Thoracentesis
Thoracentesis Mark M. Wilson Richard S. Irwin Thoracentesis is an invasive procedure that involves the introduction of a needle, cannula, or trocar into the pleural space to remove accumulated fluid…
Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy Stephen J. Krinzman Paulo J. Oliveira Richard S. Irwin Since its commercial introduction for clinical use in 1968, flexible bronchoscopy has had a dramatic impact on the approach and…
Chest Tube Insertion and Care
Chest Tube Insertion and Care Ulises Torres Robert A. Lancy Chest tube insertion involves placement of a sterile tube into the pleural space to evacuate air or fluid into a…
Pericardiocentesis
Pericardiocentesis Craig S. Smith Richard C. Becker Pericardiocentesis is a potentially life-saving procedure performed in the critical care setting. In contrast to other cardiac conditions, however, there is a paucity…
Cardioversion and Defibrillation
Cardioversion and Defibrillation Mark S. Link Naomi F. Botkin The use of electric shock to terminate arrhythmia is one of the critical findings of the last century and underlies much…
Pulmonary Artery Catheters
Pulmonary Artery Catheters Harvey S. Reich Since their introduction into clinical practice in 1970 by Swan et al. [1], balloon-tipped, flow-directed pulmonary artery (PA) catheters have found widespread use in…
Temporary Cardiac Pacing
Temporary Cardiac Pacing Seth T. Dahlberg Temporary cardiac pacing may be urgently required for the treatment of cardiac conduction and rhythm disturbances commonly seen in patients treated in the intensive…
Arterial Line Placement and Care
Arterial Line Placement and Care Jason Lee-Llacer Michael G. Seneff Arterial catheterization remains an extremely important skill for critical care physicians. The most common indications for inserting an arterial catheter…
Central Venous Catheters
Central Venous Catheters Jason Lee-Llacer Michael G. Seneff The art and science of central venous catheter (CVC) insertion, maintenance, and management continues to evolve. Increased emphasis on patient safety and…
Airway Management and Endotracheal Intubation
Airway Management and Endotracheal Intubation J. Matthias Walz Shubjeet Kaur Stephen O. Heard In the emergency room and critical care environment, management of the airway to ensure optimal ventilation and…
