This Issue’s Focus: 
Mechanical Ventilation

Learn more about this topic at Mechanical Ventilation:Trends in Adult and Pediatric Practice, to be held June 19 to 21, 2008, in Seattle, Washington.  













Features

Noninvasive Ventilation in Critical Care
Noninvasive ventilation has proved to be a more tolerable and often safer ventilatory technique compared to intubation, but careful patient selection and knowledge of proper application and monitoring techniques are vital to success. Discover the controversies and strategies related to noninvasive ventilator applications.

Oral Care During Mechanical Ventilation: Critical for VAP Prevention
Proper oral care in mechanically ventilated patients can help reduce ventilator-associated pneumonia, but oral care practices in intensive care units are not consistent or standardized.

Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation in the Pediatric ICU
Several recent advances in noninvasive positive pressure ventilation have occurred related to the ventilator interface and equipment. Learn more about how these advances are benefitting the pediatric population and future trends.

A Case for Dexmedetomidine
Dexmedetomidine is a relatively new agent with unique properties that may make it an interesting choice for sedation in mechanically ventilated patients. Gain insight into the potential benefits of this drug.

Preventing Injury from Mechanical Ventilation
Preventing injury from mechanical ventilation encompasses a variety of techniques, including the ARDSNet protocols. Understanding a variety of concepts related to prevention may help decrease the potential for injury related to this lifesaving procedure.  

Articles

Competency-Based Training Efforts Take New Steps

PACT Program Modules Complete

Facing Challenges and Producing Results

Departments

Message from the President

Message from the CEO

Career Central