Key points ■ New technology as illustrated in the next chapter provides several modes by which a patient may be ventilated based on the fundamentals of mechanical ventilation (MV), with the goal of improved gas exchange, better patient comfort, and…
In the intensive care unit, it is not uncommon for today’s surgeon to take care of patients with multiple comorbidities unrelated to their surgical disease. A common knowledge of most major medical issues, and their potential consequences, is thus critical…
According to statistics provided by the American Heart Association in 2019, congestive heart failure (CHF) affects approximately 6.5 million American adults. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that CHF contributes to 1 in 8 deaths. Although survival from heart failure…
The primary role of the cardiorespiratory system is to match the metabolic needs of the cells comprising the tissues of the body by delivering adequate amounts of oxygen (O 2 ) to meet metabolic requirements and to remove excess carbon…
The pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) is a physical object creating a conundrum. Since its introduction in the 1970s, the PAC has been simultaneously hailed for its ability to provide physiologic data not easily obtainable by other means and condemned as…
Unlike many disease processes, trauma affects patients of every age group and from all demographics. It is a leading cause of death worldwide, particularly in those less than 45 years of age, and can result in devastating disability among survivors.…
Over the past decade, the human microbiome has been discovered to be a major factor in human health and disease. The human microbiome consists of complex communities of bacteria and microorganisms that inhabit the human body including viruses, fungi, protozoa,…
Trauma is a leading cause of death for those aged 1 to 46 years and the third overall leading cause of death for all ages in the United States. Trauma accounts for nearly 10% of all deaths and 16% of…
Overview of modern forward trauma care The modern battlefield is a highly complex and deadly arena that continues to drive innovation and advancements in both civilian and military trauma care. Prior to World War I, the vast majority of battlefield…
Errors in management occur frequently in medicine. A notable Institute of Medicine report estimated that 44,000 to 98,000 deaths each year were caused by medical errors. Most of these medical and surgical errors occur in low-intensity, nonemergent scenarios. Obviously, trauma…