This episode explores what is needed to make surgery safer for the patient with cardiovascular disease. 

Tight glucose control has been widely introduced into critical care. This meta-analysis, recently published in JAMA, critically evaluates the effects of these trials in reduction of sepsis as well as mortality. The results might surprise you.

This is the second installment of this topic. In this episode we talk about the role of angioplasty and role of various medications in the treatment of the patient having an MI.

It is Sunday 8.31.08 and for hurricane Gustav is bearing down on the city of New Orleans.  This podcast will discuss the basic elements of disaster planning and management. (This was reposted due to some technical problems with the server.)

Crush syndrome is a common cause of death following earth quakes, mine and building collapses. Traumatic rhabdomyolysis may also be seen following electrical injury or severe trauma. (This is a reposting due to some previous technical problems with the server.)

Myocardial Infaction (Part 1): This episode will discuss the diagnosis of MI, STEMI, and non-STEMI.  We then discuss the indications and types of thrombolytic agents.

The management of pain is a key element of the care of all patients-- ICU or not.  Often providers have little understanding of the concepts and medications of pain management. This episode serves as an introduction. 

A potentiallylife-threatening electrolyte problem that commonly finds its way into the ICU as well as on exams.

Getting patients comfortable on the ventilator is not an easy task.  This podcasts focuses on methods to make patients synchronize with the ventilator as well as a discussion of spontaneous breathing and awake trials

In regards to ventilator care, all the focus has been on low tidal volume and level of peak inspiratory pressure.  What level of PEEP shoud we be using to avoid shear trauma and ventilatory induced lung injury.

A discussion of the physiology and presentation of abdominal compartment syndrome.

A limb-threatening complication that might be overlooked by the inexperienced provider.

We continue our discussion of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC).  This includes fluids types, steroids, rhAPC (Xigris), and blood sugar control.

The Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) is concensus document that attempts to provide the best evidence to assist in the care of the septic patient.  All providers who provide care to the septic patient should be aware of the contents of the SSC. 

In this week's Journal of the American Medical Association a meta-analysis was published that concluded that use of hemoglobin based blood substitutes result in an increased morbidity and mortality.  Included in the same journal is an editorial critical of the method the research has been regulated by the US FDA.  

There is a large emphasis on intensive control of blood glucose in the ICU, but how accurate are the monitors we use to follow glucose?  This episode reviews someof the limitations of deploying an instrument designed for control of outpatient diabetes management to tight control of blood glucose in the ICU. 

Clostridium difficile colitis is a problematic complication of antibiotic theraoy in hospitalized and critically ill patients.  It is increasing in frequency and can be lethal. 

Fluid resuscitation done poorly can result in significant complications to the patient.  This episode will present some of the newer considerations in fluid resuscitation in traumatic shock. 

Patients are often admitted to the ICU with an entire list of home medications.   In this episode I talk about the implications and dangers of polypharmacy. 

Prolonged QT is the most common reason why medications are restricted or removed from the US market.   This episode will explain what it is and why you should look for it in your ICU patients. 

The results of the CORTICUS trial are discussed. 

Atrial fibrillation is a common problem in ICU patients, but it is a problem with many potential causes, and not always a well defined treatment. 

Pediatric burns: all burns are serious, both big and small.   This episode reviews the objectives of burn care to result in the best functional outcome.  Also, burn is a very common method of child abuse and we detail how these children are injured and what to look for to identify possible abuse.

This is a basic introduction of some of the drugs used in various forms of shock.  

In this episode we discuss that ICU care of the patient with sepsis.  This includes an introduction to various vasopressors.