FOCUS: Journal for Respiratory Care & Sleep Medicine articles from September 2008

FOCUS: Journal for Respiratory Care & Sleep Medicine archives from September 2008

A Note from the Publisher.(Conference notes)
September 1, 2008... With the economy in the state it's in, I thought I would forgo my usual Note from the Publisher in this issue to simply say that never in modern U.S. history has value been more important. With that said, I wish to remind all of my colleagues...

Respiratory research does trach tube malposition vary by the surgeon's specialty?
September 1, 2008... The peer-reviewed published research article selected to teach the Scientific Method in this issue's column is authored by: Ulrich Schmidt, MD, PhD; Dean Hess, PhD, RRT, FCCP; Jean Kwo, MD; Susan Lagambina, RRT; Elise Gettings, MPA, RN; Farah...

News from the Joint Commission: behaviors that undermine safety: highlight of sentinel event alert.
September 1, 2008... The Joint Commission released its 40th Sentinel Event Alert on July 9, 2008. Entitled "Behaviors that undermine a culture of safety", this alert focuses on a long standing problem of intimidating and disruptive behavior by clinicians. As is...

Catathrenia: parasomnia or OSA symptom?(SLEEP MEDICINE)(Report)
September 1, 2008... Catathrenia (derived from the Greek words kata meaning "low" and threnia meaning to "lament") is a sleep-related phenomenon recently classified in the International Classification of Sleep Disorders Diagnostic and Coding Manual (ICSD-2) as a...

Prone ventilation-more questions than answers.(MECHANICAL VENTILATION)
September 1, 2008... For more than 30 years, physiologists, physicians, nurses and respiratory care practitioners have espoused, tested, and at times cautioned against the prone positioning of patients with severe oxygenation problems. There seems to be general...

Bar.(Cartoon)
September 1, 2008... "I try not to let my work get in the way of my career goals." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Acid-base disorders-a quick, solid review.(CLINICAL LABORATORY MEDICINE)
September 1, 2008... Arterial blood gases is simply too large a topic to consider at one time. In this article I simply want to discuss the common causes for most ABG abnormalities with a small discussion on how to correct them. We will take a look at the four...

Education: where do the candidates stand?(FOCUS ON EDUCATION)
September 1, 2008... Election 08 is probably the most historic election in decades. God knows there are a lot of issues to digest. The fighting of two wars, the price of gas, and the downturned economy are all out there front and center. So education is certainly...

The pros and cons of recommending a friend.(MANAGEMENT KEEPER)
September 1, 2008... If you like to listen to horror stories, talk to anyone who has recommended a friend for employment to his/her boss or HR department. You'll hear some spine tinglers! They are perfect examples of the best plans gone awry, along with friendship...

Blastomycosis-a primer.(RESPIRATORY CLINICAL KEEPER)
September 1, 2008... Fungi have the capacity to cause many diseases. From a respiratory standpoint some of these diseases occur when fungal spores are inhaled and proliferate in the lungs of humans. An interesting fact about fungi is they cause disease as a...

Aerosols with ventilators-all the nooks and crannies.(AEROSOL MEDICINE)
September 1, 2008... Someone recently sent me an e-mail and inquired about whether they should turn the humidifier off, or bypass it altogether, during nebulization into the ventilator circuit. She stated that she had heard that the presence of heated...

Spirometry-the most important test in our pulmonary function arsenal.(PULMONARY FUNCTION TESTING)
September 1, 2008... By far the most commonly used, important, and accurate test in our pulmonary function testing arsenal is the composite of tests we refer to as "spirometry". I know that all of you are very familiar with this topic but consider reading on for an...

What do cows dream about? and will gps be the next new sleep technology?(SLEEP MEDICINE)
September 1, 2008... Sabine Begall (University of Dulsberg-Essen) and colleagues in Germany have been occupying their time spying on herds of cows and deer using satellite images from Google Earth. What they found surprised them. The herds, it seems, regularly were...

What's your real age?(Respiratory Care On-Line)
September 1, 2008... After putting in a few "decades" as a human being, I have a sense of what I may be doing that helps or hurts my longevity in this world. I also know that some of the deck is stacked and some of the deck is negotiable. To quantify my longevity...

We're not a good match, Dave.(Cartoon)
September 1, 2008... "We're not a good match, Dave. I need a man with a full tank of gas." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Revisiting qualifications for home oxygen.(RESPIRATORY HOMECARE)
September 1, 2008... Every now and then, it's a good idea to revisit and look at something we all tend to take for granted. In home care, this would be the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) qualifications for home oxygen therapy. You know, the need...

I may be going to prison.(Cartoon)
September 1, 2008... "I may be going to prison. Other than that, it's business as usual." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

New trends in mechanical ventilation.(FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY)
September 1, 2008... With the advent of new technology, manufacturers are developing innovative mechanical ventilators that are helping patients and respiratory therapists breathe easier when it comes to administering care. But with new software and functionality...

Home care for the future: the presidential shift.(RESPIRATORY HOMECARE)
September 1, 2008... The yearlong home stretch for Election Day 2008 is at an end resulting in changes in the White House. The debate over health care in the 2008 presidential campaign, once viewed as the top domestic issue has taken a back seat to the economic...

CEO.(Cartoon)
September 1, 2008... Unfortunately, our CEO passed away, but he still checks his e-mail." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

African sleeping sickness.(SLEEP MEDICINE)
September 1, 2008... During my recent trip to Africa, two of my personal goals were to learn about the state of sleep medicine in Tanzania and see firsthand African sleeping sickness. Sleep centers are non-existent, but Tanzania seems to be an endemic area for...

The Hydrate OMNI[TM] Humidification System with C-Force[TM] Technology.
September 1, 2008... The Hyrate[R] OMNI[TM] Humidification System with C-Force[TM] Technology from Hydrate, Inc., represents a potentially revolutionary device to deliver not only high flow gas therapy via nasal cannula, as previous systems have, [see Waugh JB and...

Airway clearance for today's pulmonary patients.(FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY)
September 1, 2008... Airway clearance is an integral part of standard therapy for individuals with cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis and other pulmonary diseases. Although the world of airway clearance therapy has not seen much change in the past decade, some devices...

Q & A with John Ganoe, Executive Director of the Board for Registered Polysomnographic Technologists.(SLEEP MEDICINE)(Interview)
September 1, 2008... Q. It's been more than 6 months since you took the reins as Executive Director of the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists. What has impressed you the most? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A. The commitment to the field of...

Some interesting numbers.(NEONATAL RESPIRATORY CARE)(Report)
September 1, 2008... It can be instructive to reflect on the nature of things by pondering the number of things. Like it or not, we live in a world dominated by numbers. Some individuals' irrational fear of numbers not with standing; getting, sharing,...

Steroid rage: inhaled corticosteroids.(RESPIRATORY PHARMACOLOGY)
September 1, 2008... In the public eye steroids can seem to get a bad rap, but as a respiratory therapist corticosteroids are an important piece of the pharmacological puzzle. Like other respiratory care pharmacological agents, the number of agents continues to...

Patient education increases CPAP compliance.(THE BUSINESS OF SLEEP)
September 1, 2008... CPAP compliance remains at alarmingly low rates of 40%-60%. Why? While there are a number of reasons, the biggest one is lack of patient CPAP education and support from sleep lab professionals and HME providers. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

APRV for the reticent practitioner: a clinical note.(RESPIRATORY CLINICAL)(airway pressure release ventilation)(Clinical report)
September 1, 2008... Airway Pressure Release Ventilation, (APRV), is a mode of mechanical ventilation intended to allow patients to breathe spontaneously over intermittent and alternating levels of continuous positive airway pressure, (CPAP). APRV might be better...

High frequency ventilation in the adult patient with ARDS.(STUDENT PAPERS)
September 1, 2008... High frequency ventilation (HFV) has established itself as an effective way to mechanically ventilate neonatal patients. Many studies have been performed to prove its advantages and many hospitals use it as their standard of care in the...

It's all in the ears.(HYPERBARIC MEDICINE)(Clinical report)
September 1, 2008... You may be wondering what it would feel like to have a hyperbaric oxygen treatment and I can tell you, it's all in the ears. As the pressure increases in the hyperbaric chamber, it pushes against the outside surface of the eardrum or tympanic...

You're getting a raise.(Cartoon)
September 1, 2008... "Congratulations. You're getting a raise. Let me know if the check clears." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Drager medical provides Emergency support to Gulf States during Hurricane Gustav.
September 1, 2008... On Tuesday August 26th, the National Hurricane Center projected Hurricane Gustav to make landfall on the Louisiana Gulf Coast. They projected this storm would hit sometime early on Labor Day as a Category 4 or even perhaps a category 5. In...

Vapotherm secures $20.5 million in new equity financing.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
September 1, 2008... Vapotherm, the global leader in developing High Flow Therapy products for the respiratory industry, has secured $20.5 million in new equity financing. The financing was led by GE Asset Management (on behalf of the General Electric Pension...

Hybrid Baby Tape[TM] and Hybrid Pediatric tape[TM] providing the Right Tape for the Right Hold[SM].(INDUSTRY NEWS)
September 1, 2008... B & B Medical Technologies has released The Hybrid Tape[TM] collection for use in all Neonatal and Pediatric care environments. Hybrid Baby Tape[TM] and Hybrid Pediatric Tape[TM] are a unique combination of tapes that combine the gentle...

Clinical Foundation's education program reaches an important milestone.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Clinical Foundations, an AARC accredited continuing education program dedicated to helping respiratory therapists stay current on clinical trends, has reached an important milestone. As of July 2008, well over 10,000 respiratory therapists have...

>nSpire health appoints dr. robert crapo as chairman of scientific & medical advisory board.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
September 1, 2008... nSpire Health announced the recent appointment of Dr. Robert Carpo as chairman of its scientific and medical advisory board. Dr. Crapo has served on the National Heart and Lung's Asthma Clinical Research Network Protocol Review Committee, has...

Mas1mo announces desaturation index 3d alarm as standard feature in all radical-7 pulse co-ox devices.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Masimo, the inventor of Pulse CO-Oximetry and Measure-Through-Motion-and-Low-Perfusion pulse oximetry, announced that all customers purchasing the Masimo Radical-7, the company's flagship product, will now receive Desat Index 3D Alarm as a...

Maquet announces new contract with HealThtrust.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Maquel, Inc. has been awarded a 3 year ventilator contract with Health Trust Purchasing Group (Health Trust), effective August 2008. Jennie Haag, ventilation product manager for MAQUET commented, "This is an excellent opportunity for MAQUET. We...

Humidity for mechanical ventilation.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 1, 2008... The Hydrate OMNJ[TM] humidifier is a leap forward in the provision of humidity for mechanical ventilation, high flow gas therapy and tracheotomies. Based on novel technology, the Hydrate OMNI[TM] provides the clinician with unprecedented...

New screening & monitoring tools.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 1, 2008... Vitalograph announces a new range of spirometry products specifically designed for lung disease screening and monitoring as well as smoking cessation purposes. Features of the new products include displaying severity of COPD, as defined by GOLD...

Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 1, 2008... CoughAssist is a unique, noninvasive device that safely and effectively removes respiratory secretions in patients with an ineffective ability to cough. CoughAssist is cleared for use on pediatric as well as adult patients. Typical CoughAssist...

Airway clearance system.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 1, 2008... Electromed, Inc.'s SmartVest[R] Airway Clearance System uses High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) therapy to deliver effective and well-tolerated airway clearance treatment for patients who are otherwise at risk of developing...

New lightweight ventilator.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 1, 2008... Smiths Medical introduces the Pneupac VR1[R] emergency and transport ventilator with air mix feature. This lightweight, ergonomiciaty designed, palm-sized oxygen powered ventilator will provide 100% oxygen when necessary but can now, with a...

New total 02 delivery system.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 1, 2008... The iVent201 ventilator is the most versatile ICU class ventilator on the market. In VersaMed's continuing commitment to providing cutting edge products to be used throughout the spectrum of care, we created the first full featured,...

Fingertip oximeter w/bluetooth[R].(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 1, 2008... Nonin Medical has introduced the Onyx[R] II, Model 9560, the world's first interoperable fingertip oximeter with Bluetooth[R] wireless technology. Designed for easy integration into medical ecosystems, numerous leading technology manufacturers...

Manual jet ventilator.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 1, 2008... 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...

Quality tracings and easy clean-up.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 1, 2008... FMI proudly distributes top quality sleep and neurology products from leading manufacturers. Nuprep [TM] skin prepping gel and conductive paste have been used successfully over the past 15 years in hundreds of sleep centers and hospitals in the...

Critical care respiratory Carestation.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 1, 2008... The Engstrom Carestation[R] is the first critical care respiratory carestation to offer integration throughout the care process. From the ICU to the Step-down unit, you have the ability to integrate ventilation with monitoring modules capable...

New face mask CPAP system.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 1, 2008... Airon Corporation is pleased to announce FDA marketing approval of MACS, the next generation Face Mask CPAP system for critical care. MACS is the most sophisticated, versatile and economical CPAP system available today. Designed for use on...

Mucus clearance therapy.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 1, 2008... The Quake[R] is an innovative and unique device that provides mucus clearance therapy in a portable, easy-to-use, handheld device. The Quake[R]'s soft touch handle allows the patient to regulate rotation frequency and vary percussive pressure...

Audio monitoring for the sleep lab.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 1, 2008... 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...

HI flow delivery system.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 1, 2008... VAPOTHERM is a high flow heat and humidification device for the non-invasive delivery of inspired gas flows from 0.5 to 40 liters per minute. The unique technology delivers a perfect synchronization of flow, humidity, temperature and oxygen...

Airway clearance therapy.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 1, 2008... The Frequenter [TM] provides airway clearance therapy and promotes bronchial drainage by inducing vibration in the chest walls while useing acoustics to generate frequencies between 20-100Hz, enough to reach a patient's lung resonant frequency....

New cuffless supralaryngeal airway.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 1, 2008... The SLIPA airway represents the first cuffless supralaryngeal airway that is superior to other equivalent airways because it maximizes on the space available for trapping and storing liquids that could he aspirated if regurgitation occurs...

Transtracheal oxygen.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 1, 2008... Transtracheal Systems is a medical device manufacturing company that 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...

New Closed Suction System.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 1, 2008... The Portex[R] SuctionPro[TM] 72 Closed Suction System, is designed for airway suctioning of critically ill patients and is indicated for 72 hours of continuous use. The closed system reduces risk of cross contamination and the lockable end cap...

Servo ventilators from Maquet.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 1, 2008... 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,...

Inductive (RIP) interface cables.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 1, 2008... SLP Inc. introduces the new SleepSense Interface cables that accompany the SleepSense Inductive/RIP bands. SLP provides two separate interface cables for abdomen and thorax with a variety of connection methods that will effortlessly suit most...

Polysonnography coures.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 1, 2008... The Atlanta School of Sleep Medicine and Technology is a premier training facility for physicians, technicians & industry professionals in the field of sleep medicine. Our school is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical...

Outfit your lab or clinic with NSI.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 1, 2008... NeuroSupplies Integra[TM] is a leading distributor of a wide range of neurological and sleep studies supplies required for electroencephalograph, evoked potentials, electromyography and sleep disorders testing. We supply air pressure...

Original inductive plethysmograph.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 1, 2008... Ambulatory Monitoring, Inc. provides the Intuctotrace original inductive plethysmograph design-standard for monitoring respiratory volume changes from the chest/abdominal wall. Respiratory patterns reflecting inter-costal/abdominal changes,...

Automatic respiratory products.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 1, 2008... VORTRAN 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/adult patients 22 lbs. and above....

Roche high volume ABG analyzer.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 1, 2008... The Roche cobas b 221 analyzer is a complete blood gas solution designed for high-volume use. Delivers time & cost efficiencies. Configurable menu has options for blood gas, electrolytes & metabolites. Built-in AutoQC[R] module holds up to 40...

Inductance plethysmography system.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 1, 2008... The Sleepmate RIPmate[TM] meets the new AASM Technica Respiratory Rule recommen-dations for accreditaion & scoring. Designed with a washable one-size-fits-all belt and buckle. Plugs directly into the AC input of any headbox with NO additional...

Maximize patient care.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 1, 2008... Maximize patient care while facing reduced resources. Drager's EvitaXL offers a full range of ventilator performance and provides clinicians with a high degree of user-configurability. Drager has been a leader in developing such features as...

Versatile ECG/spirometry unit.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 1, 2008... 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. The P8000 has a full keyboard and the unit's high resolution screen allows real...

New sleep apnea full face mask.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 1, 2008... Try the NEW Full Face V2[TM] Mask from Hans Rudolph. Designed from years of feedback from sleep techs, patients, key sleep professionals, Therapists, Family Care Doctors & Homecare Dealers & Suppliers. The silicone rubber V2[TM] Mask offers...

New blood as analyzer.(PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS)
September 1, 2008... OPTI Medical Systems, Inc. manufactures the OPTI CCA-TS portable analyzers for measuring time sensitive diagnovic assays including blood gas, electrolytes, ionized calcium, measured S02, tHb, and glucose. With the OPTI CCA-TS analyzer,...