FOCUS: Journal for Respiratory Care & Sleep Medicine articles from September 2004

FOCUS: Journal for Respiratory Care & Sleep Medicine archives from September 2004

Thank you for making us number 1!(NOTES FROM THE DUNGEON)
September 22, 2004... Welcome to the Fall issue of FOCUS, the number 1 magazine serving the Respiratory Care profession. That's right--NUMBER 1. What makes us #1, you ask? Well, for starters, we just became the magazine with the largest circulation of any...

A bachelor's degree for RCPs--a good idea?(respiratory care educational programs)
September 22, 2004... There have always been proponents of a baccalaureate education for RCPs. In fact, there now exist approximately 60 RC educational programs which offer a bachelor's degree. But these graduates are exceptions to the rule. After decades of debate...

When the cost to buy is just too high: equipment leasing can thaw frozen cash flow.
September 22, 2004... Hankering after those shiny new ventilators, or that sleep analysis system? Perhaps you need a new pulmonary function analyzer or even a hyperbaric chamber? Go out and buy it! Easier said than done, of course. Sometimes your institution's...

Guillain-Barre syndrome--a review.(RESPIRATORY CLINICAL KEEPER #10)
September 22, 2004... Guillain-Barre syndrome, also known as acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, acute idiopathic polyneuritis, and Landry's ascending paralysis, is a rare neuromuscular disorder characterized by an acute, ascending neuropathy. The...

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and bruxism.(SLEEP MEDICINE)
September 22, 2004... Nocturnal bruxism (involuntary repetitive grinding or clenching of the teeth during sleep) affects approximately 8-21% of adults. The force on the teeth from the repetitive contractions can be up to three times greater than that which occurs...

Managing in real time.(MANAGEMENT KEEPER # 52)
September 22, 2004... You may not have noticed but management techniques that were once considered fundamental tactics are slowly evolving, thanks to younger workers (22 to 35-years old) who are changing the rules. The boss, who would like to get rid of some of...

Does adding a flow sensor at the wye help improve patient synchrony?(RESPIRATORY RESEARCH)
September 22, 2004... For this Fall issue of Focus 2004, we will discuss a research project funded by an outside agency. Outside agencies include pharmaceutical companies, equipment manufacturers, and private or government grant sources. We will always follow the...

Understanding the basics of signal generation.
September 22, 2004... I can vividly remember being trained on the procedure of hooking up a patient for a sleep study. I was completely overwhelmed at the wires and having to remember how and where to properly place them on the patient. I was trained using a color...

Traveling by car with oxygen therapy.(RESPIRATORY HOMECARE)
September 22, 2004... The demand for improved portable oxygen systems continues to rise as home oxygen therapy patients demand the ability to leave their residence so as to achieve the goal of leading a more active lifestyle. Home patients are more mobile than ever...

Restrictions on spirometry.
September 22, 2004... Spirometry is well established as the "Gold Standard" to diagnose airway obstruction. Its ability to identify restriction, however, has not been well studied until recently. Classically, a restrictive ventilatory defect (restriction) is defined...

Dying in your sleep: thank evolution.
September 22, 2004... When I first started in respiratory therapy all I knew about sleep was that it was something to be coveted and craved, especially after running your tail off on a double (16 hour) shift. I know now that there were pioneers in this field who...

Bronchiectasis: a brief review.(cough, dyspnea, and expiration of foul secretions)
September 22, 2004... Perhaps the most prevalent pathophysiologic process that Respiratory Therapists encounter yet rarely discuss, is bronchiectasis. Bronchiectasis is a common development within the context of numerous disease states and yet the reviews and...

Honesty is best policy when dealing with financial adviser.
September 22, 2004... Americans sometimes fib about their weight, their age, their drinking habits, how much TV they watch and whether they ate dessert last night so it's hardly a stretch to accept that they'd fib to a financial adviser about their income, savings...

A dose of common sense: an elixir of hope!(health care)
September 22, 2004... Health care in this nation is just beginning to emerge from a vicious, slash and burn, bully-as-winner era during which consultants, much like the proverbial locusts, ate up the harvest. What is a little concerning, is that many of the same...

Newport's new e500 ventilator.(Product/Service Evaluation)
September 22, 2004... Because we have a great number of new readers we thought that a small re-introduction to what this review column is all about might be in order. First, let us be clear when we say that neither we, nor the university, receive any compensation...

Oh no, it's vitamin O!(RESPIRATORY CARE ON-LINE)
September 22, 2004... Did you know that "Vitamin O Heals Inside and Out"? Vitamin O, also known as "stabilized oxygen" is sold in liquid form. When drops are held briefly in the mouth (or when sprayed in the mouth cavity) this super-charged stabilized liquid oxygen...

Need sleep tech education? Go to the source!(polysomnographic educational material)
September 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...

JCAHO implements study on smoking cessation in hospitals.(JCAHO NEWS)
September 22, 2004... In late August, the Joint Commission announced that it is participating in an externally funded research study on smoking cessation counseling offered to patients in hospitals nationwide. The Joint Commission sent a survey to 185 hospitals...

Identifying and treating insomnia complaints.(SLEEP MEDICINE)
September 22, 2004... Insomnia is a prevalent problem in a large segment of the population. The underlying causes of insomnia must be evaluated prior to determining any treatment plan. Some patients experience difficulty falling asleep. There are also instances when...

A meeting of the minds.(FOCUS ON EDUCATION)
September 22, 2004... Health literacy, the ability to read, understand and act appropriately on health care information, directly affects an individual's ability to access services and successfully communicate with health care providers. In the last "Focus on...

Uniform Reporting Manual, 4th Edition.(American Association for Respiratory Care)(Editorial)
September 22, 2004... The long-awaited 4th Edition of the AARC's Uniform Reporting Manual (URM) for Acute Care Hospitals has finally been released. And not a moment too soon. I believe the previous release was in 1993. A lot has changed since then. On the one hand,...

Sleep Lab Compliance and the Law.
September 22, 2004... Seeking legal counsel can financially challenge even the deepest coffers when considering the time it takes to interpret legal jargon. The clock ticking while retained counsel pours over exhibits and laws can leave those holding the purse...

Hyperbaric files: post-radiation therapy injury.(HYPERBARIC MEDICINE)
September 22, 2004... Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) demonstrates excellent results for initiating the healing process in tissues that have been exposed to certain types of radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is used to successfully treat many types of cancers...

What's in a name? When it comes to vent modes, "god only knows"!(ventilators)
September 22, 2004... A frustrating aspect of critical care today is the multitude of modes available on mechanical ventilators and their varying names. As new modes and new brands of ventilators continue to enter the market, the problem seems to be increasing. When...

On a lighter side with Andy Rooney.(about social security)(Column)
September 22, 2004... People ask me when I'm going to retire. How about never. Would that be an acceptable answer? I concede the possibility I might die someday, but I won't be retired when that happens unless someone retires me. It won't be an action I take and if...

Professional staffing services.
September 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 staffing needs of...

Audio monitoring for the sleep lab.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 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...

O2 analyzers & replacement sensors.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 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...

Littmann Stethoscope Model 2000.
September 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...

New airway pressure monitor.
September 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...

Versatile ECG/spirometry unit.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 22, 2004... Futuremed introduces the P8000 Power, an economically priced instrument that lets the user start with a resting ECG and add spirometry or exercise stress testing. Full keyboard. High resolution screen allows real time display of Flow/Volume...

New humidifier heater.
September 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.
September 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...

Medtrade award winner.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 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...

Portex[R] tracheostomy products.
September 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,...

VIP[TM] Oro-Nasal CPAP Vmasks.
September 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...

Value in pre-owned equipment.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 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, backed with full warranties....

New transport ventilator.
September 22, 2004... The Pneuton Transport Ventilator (pronounced newton) provides adult/pediatric volume targeted ventilation and high performance CPAP for use in hospital, MRI and EMS environments. Fully pneumatic technology eliminates the need for batteries. A...

New text and audio CD.
September 22, 2004... By Robert L. Wilkins; John E. Hodgkin; and Brad Lopez. This text and audio CD provide all the essential information needed to interpret cardiopulmonary auscultation for accurate, efficient patient care. Content has been expanded in this edition...

Home disinfection training kit.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 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...

Economical oximetry sensors.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 22, 2004... Finally! Nellcor[R] oximetry sensor patents have expired. Now there are choices when it comes to quality, performance and savings. Dolphin Medical, the company which has supplied oximetry sensors for over 20 years, is now able to offer the...

New Keystone 3 PFT lung analyzer.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 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...

Modular blood gas system.
September 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, extensive...

Bronchial provocation device.
September 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...

Accurate peak flow meters.
September 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...

New oxygen monitor.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 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...

New swiveling hose holder.
September 22, 2004... 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. Solid steel, powder coated,...

New electronic oxygen conserver.
September 22, 2004... The LOTUS[TM] Electronic Oxygen Conserver is the newest addition to CHAD Therapeutics' line of oxygen conserving devices and offers the same features you've come to depend on in the OXYMATIC[R] 400 Series line with these new upgrades: sleek,...

Sleep Medicine courses.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 22, 2004... The California Institute of Sleep Medicine offers a three-day "Introduction to Polysomnographic Technology" course and a two-day "Scoring Workshop" course. The three-day course starts on a Friday and ends on a Sunday and the two-day course is...

Rapid battery charger.
September 22, 2004... Impact Instrumentation announces release of the new Model 811 Battery Pack Rapid Charger. It can recharge the Uni-Vent[R] Models 754 and 750 Portable Ventilators and Model 326 Portable Aspirator batteries in a fraction of the time that it takes...

The secretion solution.
September 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]...

New ventilator introduced.
September 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...

New desktop format spirometer.
September 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...

EasyOne Spirometry System.
September 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...

Manual Jet Ventilator.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 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...

New features on full face masks.
September 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...

Cable rebuilding and replacement.
September 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.
September 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...

Finger Oximeter.
September 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,...

Comfort Seal[TM] Foam on ALIZES[TM].
September 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...

New octagonal sleep watch.
September 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...