Central Venous Pressure Research Articles

Effects of dynamic versus static parameter-guided fluid resuscitation in patients with sepsis: A randomized controlled trial.

Fluid resuscitation is an essential component for sepsis treatment. Although several studies demonstrated that dynamic variables were more accurate than static variables for prediction of fluid responsiveness, fluid resuscitation guidance by dynamic variables is not standard for treatment. The objectives were to determine the effects of dynamic inferior vena cava (IVC)-guided versus (vs.) static central venous pressure (CVP)-guided fluid resuscitation in septic patients on mortality; and others, i.e., resuscitation targets, shock duration, fluid and vasopressor amount, invasive respiratory support, length of stay and adverse events. A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted at Thammasat University Hospital between August 2016 and April 2020. Septic patients were stratified by acute physiologic and chronic health evaluation II (APACHEII) <25 or ≥25 and randomized by blocks of 2 and 4 to fluid resuscitation guidance by dynamic IVC or static CVP. Of 124 patients enrolled, 62 were randomized to each group, and one of each was excluded from mortality analysis. Baseline characteristics were comparable. The 30-day mortality rates between dynamic IVC vs. static CVP groups were not different (34.4% vs. 45.9%, p=0.196). Relative risk for 30-day mortality of dynamic IVC group was 0.8 (95%CI=0.5-1.2, p=0.201). Different outcomes were median (interquartile range) of shock duration (0.8 (0.4-1.6) vs. 1.5 (1.1-3.1) days, p=0.001) and norepinephrine (NE) dose (6.8 (3.9-17.8) vs. 16.1 (7.6-53.6) milligrams, p=0.008 and 0.1 (0.1-0.3) vs. 0.3 (0.1-0.8) milligram⋅kilogram -1, p=0.017). Others were not different. Dynamic IVC-guided fluid resuscitation does not affect mortality of septic patients. However, this may reduce shock duration and NE dose, compared with static CVP guidance.

Optimized approach for blood vessel excavation within liver parenchyma

The most practical approach for dissecting the liver parenchyma involves first visualizing and subsequently addressing the blood vessels within the parenchyma while maintaining a dry operative field. This process is similar to “excavation” of ancient artifacts from soil without causing any damage. To excavate the blood vessels in a dry operative field during liver parenchymal dissection, proficiency in both blood flow control and parenchymal dissection techniques is mandatory. For blood flow management, inflow control is achieved using an externally applied Pringle maneuver, whereas outflow control is achieved by decreasing the central venous pressure. Precision in parenchymal dissection lies in dissecting the liver parenchyma in areas devoid of the Glissonean branch, such as the intersegmental plane, using the back-scoring technique with a cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator (CUSA) to read the grain of the blood vessels.

Evaluation of fluid responsiveness using liver compression in dogs with experimentally induced hypovolemia.

To investigate whether liver compression (LC) could increase stroke volume (SV) by more than 15% in healthy, anesthetized dogs with hypovolemia and suggest LC as a novel method to evaluate fluid responsiveness. 6 healthy Beagles. This prospective, nonrandomized experimental study was conducted from November 2023 to February 2024. The dogs were anesthetized with isoflurane and mechanically ventilated under neuromuscular blockade. After instrumentation, the dogs underwent the following 4 experimental stages in a sequential, nonrandomized manner: stage 1, baseline; stage 2, 30% withdrawal of circulating blood volume; stage 3, 50% infusion of the collected blood; and stage 4, the remaining 50% infusion of the collected blood. At each stage, SV via pulmonary artery thermodilution and hemodynamic variables were measured before, during, and after the LC. In stage 2, LC significantly increased mean SV by 30%, from 6.9 to 9 mL/beat. Simultaneously, LC significantly increased mean arterial pressure by 11 mm Hg and mean central venous pressure by 2 mm Hg, while pulse pressure variation significantly decreased from 28% to 22%. In stages 1, 3, and 4, LC did not significantly change mean SV, mean arterial pressure, and pulse pressure variation; however, mean central venous pressure significantly increased during stage 3. This study demonstrates that LC at 22 mm Hg for 1 minute could increase SV more than 15% in anesthetized, hypovolemic dogs and LC could be used as a novel method to evaluate fluid responsiveness.

Early-stage Development of the CoRISMA Mechanical Circulatory Support (CMCS) System for Heart Failure Therapy.

CoRISMA MCS Systems Inc (Hamden CT) is developing an innovative mechanical circulatory support system (CMCS) as a durable therapeutic option for heart failure (HF) patients. The CMCS system is comprised of an axial flow pump, non-contacting hydrodynamic bearings, and integrated DC motor designed to be fully implantable in a left atrial (LA) to aortic (Ao) configuration; this unloading strategy may be particularly beneficial for HF patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The small (5.5 cm3), lightweight (20g), and low power (5-7W) device design should allow for a less invasive off-pump implant. We present early-stage engineering development and testing of the prototype CoRISMA pumps. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling was performed to evaluate flow and shear in two impeller (3 blades, 0.5mm thickness, 8.9mm diameter, 0.15mm gap, polished titanium) and diffusor (5 blades, polished titanium) candidate designs. Test apparatuses were custom built to expedite development of the impeller/diffuser designs and iteratively refine the CFD models. Two candidate impeller/diffusor designs were fabricated and tested in each of the two test apparatuses (n = 4 impeller/diffuser + test fixture configurations) in static mock flow loops (hydrodynamic H-Q curves, 3.5 cP glycerol solution at 37°C), and in dynamic mock flow loops (hemodynamics, 3.5 cP glycerol solution at 37°C) tuned to HF conditions (mean aortic pressure 50 mmHg, central venous pressure 15 mmHg, aortic flow 3.0L/min, and heart rate 80bpm). CFD predicted flows of 4.56L/min and 4.82L/min at 100 mmHg for impellers/diffusers 1 and 2, respectively. Impeller 2 required less torque to generate a 6% increase in fluidic flow, and the diffuser had a larger area of high pressure, indicative of lower friction, which likely contributed to the increased efficiency. Experimental testing for all four configurations in the static and dynamic mock loops met performance metrics as evidenced by generating 4.0-4.5L/min flow against 70-76 mmHg pressure at 25,000rpm and restoring hemodynamics in the dynamic mock flow loop (MAP = 80 mmHg, CVP = 0 mmHg, total flow = 5.5L/min) from baseline simulated HF test conditions. These results demonstrate proof-of-concept of the early engineering design and performance of the prototype CoRISMA pumps. Engineering specifications, challenges observed, and proposed solutions for the next design iteration were identified for the continued development of an effective, reliable, and safe LA-to-Ao CMCS system for HF patients. Current design plans are underway for incorporating a wireless energy transfer system for communication and power, eliminating the need for and complications associated with an external driveline, to achieve a fully-implantable system.

Can central venous pressure help identify acute right ventricular dysfunction in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients?

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between central venous pressure (CVP) and acute right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation.MethodsThis retrospective study enrolled mechanically ventilated critically ill who underwent transthoracic echocardiographic examination and CVP monitoring. Echocardiographic indices including tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), fractional area change (FAC), and tricuspid lateral annular systolic velocity wave (S’) were collected to assess RV function. Patients were then classified into three groups based on their RV function and presence of systemic venous congestion as assessed by inferior vena cava diameter (IVCD) and hepatic vein (HV) Doppler: normal RV function (TAPSE ≥ 17 mm, FAC ≥ 35% and S’ ≥9.5 cm/sec), isolated RV dysfunction (TAPSE < 17 mm or FAC < 35% or S’ <9.5 cm/sec with IVCD ≤ 20 mm or HV S ≥ D), and RV dysfunction with congestion (TAPSE < 17 mm or FAC < 35% or S’ <9.5 cm/sec with IVCD > 20 mm and HV S < D).ResultsA total of 518 patients were enrolled in the study, of whom 301 were categorized in normal RV function group, 164 in isolated RV dysfunction group and 53 in RV dysfunction with congestion group. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed a good discriminative ability of CVP for identifying patients with RV dysfunction and congestion(AUC 0.839; 95% CI: 0.795–0.883; p < 0.001). The optimal CVP cutoff was 10 mm Hg, with sensitivity of 79.2%, specificity of 69.4%, negative predictive value of 96.7%, and positive predictive value of 22.8%. A large gray zone existed between 9 mm Hg and 12 mm Hg, encompassing 95 patients (18.3%). For identifying all patients with RV dysfunction, CVP demonstrated a lower discriminative ability (AUC 0.616; 95% CI: 0.567–0.665; p < 0.001). Additionally, the gray zone was even larger, ranging from 5 mm Hg to 12 mm Hg, and included 349 patients (67.4%).ConclusionsCVP may be a helpful indicator of acute RV dysfunction patients with systemic venous congestion in mechanically ventilated critically ill, but its accuracy is limited. A CVP less than10 mm Hg can almost rule out RV dysfunction with congestion. In contrast, CVP should not be used to identify general RV dysfunction.

Analisa Perawatan Central Vein Catheter (CVC) Terhadap Kejadian Infeksi Aliran Darah Primer (IADP) Pada Pasien Di Ruang Intensive Rumah Sakit Umum Daerah Dr. Zainoel Abidin Banda Aceh

Primary bloodstream infection is a laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection that cannot be attributed to any source other than a Central Vein Catheter (CVC) and develops 48 hours after placement. Central Vein Catheter (CVC) placement in critical patients is often necessary for measuring central venous pressure, fluid resuscitation, and administration of inotropic and vasoactive drugs. This study aimed to determine the correlation between CVC care and patient-related risk factors for the incidence of primary bloodstream infection in patients in the Intensive Care Unit of Dr. Zainoel Abidin Regional General Hospital. The study employed a quantitative design with a cross-sectional study approach, and samples were selected using accidental sampling. Bivariate data analysis was conducted using the chi-square test, while multivariate data analysis used logistic regression with backward method modeling. The study identified age (p=0.018), underlying disease (p=0.017), and CVC care (p=0.019) as factors associated with the incidence of primary bloodstream infection. The underlying disease was the most dominant factor affecting the incidence of primary bloodstream infection, with EXP (B) = 23.293.

Nitroglycerin versus milrinone for low central venous pressure in patients undergoing laparoscopic hepatectomy: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial

BackgroundConventional anesthesia used to reduce central venous pressure (CVP) during hepatectomy includes fluid restriction and vasodilator drugs, which can lead to a reduction in blood perfusion in vital organs and may counteract the benefits of low blood loss. In this study, we hypothesized that milrinone is feasible and effective in controlling low CVP (LCVP) during laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH). Compared with conventional anesthesia such as nitroglycerin, milrinone is beneficial in terms of intraoperative blood loss, surgical environment, hemodynamic stability, and patients’ recovery.MethodsIn total, 68 patients undergoing LH under LCVP were randomly divided into the milrinone group (n = 34) and the nitroglycerin group (n = 34). Milrinone was infused with a loading dose of 10 µg/kg followed by a maintenance dose of 0.2–0.5 µg/kg/min and nitroglycerin was administered at a rate of 0.2–0.5 µg/kg/min until the liver lesions were removed. The characteristics of patients, surgery, intraoperative vital signs, blood loss, the condition of the surgical field, the dosage of norepinephrine, perioperative laboratory data, and postoperative complications were compared between groups. Blood loss during LH was considered the primary outcome.ResultsBlood loss during hepatectomy and total blood loss were significantly lower in the milrinone group compared with those in the nitroglycerin group (P < 0.05). Both the nitroglycerin group and milrinone group exerted similar CVP (P > 0.05). Nevertheless, the milrinone group had better surgical field grading during liver resection (P < 0.05) and also exhibited higher cardiac index and cardiac output during the surgery (P < 0.05). Significant differences were also found in terms of fluids administered during hepatectomy, urine volume during hepatectomy, total urine volume, and norepinephrine dosage used in the surgery between the two groups. The two groups showed a similar incidence of postoperative complications (P > 0.05).ConclusionOur findings indicate that the intraoperative infusion of milrinone can help in maintaining an LCVP and hemodynamic stability during LH while reducing intraoperative blood loss and providing a better surgical field compared with nitroglycerin.Trial registrationChiCTR2200056891,first registered on 22/02/2022.

A Novel Non-invasive Predictor Measure of Left Atrial Pressure and Practical Implicates in High Frequency Ventilation: Theory.

A new prototype of ventilator mode, based on high-frequency ventilation (HFV), aims to address the interrelations among diverse respiratory variables, several intercardiovascular parameters rapports, and instantaneously the intrarespiratory and cardiac interactions. This article proposes a logarithmic network of integrated correlation ratio H/V, R correlation, that primarily relates both dependent respiratory (V) and independent hemodynamic variables (H). Given a constant steady state of the heart and vasculature, a difference between calculated ratio (R calc), and optimized ratio (R opt) could be utilized to adjust many aspects of several parameters and outcomes in critically ill patients. The central venous pressure (CVP) waveanalysis aims to approachseveral cardiovascular parameters, endpoints of left atrial (LA) pressure, and the cardiac output (CO) with the help of thermodilution curve analysis. This might result in several innovative formulas of mathematical base. Their relevant clinical implicates demonstrated a wide area of normalized distribution capacity (Cd), systemic vascular capacity (Cs), pulmonary vascular capacitance (Cp), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), and mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP). The authors claim that prepared software programming helps network integration of all these variables, feeding back and addressing the prototypeof novel mode for the oldnew applicationof HFV. One potential unique criterion is adjusting LA and ultimately CO through a feedback control mechanism. Though this all sounds very plausible, the reader must be reminded that everything in this work is based on the most expected speculations and experience and could be potentially different than that in vivo.More importantly, animalexperimental studies are warranted.

Multiparametric right ventricular assessment improves risk stratification in patients with new-onset acute heart failure.

Risk stratification of patients with new-onset acute heart failure (AHF) is important but remains challenging. In the present study, we evaluated the prognostic value of a new multiparameter right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) score. Patients (n=210) hospitalized due to new-onset AHF between 2015 and 2018 were retrospectively included. Mean age was 56±10years, 24% were female and median left ventricular ejection fraction was 28% (interquartile range 20; 34%). The RVD score, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), and fractional area change (FAC) were determined at index hospitalization and after therapy titration. The 4-point RVD score included reduced TAPSE, right ventricular enlargement, moderate or severe tricuspid regurgitation and increased central venous pressure. The study endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality, left ventricular assist device implantation, and heart transplantation. After 60months median follow-up time, 53 (25%) patients met the endpoint. At index hospitalization, there were no significant differences in any echocardiographic parameter between patients with and without the endpoint. After therapy titration, there were differences in TAPSE (16 vs. 19mm, P=0.001), FAC (33 vs. 40%, P<0.001) and the proportion of patients with RVD score ≥2 (36 vs. 4%, P<0.001). The presence of RVD despite therapy titration had different impact on survival depending on the parameter considered: the proportion of patients free from events after 1year was 87% in patients with TAPSE <17mm, 89% in patients with FAC <35% and 65% in patients with RVD score ≥2. In a multivariable analysis, RVD score ≥2 after therapy titration, but not TAPSE <17mm or FAC<35%, remained associated with a higher risk of the composite endpoint (hazard ratio 3.11, 95% confidence interval 1.44-6.74). A novel multiparametric RVD score might improve prognostic stratification in patients with new-onset AHF. RVD after therapy titration, but not at index hospitalization is associated with a higher risk of the composite endpoint.

Correlation between Central Venous Pressure and Inferior Vena Cava Diameter for Fluid Assessment in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is now the third leading cause of death globally.3 Although COPD primarily affects the lungs, it is now also recognized as a complex multi-component disease characterized by chronic systemic inflammation that frequently coexists with other conditions known as co morbidities. Objective To determine the correlation between central venous pressure (CVP) and the IVC collapsibility index for estimating the fluid status in COPD patients. Patients and Methods After obtaining the approval of the Ain Shams University Ethical Committee and written informed consent, 20 patients aged 21 - 60 years of either sex, admitted in the ICU of Ain Shams teaching hospitals who have a functioning central venous catheter inserted for any clinical indication, were involved in this correlational study. CVP measurements were taken with the patient in the supine position from the zero point and the middle line. Results The current study showed that there was no statically significant correlation Between CVP (cmH2O) and Heart Rate (beat /min), MABP (mmHg), IVCd max (cm) and IVC CI % at Baseline, After PLR test, After Bolus fluid administration, After 3 hours and After 6 hours. Conclusion The measurement of the IVC diameter has a good correlation with CVP and useful for assessment of the volume status. The measurement of the IVC by ultrasonography may be an important additional evaluation of critically ill patients.

Correlation analysis of central venous pressure and Intra-thoracic pressures in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome mechanical ventilated patients, a pilot Study

Abstract Background Positive end expiratory pressure can affect measurement of central venous pressure through increased intrathoracic pressure. However, when positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) is applied, central venous pressure and pleural pressure often increases more than right atrial pressure, so that transmural right atrial pressure (true filling pressure) decreases. Aim of the study Primary end point was to recognizing correlation coefficient between mean CVP and intra- thoracic pressures on volume-controlled mode and spontaneous modes on same population of mechanically ventilated ARDS patients. The secondary end point is to compare the correlation coefficient R during both modes with parameters of ventilatory settings. Patient and Methods A cohort observational prospective study was done enrolling single group of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, who necessitate mechanical ventilation more than two days after connection to ventilators, the study was performed with demonstration of central venous pressure in cmH2O upon application of needed PEEP. Central venous catheter inserted for measuring CVP were processed in accordance with the standard guidelines. Results There were statistically significant differences between control and support group regarding the PEEP, Plateau pressure, mean CVP and mean airway pressure MAP. The data were higher in control than support group with p-value &amp;lt;0.001, 0.002 and 0.004, respectively. There was statistically significant positive correlation between R and CVP in the control group with p &amp;lt; 0.001 and r = 0.918. There was statistically significant positive correlation between R and ΔPIT in support group with p 0.001 and r = 0.926. The correlation between CVP and R among the control group was R = 0.028 + 0.032 * CVP with p-value &amp;lt;0.001, whereas the correlation between ΔPIT and R among the support group was R = 0.465 + 0.020 * ΔPIT with p-value = 0.022 Conclusion The relation between hemodynamics change of central venous pressures and intrathoracic pressure is new independent marker for evaluating ARDS mechanically ventilated patients. Values of R correlation are different in controlled mode relative to spontaneous mode during ARDS ventilated patients.

Clinical Efficacy of Permanent Internal Mammary Artery Occlusion in Chronic Coronary Syndrome: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial

The CLIMACCS trial, a randomized, sham-controlled trial tested the CLinical efficacy of permanent internal mammary artery (IMA) device occlusion on symptoms in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS), on coronary artery occlusive blood supply, and on myocardial ischemia. This was a prospective trial in 101 patients with CCS randomly allocated (1:1) to IMA device occlusion (verum group) or to IMA sham intervention (placebo group). The primary study endpoint was the change in treadmill exercise time (ΔET in seconds, s) at 6 weeks after trial intervention. Secondary study endpoints were the changes in collateral flow index (CFI), and angina pectoris during a simultaneous 1-minute proximal balloon occlusion of a coronary artery. CFI is the ratio between simultaneous mean coronary occlusive divided by mean aortic pressure both subtracted by central venous pressure. In the verum and placebo group, exercise time changed from 398±176s to 421±198s in the verum group (p=0.1745), and from 426±162s to 430±166s in the placebo group (p=0.55); DET amounted to +23±116s and +4±120s, respectively (p=0.44). CFI change during follow-up equalled +0.022±0.061 in the verum and-0.039±0.072 in the placebo group (p<0.0001). Angina pectoris at follow-up during the coronary balloon occlusion for CFI measurement had decreased or disappeared in 20/48 patients of the verum, and in 9/47 patients of the placebo group (p=0.0242). In conclusion, permanent IMA device occlusion tends to augment treadmill exercise time in response to heightened coronary artery occlusive blood supply, the fact of which is reflected by mitigated symptoms and signs of myocardial ischemia.

An Interesting Case of COPD Exacerbation Presenting with Mixed Features of Intracranial Hypertension and Hypercapnic Encephalopathy

Background: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH or pseudotumor cerebri) has two major morbidities: papilledema with visual loss and disabling headache. Intracranial Venous Hypertension (IVH) is a fundamental mechanism of IIH. Although traditionally considered limiting to the central nervous system, evidence suggests IIH as a systemic disease associated with cardiorespiratory disorders, which has been far less comprehended. Case Report: A 60-year-old female with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) was admitted for dyspnea and developed a coma with a pH of 7.01 and pCO2 of 158 mmHg. She was intubated and had persistent nuchal rigidity, a brief myoclonus episode with a negative electroencephalogram, and negative CT head studies. A Lumbar Puncture (LP) revealed elevated opening pressure (35 cmH2O) with normal Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) studies. Her nuchal rigidity improved after the removal of 40 mL CSF. The ophthalmology examination the next day after her the large volume LP didn’t show visual loss or papilledema. The patient improved clinically and was extubated two days later. Her echocardiogram showed a dilated right ventricle with pulmonary hypertension. The patient was discharged home. Discussion: IIH is different from hypercapnic encephalopathy and characterized by increased intracranial pressure with papilledema, vision loss, and debilitating headache. Hypercapnia-induced increased intracranial venous flow and pulmonary hypertension-caused elevated central venous pressure with consequent outflow resistance lead to IVH. In hypercapnic encephalopathy, the presentation is mostly cognitive changes. In this case, nuchal rigidity with a negative CT head scan triggered the investigation of IIH. Conclusion: A deep understanding of the relationship between COPD and IIH is vital. There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine eye examinations in COPD patients for papilledema and to conduct a pulmonary function test for a newly diagnosed IIH patient. However, we highly suggest a timely ophthalmology exam prior to performing an LP in COPD patients with suspecting IIH to avoid unnecessary procedures and meanwhile improve clinical outcomes.

Sympathoinhibition during cardiopulmonary baroreceptor loading is attenuated in older females.

The purpose of the present study was to clarify the impact of age on the sympathoinhibitory response to cardiopulmonary baroreceptor loading in females. Nine older females (mean±SD, 70±6 years) and eleven younger females (20±1 years) completed the study. A passive leg raising (PLR) test was performed wherein the participants were positioned supine (baseline, 0º), and their lower limbs were passively lifted at 10º, 20º, 30º, and 40º (3 min at each angle). Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) was recorded via microneurography of the left radial nerve. The central venous pressure was estimated based on peripheral venous pressure (eCVP), which was monitored using a cannula in the right large antecubital vein. Baseline MSNA was higher in older females compared to younger females. MSNA burst frequency (BF) decreased during the PLR test in both older and younger females, but the magnitude of the decrease in MSNA BF was smaller in older females than in younger females (older, -3.5±1.5 vs. younger, -6.3±1.5 bursts/min at 40º from baseline, P=0.014). The eCVP increased during the PLR in both groups, and there was no difference in the changes in eCVP between the two groups (older, +1.07±0.37 vs. younger, +1.12±0.33 mmHg at 40º from baseline, P=0.941). These results suggest that inhibition of sympathetic vasomotor outflow during cardiopulmonary baroreceptor loading could be blunted with advancing age in females.

Internal jugular vein‐femoral vein diversion during anterior mediastinal mass resection and superior vena cava replacement

SummarySurgery which involves anterior mediastinal mass resection with artificial replacement of the superior vena cava results in significant disruption to the circulatory system. In this case, a pathway was established to divert blood from the internal jugular to the femoral vein after clamping of the superior vena cava. Blood which would ordinarily return to the right atrium via the superior vena cava was now being returned via the inferior vena cava. The mean arterial pressure was maintained at least 50 mmHg higher than the central venous pressure during clamping of the superior vena cava to avoid cerebral hypoperfusion. The combined use of the above strategies aimed to provide satisfactory surgical conditions and cerebral protection.

Central venous pressure waveform analysis during sleep/rest: a novel approach to enhance intensive care unit post-extubation monitoring of extubation failure.

This pilot study aimed to investigate the relation between cardio-respiratory parameters derived from Central Venous Pressure (CVP) waveform and Extubation Failure (EF) in mechanically ventilated ICU patients during post-extubation period. This study also proposes a new methodology for analysing these parameters during rest/sleep periods to try to improve the identification of EF. We conducted a prospective observational study, computing CVP-derived parameters including breathing effort, spectral analyses, and entropy in twenty critically ill patients post-extubation. The Dynamic Warping Index (DWi) was calculated from the respiratory component extracted from the CVP signal to identify rest/sleep states. The obtained parameters from EF patients and patients without EF were compared both during arbitrary periods and during reduced DWi (rest/sleep). We have analysed data from twenty patients of which nine experienced EF. Our findings may suggest significantly increased respiratory effort in EF patients compared to those successfully extubated. Our study also suggests the occurrence of significant change in the frequency dispersion of the cardiac signal component. We also identified a possible improvement in the differentiation between the two groups of patients when assessed during rest/sleep states. Although with caveats regarding the sample size, the results of this pilot study may suggest that CVP-derived cardio-respiratory parameters are valuable for monitoring respiratory failure during post-extubation, which could aid in managing non-invasive interventions and possibly reduce the incidence of EF. Our findings also indicate the possible importance of considering sleep/rest state when assessing cardio-respiratory parameters, which could enhance respiratory failure detection/monitoring.

Hospital-Based Electrocardiographic Monitoring: The Good, the Not So Good, and Untapped Potential

Continuous electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring was first introduced into hospitals in the 1960s, initially into critical care, as bedside monitors, and eventually into step-down units with telemetry capabilities. Although the initial use was rather simplistic (ie, heart rate and rhythm assessment), the capabilities of these devices and associated physiologic (vital sign) monitors have expanded considerably. Current bedside monitors now include sophisticated ECG software designed to identify myocardial ischemia (ie, ST-segment monitoring), QT-interval prolongation, and a myriad of other cardiac arrhythmia types. Physiologic monitoring has had similar advances from noninvasive assessment of core vital signs (blood pressure, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation) to invasive monitoring including arterial blood pressure, temperature, central venous pressure, intracranial pressure, carbon dioxide, and many others. The benefit of these monitoring devices is that continuous and real-time information is displayed and can be configured to alarm to alert nurses to a change in a patient’s condition. I think it is fair to say that critical and high-acuity care nurses see these devices as having a positive impact in patient care. However, this enthusiasm has been somewhat dampened in the past decade by research highlighting the shortcomings and unanticipated consequences of these devices, namely alarm and alert fatigue. In this article, which is associated with the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses’ Distinguished Research Lecture, I describe my 36-year journey from a clinical nurse to nurse scientist and the trajectory of my program of research focused primarily on ECG and physiologic monitoring. Specifically, I discuss the good, the not so good, and the untapped potential of these monitoring systems in clinical care. I also describe my experiences with community-based research in patients with acute coronary syndrome and/or heart failure.

"Rapid Atrial Swirl Sign": A Better Tool Than the Landmark Technique for Ensuring Correct Depth of Insertion of Central Venous Catheters.

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are widely used in the management and resuscitation of critically ill patients in emergency departments and intensive care units. Correct depth of insertion of the CVC line is important to ensure uninterrupted flow, avoid complications, and monitor central venous pressure. Transthoracic echocardiography, with contrast enhancement, has been proposed as an alternative to chest X-ray in detecting central venous line positioning with high accuracy. Nevertheless, this method is not widely used due to some previous conflicting results and the cumbersomeness of the procedure. After approval by the Institutional Ethics Committee, this prospective observational study was carried out in patients for whom a central venous line was warranted. The study was conducted in the Intensive Care Unit of a tertiary care hospital among 150 adult patients to compare the "Rapid Atrial Swirl Sign" (RASS) technique by transthoracic echocardiography and the landmark-based technique for ensuring accurate depth of central venous line placement. In this study, we found that the mean depth of insertion of the CVC for the Echocardiography RASS group (E) was 12.84 cm, while for the Landmark technique group (L), it was 12.02 cm. There was a significant difference between these groups, with a p-value of <0.05. We found that the majority of patients (98.63%) in Group E had the catheter tip in Zones 1, 2, and 3, while only 66.6% of patients in Group L had the catheter tip in similar zones. The mean standard deviation for zones on chest X-ray was 1.8 for Group E and 2.26 for Group L, with a significant difference between these groups (p-value <0.05). The RASS technique is superior to the landmark technique in ensuring the correct depth of the tip of the CVC. When confirmed by chest X-ray, it was found that most patients had the catheter tip in Zone1, 2, or 3 using the RASS technique. This confirms that the RASS technique can minimize the requirement of resources and hasten the initiation of patient management in a timely manner, unlike the landmark technique, which requires chest X-ray confirmation before use.

Effectiveness of multimedia-based teaching on the learning rate of anesthesia technologist students in the field of central venous pressure monitoring: A comparative study.

Traditional teaching methods alone are no longer sufficient to meet the needs of modern societies. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of central venous pressure teaching through multimedia and lecture method on learning rate of anesthesia technologist students. In this quasi-experimental study, 41 undergraduate students of anesthesia technologist were selected through the census method and randomly divided into two groups: multimedia- and lecture-based teaching. The educational content was the same for both groups and was taught by the same educator. A pre-test was administered to both groups, and a post-test was conducted two weeks after the intervention. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, and paired t-test with SPSS software version 26. Before the intervention, there was no significant difference in the mean scores between the two groups (P = 0.648). However, after the intervention, the learning rate significantly improved in both teaching methods (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the mean scores obtained from post-test increase in the multimedia-based group were significantly higher than the lecture-based group (P = 0.004). The results of this study indicate the effectiveness of both methods. However, considering the advantages of multimedia-based teaching, such as responding to various learning styles and higher mean scores obtained from post-test of the multimedia-based group compared to the lecture-based group, it is recommended to utilize this teaching method in medical science courses.

Perioperative optic nerve sheath diameter variations in patients with end-stage renal failure undergoing robotic-assisted kidney transplant: a prospective observational study.

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who undergo hemodialysis are predisposed to interstitial cerebral edema. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery can increase optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) and intracranial pressure. The impact of robotic-assisted kidney transplant (RAKT) on ONSD is complicated by the presence of CKD, the administration of furosemide and mannitol, and the manipulation of hemodynamics. We examined ONSD variations in patients undergoing RAKT over a 1-year period at our institution. Furthermore, we attempted to identify any perioperative hemodynamic factors influencing these changes. This prospective study included 20 patients undergoing RAKT. ONSD, heart rate, central venous pressure, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured following intubation (T1), after assuming the steep Trendelenburg position (T2), 1 hour after docking (T3), upon reperfusion (T4), after transition to the supine position (T5), and 3 hours postextubation (T6). Repeated measures analysis of variance with post hoc Bonferroni correction was employed to compare variables at each time point. Pearson correlation analysis was utilized to assess relationships between variables. P-values ≤0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance. ONSD (in mm) increased from T1 (3.60±0.44) to T3 (4.06±0.45, P=0.002) and T4 (3.99±0.62, P=0.046), before falling to its lowest value at T6 (3.42±0.64, P=0.002). Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant correlations (P<0.05) between changes in ONSD at T3 and both DBP (r=0.637) and MAP (r=0.522). During RAKT with open ureteric anastomosis, ONSD initially increased, then decreased following reperfusion. DBP and MAP displayed positive correlations with ONSD changes at T3.