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

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

Notes from the dungeon.
September 22, 2005... Welcome to the Fall issue of FOCUS, our last before we celebrate our 15th anniversary in January and go from being a quarterly magazine to a bi-monthly one. We just distributed this issue to over 52,000 professionals in respiratory care and...

Hiring and keeping the 'A' player.(MANAGEMENT)
September 22, 2005... What personal characteristic makes the best hire? Until recently, most employers would place their bets on "competency," or the command of needed skills. As we enter the 2006 marketplace, though, employers are looking for candidates who can not...

Carbon monoxide poisoning.(RESPIRATORY CLINICAL KEEPER #14)
September 22, 2005... Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic gas that is invisible, odorless, colorless, non-irritating, and tasteless. CO is a by-product of incomplete combustion of carbon-containing materials. With CO being as old as fire itself, one can only imagine the...

Sleep apnea and the eyes.(SLEEP MEDICINE)
September 22, 2005... Untreated sleep apnea can contribute to problems with the cardiovascular system (e.g., hypertension), the heart (e.g., arrhythmia), the kidneys (e.g., nephrotic syndrome), the liver (e.g., hypoxic hepatitis), and the central nervous system...

Are you a victim of salary compression?(MANAGEMENT KEEPER # 56)
September 22, 2005... During the last recession, employees worried more about unemployment than equitable compensation. The reverse is true today. Salaries are now so fluid that a salary range is really a target, not a box. Here's an example. A hospital which hired...

Are there staging and outcome criteria for end-of-life COPD patients?(RESPIRATORY RESEARCH)
September 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. We will continue to...

Sleep health awareness: the need for collaborative effort.(SLEEP MEDICINE)
September 22, 2005... The goal of this article is to review tools and resources available to expand awareness of sleep disorders, and to suggest possible forums for action. The objective is to empower individuals with the ability to impact their local communities...

Federal government makes air travel with oxygen easier.(RESPIRATORY HOMECARE)
September 22, 2005... The goal for any respiratory patient being discharged to their private residence is to resume a lifestyle as close to normal as possible. This includes those being discharged onto home oxygen therapy. For many years even getting out into the...

Marketing and promoting your pulmonary function laboratory.(PULMONARY FUNCTION TESTING)
September 22, 2005... The steps in marketing and promoting a pulmonary function laboratory are the same as those for marketing any business. They include four important elements: 1. Branding, the process of developing brand name quality. 2. Offering a...

Prevention: the way to respond.(Hurricane Katrina, 2005's disaster)
September 22, 2005... I spent the afternoon with my 98 year old grandfather who is recovering from a serious health scare in a nursing facility. We spent time watching the news as the display of Hurricane Katrina destruction was reported on. We tried to comprehend...

Clinical assessment of the mechanically ventilated patient: a pragmatists' guide.(RESPIRATORY CLINICAL)
September 22, 2005... Mechanical ventilation is the most common intervention in Critical Care. Indeed, the clinical utilization of mechanical ventilation has grown exponentially in the past decade. This can be attributed in large part to advances in medical...

Healthcare's top 10 issues for 2006.(ETHICS IN MANAGEMENT)
September 22, 2005... It's time to shimmy up an oar and survey our particular swamp. These are the facts and issues as I see them. Here's my predictions pertaining to the top 10 Healthcare issues of 2006: 1. Upsizing the system -- How often have you heard the...

"Final" CLIA regulations: highlights and controversy.(blood gas analysis)
September 22, 2005... The "Final" CLIA regulations were published on January 24, 2003. The regulations have been rewritten to include issues involving the work flow from pre-analytical issues, analytical issues, and post-analytical issues. This change was...

Re-inventing two thousand years of nasal CPAP.(SLEEP MEDICINE)
September 22, 2005... Although the history of sleep medicine and its associated trappings including nasal CPAP are usually believed to be a hundred years old or less, it boggles the mindto realize that some ancient biblical scribe authoring Genesis attributes the...

Big pharma's problems provide opportunities for biotech sector.(PERSONAL FINANCE)
September 22, 2005... One company's pain is another's gain. Big pharmaceutical companies have felt pain in 2005. Major drugs are going off patent, generic drug companies are nipping at their heels, product cycles are much shorter and new drug pipelines aren't what...

The BRPT and polysomnography: past, present and future.(Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists)
September 22, 2005... Where were you in June 1979? That month, eight individuals at the State University of New York (SUNY) in Stony Brook, took the first Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) exam. They became the first Registered...

Activity based management and costing: essential tools in competitive bidding.(FOCUS ON RESPIRATORY HOMECARE)
September 22, 2005... The Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) includes mandates for competitive bidding involving Durable Medical Equipment/Home Medical Equipment (DME/HME). Home care providers [or HMEs] that desire to participate in competitive bidding must meet a set...

Bio-Med Color CrossVent 3+ (Bio-Med Devices Inc.).(UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS EQUIPMENT REVIEWS)
September 22, 2005... This issue we report on the Bio-Med Color CrossVent 3+[R] produced by Bio-Med Devices, Inc. of Guilford Connecticut. This device is designed as a transport ventilator and is a descendent of the Bio-Med Devices IC-2A. It isn't often that we get...

I survived the survey of 2005!!(community health services)
September 22, 2005... During the third week of July, the Joint Commission conducted its three day triennial survey at the community hospital where I am the Director of Cardiopulmonary Services. This was the last announced survey we will experience, since the...

Drop-outs, stop-outs, flunk-outs: why so many students don't complete college.(FOCUS ON EDUCATION)
September 22, 2005... So often I overhear parents talking about their kids "getting into" college, as if college admission were an end in itself. I can't help but want to remind them that getting into college and graduating from college are two entirely different...

The Essentials of Respiratory Care--Fourth Edition.(Book Review)
September 22, 2005... I've read a lot of RT books in my time, but I've never seen this one before. I obviously have not been paying attention, since the book is already in its fourth edition and I am just learning about it for the first time. In the preface to this...

Hyperbaric files: diving accidents.(HYPERBARIC MEDICINE)
September 22, 2005... Scuba Diving is a safe sport. As with any activity, it is safe as long as you are knowledgeable about the diving process and the potential problems that can occur. This translates into proper training, certifications, continued education with...

Ventilator discontinuation: weaning is only part of the big picture.(MECHANICAL VENTILATION)
September 22, 2005... A patient with acute respiratory failure frequently requires mechanical ventilation as a life saving therapy. This is, of course, after the patient has been evaluated for noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV). Complications for...

Consumer education: the AARC steps up to the plate!(RESPIRATORY CARE ON-LINE)
September 22, 2005... The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) has sponsored a non-profit (hence advertisement-free) website devoted to consumer education in pulmonary health. The site discusses diseases and conditions that affect the lungs, as well as...

On a lighter side with Andy Rooney.(Interview)
September 22, 2005... Most of us like our names. We can't imagine being called anything else. I'm ambivalent about my name. I like "Andrew," but only a few close friends and family members call me "Andrew." To everyone else, I'm "Andy." While I don't want to be...

90[degrees] swivel adapter.
September 22, 2005... 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...

End tidal CO2 Detector.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 22, 2005... Mercury Medical[R] is pleased to introduce the StatCO2[TM] and Mini StatCO2[TM], disposable, colorimetric CO2 Detectors. This device offers a quick visual breath by breath reading to detect the presence of CO2 by color comparison assisting in...

"Front Office" from Bio-logic.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 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...

Ventilator Management System.
September 22, 2005... The Bernoulli Ventilator Management System from Cardiopulmonary Corp provides continuous central station and remote ventilator alarm surveillance. Bernoulli is web based and uses state of the art wireless technology to interface with all...

New Reusable Airflow Sensor.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 22, 2005... 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 tabletop Mini-Pasteurmatic.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 22, 2005... This edition to Olympic's Pasteurmatic line is ideal for low volume reprocessing needs. Its tabletop design requires no hard wiring or plumbing--just fill it with tap water and plug it in. Like all Pasteurmatics, the Mini uses only hot water to...

New Multi-Purpose Suction Device.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 22, 2005... The New SNORKEL Multi-Purpose Suction Device is now available! Neotech has achieved great success with our Little Sucker Suction Devices for Neonatal & Pediatric patients but the market wanted a BIGGER size, so we made the Snorkel! The product...

New Digital Peak Flow/FEV1 Meter.
September 22, 2005... The Microlite Digital Peak Flow/FEV1 Meter for Spirometry is a handheld device for patient's at home use. The device accurately measures peak flow and FEV1 and stores 240 measurements with time and date in the digital diary. Features include an...

SERVO ventilators from MAQUET.
September 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,...

Treatment for insufficient cough.
September 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...

New Endotracheal Tube Holder.
September 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)
September 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)
September 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.
September 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)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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...

New features on full face masks.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 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...

Reusable compatible oximetry sensors.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 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...

New interfaces from LDS.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 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...

New generic albuterol medication.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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...

Digital Fingertip Pulse Oximeter[TM].(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 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...

Cable rebuilding and replacement.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 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...

New 3 in 1 handheld monitors.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 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)
September 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....

New Rainbow set pulse CO-Oximeter.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 22, 2005... Masimo[R], the inventor of read-through motion & low perfusion pulse oximetry, introduces the next break-through in noninvasive monitoring, RainbowTM SET[R] Pulse CO-OximetryTM. Rainbow SET employs revolutionary sensor, hardware and software...

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

Spirometer and PF Lab filters.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 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...

Bronchial provocation device.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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...

Sleep Lab Management System.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 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 Sleep Sensor line.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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 acquires Medex.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)(Company Profile)
September 22, 2005... Smiths Group has acquired Medex, Inc., to 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 catheters...

New sleep sensors from SLP.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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 digital finger pulse oximeter.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 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)
September 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...

Original inductive plethysmograph.
September 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,...

Rapidpoint 400/405 Series.
September 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...

Transtracheal oxygen.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 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...

Osmetech expands OPTI family.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 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...

Education to advance your career.
September 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...

New swiveling hose holder.
September 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?
September 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...