Breathing Circuit Research Articles

Detection and quantification of exhaled volatile organic compounds in mechanically ventilated patients - comparison of two sampling methods.

Exhaled breath analysis is a promising new diagnostic tool, but currently no standardised method for sampling is available in mechanically ventilated patients. We compared two breath sampling methods, first using an artificial ventilator circuit, then in "real life" in mechanically ventilated patients on the intensive care unit. In the laboratory circuit, a 24-component synthetic-breath volatile organic compound (VOC) mixture was injected into the system as air was sampled: (A) through a port on the exhalation limb of the circuit and (B) through a closed endo-bronchial suction catheter. Sorbent tubes were used to collect samples for analysis by thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Realistic mechanical ventilation rates and breath pressure-volume loops were established and method detection limits (MDLs) were calculated for all VOCs. Higher yields of VOCs were retrieved using the closed suction catheter; however, for several VOCs MDLs were compromised due to the background signal associated with plastic and rubber components in the catheters. Different brands of suction catheter were compared. Exhaled VOC data from 40 patient samples collected at two sites were then used to calculate the proportion of data analysed above the MDL. The relative performance of the two methods differed depending on the VOC under study and both methods showed sensitivity towards different exhaled VOCs. Furthermore, method performance differed depending on recruitment site, as the centres were equipped with different brands of respiratory equipment, an important consideration for the design of multicentre studies investigating exhaled VOCs in mechanically ventilated patients.

Controlling an Outbreak of Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: a Retrospective Analysis.

BackgroundMultidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDRAB) is widespread among intensive care units worldwide, posing a threat to patients and the health system. We describe the successful management of a MDRAB outbreak by implementing an infection-control strategy in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).MethodsThis retrospective study investigated the patients admitted to the PICU in periods 1 (8 months) and 2 (7 months), from the index MDRAB case to intervention implementation, and from intervention implementation to cessation of MDRAB spread. An infection-control strategy was designed following six concepts: 1) cohort isolation of colonized patients, 2) enforcement of hand hygiene, 3) universal contact precautions, 4) environmental management, 5) periodic surveillance culture study, and 6) monitoring and feedback.ResultsOf the 427 patients, 29 were confirmed to have MDRAB colonization, of which 18 had MDRAB infections. Overall incidence per 1,000 patient days decreased from 7.8 (period 1) to 5.8 (period 2). The MDRAB outbreak was declared terminated after the 6-month follow-up following period 2. MDRAB was detected on the computer keyboard and in condensed water inside the ventilator circuits. The rate of hand hygiene performance was the lowest in the three months before and after index case admission and increased from 84% (period 1) to 95% (period 2). Patients with higher severity, indicated by a higher Pediatric Risk of Mortality III score, were more likely to develop colonization (P = 0.030), because they had invasive devices and required more contact with healthcare workers. MDRAB colonization contributed to an increase in the duration of mechanical ventilation and PICU stay (P < 0.001), but did not affect mortality (P = 0.273).ConclusionThe MDRAB outbreak was successfully terminated by the implementation of a comprehensive infection-control strategy focused on the promotion of hand hygiene, universal contact precautions, and environmental management through multidisciplinary teamwork.

Exhaled Breath and Oxygenator Sweep Gas Propionaldehyde in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Background: Oxidative stress-induced lipid peroxidation (LPO) due to neutrophil-derived reactive oxygen species plays a key role in the early stage of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Monitoring of oxidative stress in this patient population is of great interest, and, ideally, this can be done noninvasively. Recently, propionaldehyde, a volatile chemical compound (VOC) released during LPO, was identified in the breath of lung transplant recipients as a marker of oxidative stress. The aim of the present study was to identify if markers of oxidative stress appear in the oxygenator outflow gas of patients with severe ARDS treated with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Methods: The present study included patients with severe ARDS treated with veno-venous ECMO. Concentrations of acetone, isoprene, and propionaldehyde were measured in inspiratory air, exhaled breath, and oxygenator inflow and outflow gas at corresponding time points. Ion-molecule reaction mass spectrometry was used to measure VOCs in a sequential order within the first 24 h and on day three after ECMO initiation. Results: Nine patients (5 female, 4 male; age = 42.1 ± 12.2 year) with ARDS and already established ECMO therapy (pre-ECMO PaO2/FiO2 = 44.0 ± 11.5 mmHg) were included into analysis. VOCs appeared in comparable amounts in breath and oxygenator outflow gas (acetone: 838 (422–7632) vs. 1114 (501–4916) ppbv; isoprene: 53.7 (19.5–244) vs. 48.7 (37.9–108) ppbv; propionaldehyde: 53.7 (32.1–82.2) vs. 42.9 (24.8–122) ppbv). Concentrations of acetone, isoprene, and propionaldehyde in breath and oxygenator outflow gas showed a parallel course with time. Conclusions: Acetone, isoprene, and propionaldehyde appear in breath and oxygenator outflow gas in comparable amounts. This allows for the measurement of these VOCs in a critically ill patient population via the ECMO oxygenator outflow gas without the need of ventilator circuit manipulation.

Effect of Tiotropium Soft Mist Inhalers on Dynamic Changes in Lung Mechanics of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Receiving Mechanical Ventilation: A Prospective Pilot Study.

The effects of tiotropium bromide soft mist inhalers (SMIs) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) receiving mechanical ventilation remain unexplored. This study investigated the dynamic effects of a tiotropium SMI on lung mechanics and gas exchange in these patients. We analyzed 11 mechanically ventilated and hemodynamically stable patients with COPD who experienced acute exacerbation and were ready to be weaned from the ventilator. Two puffs of tiotropium (2.5 μg/puff) were administered with a T-adaptor connected to the ventilator circuit. Lung mechanics—peak inspiratory pressure, plateau pressure, mean airway pressure, maximum respiratory resistance (Rrs), and gas exchange function—were analyzed. The two-puff tiotropium SMI treatment led to the greatest reduction in Rrs at 6 h, with the Rrs returning to baseline gradually, and significantly improved the PaO2/FiO2 ratio at 24 h. Compared with baseline values, tiotropium SMI had the strongest effect on Rrs between hours 3 and 6 but did not significantly affect hemodynamic parameters. Tiotropium SMI administration in mechanically ventilated patients with COPD achieved the greatest reduction in Rrs at 6 h and significantly improved the PaO2/FiO2 ratio at 24 h. Future studies should investigate whether the bronchodilation effect can be improved with increased dosage or frequency.

The method of automated adjustment and controlled maintenance of surgical stage of anesthesia in modern anesthesia machines

The method of automatical adjustment controlled maintenance of the surgical stage of anesthesia of patient during general anesthesia by means of volatile anesthetic dosage regulation depending on BIS level is described and explained. There was conducted a theoretical analysis of possibilities and perspectives of anesthesia depth’s automatical adjustment during general anesthesia by bispectral index individual monitoring depending on volatile anesthetic dosage and individual patient’s condition along with extent of surgical intervention. The possibilities of currently available medical devices allowing to implement the method into the practice have been analyzed. The technical explanation of interaction between modern volatile anesthetic vaporizer and bispectral index monitoring by feedback from integrated microprocessor, breathing circuit and multiple gas monitor of anesthesia machine and microprocessor of vaporizer has been presented.

The variation of FiO2 with circuit type and peak inspiratory flow rate during non-invasive respiratory support using domiciliary ventilators and its significance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in increased admissions with respiratory failure and there have been reports of oxygen failure and shortages of machines to deliver ventilation and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). Domiciliary ventilators which entrain room air have been widely used during the pandemic. Poor outcomes reported with non-invasive respiratory support using ventilators which lack an oxygen blender could be related to an unreliable Fraction of inspired O2 (FiO2). Additionally, with concerns about oxygen failure, the variety of ventilator circuits used as well as differing peak inspiratory flow rates (PIFR) could impact on the FiO2 delivered during therapy with domiciliary ventilators.MethodsIn a series of bench tests, we tested the effect of choice of circuit and different PIFR on the FiO2 achieved during simulation of ventilation and CPAP therapy using domiciliary ventilators.ResultsFiO2 was highly dependent upon the type of circuit used with circuits with an active exhalation valve achieving similar FiO2 at lower oxygen flow rates than circuits using an exhalation port. During CPAP therapy, high PIFR resulted in significantly lower FiO2 than low PIFR.ConclusionsThis study has implications for oxygen usage as well as delivery of non-invasive respiratory support during therapy with domiciliary ventilators when these are used during the second wave of COVID-19.

Determination of the level of condensate by recording the noise level in the respiratory circuit of mechanical ventilation devices

Abstract. The method of determining the accumulation of condensate by registering the noise level in the respiratory circuit of ventilators is substantiated. According to the proposed method, the condition and performance of the apparatus is monitored during artificial lung ventilation and oxygen therapy. With hardware ventilation, an increasing turbulent flow of a water or gas stream is formed in the respiratory circuit, accompanied by an increase in the noise effect and vibration. An increase in the level of acoustic noise from fluctuations in the accumulation of condensate in gaseous media was recorded by an instrument for objective measurement of sound level a sound level meter. Indicators of noise effects reached a higher level on the wet circuit (the presence of condensation droplets or accumulations of mucus) of the liquid compared with the indicators obtained on the dry breathing circuit. The difference in recorded noise levels reached 10 dB, and increased from 37,73 to 47,36 dB. Areas of the respiratory circuit with the greatest degree of narrowing of the lumen and critical accumulations of water condensate and mucus are a source of turbulence in the air flow and increased noise. In conditions of prolonged artificial ventilation of the lungs, the rate of humidified air-gas flow is constantly changing, especially with hardware modeling of the phases of inspiration and expiration, and an increase in temperature in the humidifier chamber. The proposed technique is designed to identify critical levels of water condensate in the apparatus breathing circuits by recording the intensity of the increase in noise level and choosing the rational mode of operation of medical equipment. Data on the emerging critical situation are displayed on the sound level meter screen and inform medical personnel about the need to rehabilitate the circuit of the artificial lung ventilation apparatus. The primary field of application is resuscitation and intensive care units, medical transport teams during in-hospital or inter-hospital transportation, and surgical operating rooms during inhalation anesthesia.

214: A Multidisciplinary Team Using a Modified Percutaneous Surgical Tracheostomy for COVID-19 Patients

Tompeck, Allison1; Keric, Natasha1; Crigger, Morgan2; Bosarge, Patrick1 Author Information

In vitro investigation of the Flusso™ Bypass adapter efficiency upon ventilator circuit disconnect in a clinical simulated environment.

RationaleMechanically ventilated patients must be disconnected from the ventilator during intra-facility transfers. Intentional and accidental circuit disconnections represent a potential hazard to patients (sudden collapse and re-expansion of the alveoli) as well as to clinical staff (exposure to patient’s unfiltered exhalation). Therefore, avoiding abrupt circuit disconnections could better protect the patient’s health and reduce or eliminate contamination risks around clinical staff.ObjectiveThe purpose of this in-vitro work was to investigate and evaluate the potential for environmental exposure of Nitric Oxide (NO, as an indicator of any contamination exposure) before and after implementing the novel Flusso™ Bypass adapter during the disconnect procedure of a mechanical ventilator system.MethodsA mechanical ventilator delivering NO was connected to a breathing simulator with and without the Flusso™ Bypass adapter. The ambient NO concentration was measured when the circuit was briefly disconnected (3 s) during inhalation and exhalation. Both volume and pressure ventilation modes were used.Measurements and main resultsDisconnecting the standard ventilator circuit (pressure-controlled mode) without the Flusso™ Bypass adapter produced higher NO escape to the surroundings (compared with the volume-controlled mode), leading to a longer NO dissipation time. No ambient NO traces were detected when the Flusso™ adapter was used.ConclusionThe usage of the Flusso™ adapter drastically decreases the unwanted exposure among clinical staff dealing with potentially hazardous airborne biological aerosols emanating from the circuit. Avoiding abrupt disconnection in the ventilator circuit could reduce lung injuries and alveolar over distension and collapse.

Evaluating cross contamination on a shared ventilator

BackgroundDisasters have the potential to cause critical shortages of life-saving equipment. It has been postulated that during patient surge, multiple individuals could be maintained on a single ventilator. This was...

A Novel Low-Cost Ventilator for Use in a Worldwide Pandemic: The Portsmouth Ventilator.

We pursued development of a pneumatic-type ventilator. The basic design involves three electrically controlled solenoid valves, a pressure chamber, the patient breathing circuit, a positive end-expiratory pressure valve, and an electronics control system. Multiple safety elements were built into the design. The user-friendly interface allows simple control of ventilator settings. The ventilator delivers a hybrid form of pneumatic, assist-control ventilation, with predicted tidal volumes of 300-800 mL, positive end-expiratory pressure 0-20 cm H2O, and Fio2 21-100%. The ventilator was extensively tested with two separate high-fidelity lung simulators and a porcine in vivo model. Both lung simulators were able to simulate a variety of pathologic states, including obstructive lung disease and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The ventilator performed well across all simulated scenarios. Similarly, a porcine in vivo model was used to assess performance in live tissue, with a specific emphasis on gas exchange. The ventilator performed well in vivo and demonstrated noninferior ventilation and oxygenation when compared with the standard ventilator. The Portsmouth Ventilator was able to perform well across all simulated pathologies and in vivo. All components may be acquired by the public for a cost of approximately $250 U.S.D. Although this ventilator has limited functionality compared with modern ventilators, the simple design appears to be safe and would allow for rapid mass production if ventilator surge demand exceeded supply.

Effect of positive end-expiratory pressure during anaesthesia induction on non-hypoxic apnoea time in infants: A randomised controlled trial.

Hypoxaemia occurs frequently in infants during anaesthetic induction. We evaluated the effect of positive end-expiratory pressure during anaesthesia induction on nonhypoxic apnoea time in infants. Randomised controlled trial. Tertiary care children's hospital, single centre, from November 2018 to October 2019. We included patients under 1 year of age receiving general anaesthesia. We assigned infants to a 7 cmH2O or 0 cmH2O positive end-expiratory pressure group. Anaesthesia was induced with 0.02 mg kg-1 atropine, 5 mg kg-1 thiopental sodium and 3 to 5% sevoflurane, and neuromuscular blockade with 0.6 mg kg-1 rocuronium. Thereafter, 100% oxygen was provided via face mask with volume-controlled ventilation of 6 ml kg-1 tidal volume, and either 7 cmH2O or no positive end-expiratory pressure. After 3 min of ventilation, the infants' trachea was intubated but disconnected from the breathing circuit, and ventilation resumed when pulse oximetry reached 95%. The primary outcome was nonhypoxic apnoea time defined as the time from cessation of ventilation to a pulse oximeter reading of 95%, whereas the secondary outcome was the incidence of significant atelectasis (consolidation score ≥2) assessed by lung ultrasound. Sixty patients were included in the final analysis. Apnoea time in the 7 cmH2O positive end-expiratory pressure group (105.2 s) increased compared with that in the control group (92.1 s) (P = 0.011, mean difference 13.0 s, 95% CI, 3.1 to 22.9 s). Significant atelectasis was observed in all patients without positive end-expiratory pressure and 66.7% of those with 7 cmH2O positive end-expiratory pressure (P = 0.019, 95% CI, 1.7 to 563.1, odds ratio 31.2). Positive end-expiratory pressure during anaesthesia induction with face mask ventilation increased nonhypoxic apnoea time in infants. www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03540940.

Computational simulation to assess patient safety of uncompensated COVID-19 two-patient ventilator sharing using the Pulse Physiology Engine.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic is stretching medical resources internationally, sometimes creating ventilator shortages that complicate clinical and ethical situations. The possibility of needing to ventilate multiple patients with a single ventilator raises patient health and safety concerns in addition to clinical conditions needing treatment. Wherever ventilators are employed, additional tubing and splitting adaptors may be available. Adjustable flow-compensating resistance for differences in lung compliance on individual limbs may not be readily implementable. By exploring a number and range of possible contributing factors using computational simulation without risk of patient harm, this paper attempts to define useful bounds for ventilation parameters when compensatory resistance in limbs of a shared breathing circuit is not possible. This desperate approach to shared ventilation support would be a last resort when alternatives have been exhausted.MethodsA whole-body computational physiology model (using lumped parameters) was used to simulate each patient being ventilated. The primary model of a single patient with a dedicated ventilator was augmented to model two patients sharing a single ventilator. In addition to lung mechanics or estimation of CO2 and pH expected for set ventilation parameters (considerations of lung physiology alone), full physiological simulation provides estimates of additional values for oxyhemoglobin saturation, arterial oxygen tension, and other patient parameters. A range of ventilator settings and patient characteristics were simulated for paired patients.FindingsTo be useful for clinicians, attention has been directed to clinically available parameters. These simulations show patient outcome during multi-patient ventilation is most closely correlated to lung compliance, oxygenation index, oxygen saturation index, and end-tidal carbon dioxide of individual patients. The simulated patient outcome metrics were satisfactory when the lung compliance difference between two patients was less than 12 mL/cmH2O, and the oxygen saturation index difference was less than 2 mmHg.InterpretationIn resource-limited regions of the world, the COVID-19 pandemic will result in equipment shortages. While single-patient ventilation is preferable, if that option is unavailable and ventilator sharing using limbs without flow resistance compensation is the only available alternative, these simulations provide a conceptual framework and guidelines for clinical patient selection.

A comparison of the breathing apparatus deadspace associated with a supraglottic airway and endotracheal tube using volumetric capnography in young children.

BackgroundSupraglottic airway (SGA) devices including the air-Q® are being used with increasing frequency for anesthesia in infants and younger pediatric patients. To date, there is minimal research documenting the potentially significant airway deadspace these devices may contribute to the ventilation circuit when compared to an endotracheal tube (ETT). The aim of this study was to evaluate the airway apparatus deadspace associated with an air-Q® versus an ETT in young children.MethodsIn a prospective cohort study, 59 patients between 3 months and 6 years of age, weighing between 5 and 20 kg, scheduled for outpatient urologic or general surgery procedures were recruited. An air-Q® or ETT was inserted at the discretion of the attending anesthesiologist, and tidal volume, positive end expiratory pressure, respiratory rate, and end-tidal CO2 were controlled according to protocol. Airway deadspace was recorded using volumetric capnography every 2 min for 10 min. ResultsGroups were similar in demographics. There was a significant difference in weight-adjusted deadspace volume between the air-Q® and ETT groups, 4.1 ± 0.8 ml/kg versus 3.0 ± 0.7 ml/kg, respectively (P < 0.001). Weight-adjusted deadspace volume (ml/kg) increased significantly with decreasing weight for both the air-Q® and ETT groups.ConclusionsIn healthy children undergoing positive pressure ventilation for elective surgery, the air-Q® SGA introduces significantly greater airway deadspace than an ETT. Additionally, airway deadspace, and minute ventilation required to maintain normocarbia, appear to increase with decreasing patient weight irrespective of whether a SGA or ETT is used.

A simple method to estimate flow restriction for dual ventilation of dissimilar patients: The BathRC model.

With large numbers of COVID-19 patients requiring mechanical ventilation and ventilators possibly being in short supply, in extremis two patients may have to share one ventilator. Careful matching of patient ventilation requirements is necessary. However, good matching is difficult to achieve as lung characteristics can have a wide range and may vary over time. Adding flow restriction to the flow path between ventilator and patient gives the opportunity to control the airway pressure and hence flow and volume individually for each patient. This study aimed to create and validate a simple model for calculating required flow restriction. We created a simple linear resistance-compliance model, termed the BathRC model, of the ventilator tubing system and lung allowing direct calculation of the relationships between pressures, volumes, and required flow restriction. Experimental measurements were made for parameter determination and validation using a clinical ventilator connected to two test lungs. For validation, differing amounts of restriction were introduced into the ventilator circuit. The BathRC model was able to predict tidal lung volumes with a mean error of 4% (min:1.2%, max:9.3%). We present a simple model validated model that can be used to estimate required flow restriction for dual patient ventilation. The BathRC model is freely available; this tool is provided to demonstrate that flow restriction can be readily estimated. Models and data are available at DOI 10.15125/BATH-00816.

Gonadectomy in Raccoons: Anesthetic and Cardiorespiratory Effects of Two Ketamine-Based Pre-Anesthetic Protocols before Sevoflurane-Sufentanil.

Simple SummaryRaccoon (Procyon lotor) is a non-indigenous wildlife species originating from America which was introduced to Europe in the twentieth century. Raccoons are potential vectors of many diseases that can threaten human and domestic animals’ health. The Northern raccoon is listed within the worst 100 invasive alien species in Europe and since 2004 it has also been introduced to northern Italy. Containment, including birth control and eradication have become crucial steps to preserve and maintain autochthone biodiversity. The aim of this study was to find two anesthetic drug combinations suitable for a safe chemical immobilization and to compare them for qualitative anesthetic effects and influence on vital clinical parameters. The procedure was required to allow a safe handling of wild raccoons, confiscated from northern Italy and referred to the veterinary teaching hospital for gonadectomy, microchip application and subsequent re-release into a protected area.Nineteen raccoons were enrolled in this study. The aim was to evaluate and compare the quality of anesthesia and the cardiorespiratory effects following treatment with a ketamine-based combination with either dexmedetomidine (KD group) or midazolam (KM group) in raccoons undergoing ovariohysterectomy/orchiectomy. General anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane in oxygen and sufentanil infusion. The time required to approach the animals was similar among groups resulting in a median of 5 min after IM injection. Animals in group KD were scored with greater myorelaxation (p < 0.01) and easier intubation (p < 0.05). Moreover 70% of them did not require other drugs for tracheal intubation unlike animals in group KM, which required propofol in 100% of cases. After intubation and connection to the breathing circuit, physiological parameters were monitored continuously and recorded every 5 min. Sevoflurane requirements were lower in group KD than KM (p = 0.005). Blood pressure was maintained within physiological ranges in both groups but with higher values in group KM (p < 0.05). Mild respiratory depression occurred during surgery and animals in group KM showed greater respiratory acidosis (p < 0.05). Recovery was smooth and uneventful in all animals. Both anesthetic protocols can be recommended for safe anesthesia in wild raccoons.

In Vitro Measurements of Spiriva Respimat Dose Delivery in Mechanically Ventilated Tracheostomy Patients.

Background: For patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease under invasive mechanical ventilation, medication for aerosol therapy is delivered through tracheostomy or endotracheal airways. Typically, these medications (such as bronchodilators) are long-acting formulations that are delivered through Soft Mist™ Inhalers (SMI), or Pressurized Metered-Dose Inhalers. The Respimat® SMI has been shown to have increased efficiency because of its slow and prolonged aerosol mist and has gained popularity in clinical settings. However, the Respimat was not designed for drug delivery through artificial airways. Therefore, there is a need for SMI adapters in intensive care for use in mechanical ventilator circuits. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of a new Respimat adapter (ODAPT™ for mechanical ventilator [ODAPT MV]) for use in mechanical ventilator circuits which, in combination with a Pulmodyne T-piece adapter, allows use without interruption of the circuit in case of medication replacement. Methods: Tiotropium delivery to the lungs, using Respimat, was assessed using the ODAPT MV adapter within an in vitro setup, including a three-dimensional printed trachea model and a mechanical ventilator. Medication deposition and losses were investigated using two commonly used tracheostomy tube (TT) sizes (6 and 8 mm inner canula) for two flow rates (45 and 60 L/min) under different conditions (30%-50%. and 100% relative humidity [RH]). Medication delivery using the ODAPT MV adapter was compared with the RTC-26C in-line adapter under similar conditions (8 mm TT size, 100% RH at 45 L/min). Results: It was found that 7.1%-13.4% of the nominal dose (ND) was lost in the ODAPT MV adapter for different TT size, RH, and flow rates used. Higher losses were found in the inhaler's mouthpiece ranging from 15.7% to 29.1% ND. The percentage of the delivered medication reaching the lungs was determined to be 13.7%-18.5% ND delivered without significant differences between the experimental conditions tested. The ODAPT MV performed well compared with the RTC-26C under similar conditions (17.9% and 16.6% ND, respectively). Conclusion: The medication delivered through mechanical ventilation using the ODAPT MV adapter represents about one third the dose delivered directly through the Respimat SMI in vivo.

Roundtable Discussion: How the AAMI COVID-19 Response Team Responded to Crisis.

Roundtable Discussion: How the AAMI COVID-19 Response Team Responded to Crisis.

Coupling Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and MR-guided Radiation Therapy

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a cost effective and readily available device that increases lung volumes and has shown promise in conventional x-ray-based radiation therapy (RT). However, limited data are available to quantify the impact of CPAP on lung reproducibility due to the use of ionizing radiation during imaging. We propose a novel pilot study combining CPAP with the powerful soft tissue capabilities of MR-guided RT to reduce the amount of radiation exposure to organs at risk, with the overarching goals of quantifying the impact of CPAP on lung stability under free-breathing (FB) and deep inspiration breath-hold (DIBH) conditions and assessing feasibility. An MR-safe configuration was devised by affixing several CPAP breathing circuits and verifying pressure maintenance using a manometer. Six healthy volunteers (median age 38, range: 28-54) underwent MRIs of the thorax (25 second TrueFISP, 1.5×1.5×3 mm3 resolution) using a 0.35T MR-Linac. FB and 2 verbally coached DIBH acquisitions were performed at CPAP of 0, 6, 10, 12, and 15 cm H20. To define a mutual coordinate system between successive datasets, automated rigid registration was performed (translations only) based on bony anatomy to the reference condition (FB, CPAP 0 cm H20). To quantify the linear relationship between lung volume and pressure under FB conditions, R2 was estimated for each subject. To study positioning reproducibility that may depend on increased pressures in the setting of DIBH, a Spearman correlation coefficient was calculated based on the centroid differences in lung volume. A paired t-test was used to compare the difference between pressures of 0, 6, 10, 12, and 15 cm H20. Image quality with and without CPAP under FB conditions were assessed. Surveys about volunteer perceptions of CPAP were administered after initial CPAP tolerability screening and following the imaging session based on a ten-point scale (10 = least tolerable). FB lung volumes increased as CPAP increased (R2 = 0.85 ± 0.13, range: 0.57 to 0.99) with visible reductions in motion artifacts. A significant negative correlation was observed between CPAP and the lung anterior/posterior centroid differences under DIBH, indicating a reduced difference on repeated measures (i.e., increased lung stability) as pressure increased. Paired t-tests showed significantly better reproducibility in lung volumes at pressures of 6, 10, 12, and 15 cm H20, as compared to 0 cm H20. Patient-reported difficulty tolerating CPAP was perceived to be lower after the study session (mean 2.0, range 1-4) than before (mean 2.83, range 1-5). This study confirms that integrating CPAP into MR-guided RT is feasible and well-tolerated. CPAP not only increases lung volumes under FB conditions, but also improves reproducibility of DIBH, offering potential for reducing treatment-related side effects regardless of treatment delivery platform.

Talking about Prevention and Control Nursing of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) refers to the infection of lung parenchyma in patients undergoing endotracheal intubation or tracheotomy after receiving mechanical ventilation for 48 h, which is the most common complication of patients undergoing mechanical ventilation and has a high mortality rate (21.2%-43.2%). At present, the main measures to prevent and control VAP are to strictly implement hand hygiene, strengthen oral care, raise the bedside, effectively remove secretions from the airbag, implement airbag management and ventilator circuit management, carry out enteral nutrition and cluster intervention strategies according to the actual situation of hospitals. This article reviews the characteristics, diagnosis, prevention and control of VAP, aiming to provide reference for better prevention and control of VAP.