MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'critical care medicine'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:59:35 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008359&cid=t_149563_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FvcRAbjBQ0IA%2Fintelesens-aingeal-vital-signs-monitor-gets-u-s-clearance.html Intelesens, “the Belfast wireless health monitoring company,” received FDA regulatory clearance for its Aingeal wireless Holter monitor. The device measures ECG, heart and respiratory rate, temperature and body motion and relays it to a central server for clinician analysis. The device underwent clinical testing at the Massachusetts General Hospital last year and has already received European marketing approval. Real time monitoring and analysis of respiration and ECG signals (modified Lead II) Skin temperature and activity (3-axis accelerometer) Up to 48 hours of use Recognition and notification of specific cardiac events (configurable by clinician) Pre and post event data recording (configurable by clinician) Out of range detection and alert to patient Min... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008359 Wed, 06 Jul 2011 19:36:59 +0100 5008359 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008360&cid=t_149563_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FgSD_a-aFQfU%2Fibag-urine-bag-tweets-when-it-is-getting-full.html Wireless technology is penetrating all sorts of aspects of our world and culture. According to MedCity News, Future Path Medical received FDA regulatory approval to market a urine bag with wireless capabilities. The tiny computer that attaches to the traditional bag measures the fill status and temperature of the fluids inside, and transmits that information via standard IP to any device that wants to receive it. Could be very convenient for caretakers not to have to check up on the status of the bag. iBag™ combines a low-cost fluid sensor with an optional thermistor-based catheter, software and wireless communications providing urine monitoring. In addition, iBag™ will contribute to reduced urine spills and potentially with caregiver assistance – no urine backup in the patient.... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008360 Wed, 06 Jul 2011 18:31:06 +0100 5008360 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4992685&cid=t_149563_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fnurse-prompts-are-key-to-successful-implementation-of-icu-safety-measures%2F2011.07.02 Over the last few years, you may have heard a lot about the value of checklists in ICU medicine and their ability to reduce mortality, reduce cost and reduce length of stay.   But a recent study took the concept one step further and suggested that checklists by themselves may not be  effective unless physicians are prompted to act on the checklist. As reported in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Journal, a single site cohort study performed at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine’s medical intensive care unit compared two rounding groups of physicians.  One group was prompted to use the checklist.  The other group of physicians had access to the checklist but were not prompted to use it. What they found was shocking.  Both groups had access t... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4992685 Sat, 02 Jul 2011 16:10:00 +0100 4992685 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4975866&cid=t_149563_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdo-physicians-prefer-ventilated-and-sedated-patients%2F2011.06.28 You ever wonder what doctors really think but are afraid to say out loud?  Here’s one example: “I wish all my patients were on a ventilator” There’s a reason vented and sedated patients are considered desirable.  In addition to the obvious economic benefits of ROS unobtainable Billing critical care CPT 99291, 99292 There are the less talked about, but equally pleasant side effects most hospitalists, ER doctors, cardiologists, gastroenterologists, pulmonologists,  surgeons, infectious disease doctors, endocrinologists, psychiatrists, rheumatologists, dermatologists, nurses, respiratory therapists and physical therapists wouldn’t admit, but would agree, without hesitation.  As a general rule: Patients on ventilators are just faster, easier and more pleas... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4975866 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 15:00:00 +0100 4975866 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934160&cid=t_149563_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fvitamin-d-for-copd-why-that-wont-be-enough%2F2011.06.16 I am frequently extolling the health benefits of Vitamin D because almost weekly there is a new study that correlates high vitamin D levels with reducing some disease.  The latest is from the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine and research shows that high doses of vitamin D supplementation improved respiratory muscle strength in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).  The patients that did not receive supplemental vitamin D had blood levels of 22.8 compared to 53.8 in the supplemented group.  The patients who were supplemented had improved respiratory function, strength and less shortness of breath.  It certainly didn’t cure or reverse COPD but the improvement was an encouraging trend in this terrible chronic disease. In reading about ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934160 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:00:00 +0100 4934160 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4829024&cid=t_149563_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2Fs44NBVTciE0%2Fsuntech-medical-launches-disposable-blood-pressure-cuffs.html SunTech Medical has launched a new line of disposable blood pressure cuffs. These cuffs can be used as dedicated single-patient blood pressure cuffs in order to reduce cross-patient contamination. They have a tapered-end design for easy cuff application and softer materials for patient comfort. Conveniently, the patient’s name can be written onto the cuff. A wide range of sizes, from infant cuffs to large thigh cuffs, is available, and sizes are color-coded. Press release: SunTech Medical Launches Disposable Blood Pressure Cuffs… Product page: Suntech Medical Disposable Cuff… (Source: Medgadget) Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4829024 Mon, 16 May 2011 20:10:38 +0100 4829024 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4676783&cid=t_149563_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmedical-apps-allow-doctors-to-monitor-icu-patients-remotely%2F2011.04.05 We have reported in the past on AirStrip, a smartphone and iPad app that allows a mobile doctor to monitor the vital signs of patients in an obstetric ward or an ICU. The reverse, where a fixed doctor monitors multiple remote patients is now entering the mainstream and already making a difference in many patients’ lives. In a compelling anecdote recently reported in Computerworld, a man experienced cardiac arrest while shopping and was taken to a nearby community hospital. An intensivist, monitoring from an eICU miles away, was immediately consulted. The remote doctor guided the treating physicians as they initiated unfamiliar hypothermia therapy to preserve the brain, and continued to follow the patient remotely throughout his 10 day ICU stay.  Happily, the patient had a good outcome a... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4676783 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 11:00:36 +0100 4676783 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4575008&cid=t_149563_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fsociety-critical-care-medicine-events-japan%2F The Society of Critical Care Medicine has posted information on their website that they are following news reports on the earthquake and resulting tsunami in Japan and states that the SCCM will be available to assist if needed by government and aid agencies. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4575008 Fri, 11 Mar 2011 18:35:22 +0100 4575008 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3197548&cid=t_149563_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fhaiti-update-society-critical-care-medicine-president-judith-jacobi%2F This excerpt is from an email sent from Dr. Judith Jacobi, PharmD to SCCM members on January 21, 2010 After more than a week has passed since the initial earthquake that destroyed much of the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince, aftershocks continue and the needs of survivors mount. In our most recent communication with the Pan American Health Organization, they informed us that they are seeking volunteers to be included in a database of healthcare professionals willing to accept potential deployment to Haiti. Interested health professionals should send an email with CV attached to EOC@paho.org. In addition, SCCM has posted information on the Disaster Resources page of our Web site about opportunities to help through Project Hope, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers fo... Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3197548 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:48:45 +0100 3197548 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2375949&cid=t_149563_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F04%2Fby-ignoring-rational-arguments-made.html Some of our most formerly venerable medical journals are becoming increasingly radical. Critical Care Medicine, the journal for intensive care doctors, is a case in point. In the past, the Ethics Committee of the Society of Critical Care Medicine supported futile care theory, and quite notably, the Journal published an article arguing that "neurologically devastated" patients should be able to be killed for their organs assuming consent.Now, Yale School of Medicine (of course) professor Constantine A. Manthous, MD, has published in CCM advocating for the permissibility of physician-assisted suicide. (No link, from the abstract): Our collective repudiation of physician-assisted death, in all its forms, has complex origins that are not necessarily rational. If great care is taken to ensure t... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2375949 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 23:33:00 +0100 2375949 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1674786&cid=t_149563_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F08%2Freport-on-texas-futile-care-law-shows.html Critical Care Medicine, the journal for intensive care doctors, has published a study (no link available) of the Texas futile care law (Crit Care Med 2007 Vol. 35, No. 5), which allows hospital ethics committees to order unilateral termination of life-sustaining treatment, and only gives patient families 10 days to find another hospital. In reading the below, it is worth noting a few things about the society: First, Critical Care has previously published a guest editorial advocating for doing away with the dead donor rule for organ procurement, in which the doctor-authors argued that organs should be allowed to be procured from living patients if they are either cognitively devestated or imminently dying. Second, it is worth noting that way back in 1997, when the concept was relatively new... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1674786 Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:50:00 +0100 1674786 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=918091&cid=t_149563_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F163809143%2F Hmm… I will present this to you with no opinion or comments from me. It seems that researchers out of The Bristol Heart Institute in Britain have confirmed the belief that certain patients that have survived heart attacks and heart disease become more naturally pre-conditioned than their healthy counterparts. … Discovered surprising responses of the heart to mock cardiac surgery in a mouse model. When the heart was stopped and restarted — mimicking the conditions used in most heart bypass surgery — scientists found hearts with coronary disease from genetically modified mice were more resistant to damage than hearts without coronary disease. So what do you think? Have you ever heard of this before? The research team detailed their findings in the October issue of th... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=918091 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 17:39:59 +0100 918091