year. There are a thousand billion in a trillion, and a thousand million in a billion. Two trillion has 12 zeroes. It looks like this: $2,000,000,000,000....

"Front office" from Bio-logic.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)(Buyers Guide)
March 22, 2005... Bio-logic Systems Corp introduces the Sleepscan "Front Office", a comprehensive information management system that allows you to manage everything from scheduling and resource management to reports and final archiving. The Sleepscan Patient...

Audio monitoring for the sleep lab.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)(Buyers Guide)
March 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)
March 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)(Buyers Guide)
March 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)(Buyers Guide)
March 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)(Buyers Guide)
March 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)(Buyers Guide)
March 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)
March 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...

Sleep diagnostics reusable sensors.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)(Buyers Guide)
March 22, 2005... Dymedix Corporation of Minneapolis Minnesota, for years known as the world's only producer of a full line of both reusable and disposable sensors for sleep diagnostics, has now introduced RealFlo and RealSnor as reusable sensors for sleep...

Transtracheal oxygen.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)(Buyers Guide)
March 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 Transport Ventilator.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)(Buyers Guide)
March 22, 2005... The pNeulon 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)(Buyers Guide)
March 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)
March 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...

Sleep diagnostic system.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)(Buyers Guide)
March 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)
March 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)(Buyers Guide)
March 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)(Buyers Guide)
March 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)(Buyers Guide)
March 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)
March 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 version of The Vest[TM].(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)(Buyers Guide)
March 22, 2005... Hill-Rom now offers a specially-designed version of its popular The Vest[TM] Airway Clearance System for use in busy hospital environments. The Vest[TM] system's automated high-frequency chest wall oscillation therapy has become an effective...

Unique humidification system.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)(Buyers Guide)
March 22, 2005... The Medex humidification chamber system includes a unique auto-feed design for use with industry-standard heater bases during high frequency CPAP ventilation. Airway Management devices include the SecureEasy[R] endotracheal tube holder and the...

Trusted, full range HME.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)(Buyers Guide)
March 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)
March 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)
March 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)(Buyers Guide)
March 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)
March 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)(Buyers Guide)
March 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)
March 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)
March 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)
March 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...

VIP[TM] Oro-Nasal CPAP Vmasks.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
March 22, 2005... The Hans Rudolph product line consists of: Full Face & Nasal Masks for CPAP & NPPV therapy, PF Testing, Stress/Exercise Testing, Anesthesia, Human & Animal Research and Sleep Studies. Directional Control Respiratory Valves made in manual...

CASS suction regulator.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
March 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)
March 22, 2005... The 7600 Vmask[TM] is the only steam autoclavable, 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)
March 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)(Buyers Guide)
March 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...

Servo ventilators from Maquet.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
March 22, 2005... 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,...

Sleep Medicine courses.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
March 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...

Watch-like pulse oximeter.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)(Buyers Guide)
March 22, 2005... Konica Minolta's PULSOX-3 series of pulse oximeters can be worn like a watch. Features range from basic pulse rate and SpO2 with pulse level bar to 24-hour memory, alarm functions, and a selection of sensors. Body movement is recorded with...

New electronic oxygen conserver.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)(Buyers Guide)
March 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 OXYMATIC[R] 400...

New Sleep Sensor line.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)(Buyers Guide)
March 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...

J.H. Emerson CoughAssist.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)(Buyers Guide)
March 22, 2005... Patients with neuromuscular weakness or other paralytic condition are often unable cough effectively. While vibratory techniques are often effective in mobilizing retained secretions, they require active coughing or tracheal suctioning to...

Full-range respiratory homecare.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)(Buyers Guide)
March 22, 2005... Offering a comprehensive range of home respiratory medications and therapy, home infusion therapy & home medical equipment services, Apria Healthcare is America's leading provider of home healthcare products and services. Apria employs...

Rapidpoint 400/405 Series.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)(Buyers Guide)
March 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...

Unique tubing support system.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)(Buyers Guide)
March 22, 2005... Intersurgical Incorporated introduces the unique "Knucklehead" tubing support system designed to overcome the traditional problems associated with tubing support arms, such as high costs, breakage, and accidental extubation. "Knucklehead" has...

New interface from Osmetech.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)(Buyers Guide)
March 22, 2005... The Osmetech OPTI CCA has been redesigned to incorporate a color touch screen. This new interface will provide point-of-care operators with the same reliability as the original OPTI CCA while providing intuitive operation. The Osmetech OPTI CCA...

Spirometer and PF Lab filters.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)(Buyers Guide)
March 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)(Buyers Guide)
March 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...

2nd edition blood gas text.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
March 22, 2005... The new 2nd edition of Clinical Blood Gases: Assessment and Intervention has been completely updated with state-of-the-art information on arterial blood gases. Coverage includes technical issues in blood gas analysis, basic physiology, clinical...

New interfaces from LDS.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
March 22, 2005... Laboratory Data Systems has released several blood gas testing instrument interfaces for the AegisPOC Critical Care and Point-of-Care Information Management System. The interfaces now available include the Bayer 405, the Radiometer 700 and 800...

Sleep Lab Management System.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
March 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,...

New Washington State Lab needs Polysomnographer!(RECRUITMENT ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
March 22, 2005... Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital (YVMH) named in Fortune Magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For in America" (2003) has a unique full-time opportunity for a Registered Polysomnographer for a newly opened 6-bed sleep lab. YVMH maintains a...