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…
CRITICAL CARE
Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy Stephen J. Krinzman Richard S. Irwin Since its commercial introduction for clinical use in 1968, flexible bronchoscopy has had a dramatic impact on the approach and management of patients…
Chest Tube Insertion and Care
Chest Tube Insertion and Care Robert A. Lancey Chest tube insertion (tube thoracostomy) involves placement of a sterile tube into the pleural space to evacuate air or fluid into a…
Pericardiocentesis
Pericardiocentesis Richard C. Becker Pericardiocentesis is a potentially life-saving procedure performed in the critical care setting. It is not carried out with sufficient frequency, however, to allow most physicians to…
Cardioversion and Defibrillation
Cardioversion and Defibrillation Naomi F. Botkin The use of electric countershock to terminate arrhythmia was described over 200 years ago. Thanks to the pioneering work of Zoll et al. [1],…
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…
Pulmonary Artery Catheterization
Pulmonary Artery Catheterization Harvey Steven 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…
Arterial Line Placement and Care
Arterial Line Placement and Care Scott A. Celinski Michael G. Seneff Arterial catheterization is the second most frequent invasive procedure performed in the intensive care unit (ICU). In nearly all…
Central Venous Catheterization
Central Venous Catheterization Scott A. Celinski Michael G. Seneff Placement of central venous catheters (CVC) remains one of the most commonly performed procedures in the intensive care unit (ICU). Since…
Airway Management and Endotracheal Intubation
Airway Management and Endotracheal Intubation Stephen O. Heard Margaret M. Hudlin Shubjeet Kaur In the emergency room and critical care environment, management of the airway to ensure optimal ventilation and…
