Inadequate humidification of inspired gases can cause a variety of serious problems, and humidification has accordingly become an important aspect of modern intensive care medicine. This book is designed to serve as a practical guide for clinicians, providing information on the theoretical background of humidification, the equipment, and its optimal use. The book starts by examining the physiological basis of humidification. Current devices are then discussed, with careful attention to factors influencing their performance and methods to evaluate their effectiveness. The two scenarios of mechanical and non-mechanical ventilation are considered, and the issue of ventilator-associated pneumonia is addressed in detail. Further chapters focus on such topics as humidification following tracheostomy, humidification of the artificial airway during secretion management, measurement of inspired gas temperature in the ventilated neonate, and humidification in the home care setting.

Medical Ventilator System Basics: A clinical guide is a user-friendly guide to the basic principles and the technical aspects of mechanical ventilation and modern complex ventilator systems. Designed to be used at the bed side by busy clinicians, this book demystifies the internal workings of ventilators so they can be used with confidence for day-to-day needs, for advanced ventilation, as well as for patients who are difficult to wean off the ventilator. Using clear language, the author guides the reader from pneumatic principles to the anatomy and physiology of respiration. Split into 16 easy to read chapters, this guide discusses the system components such as the ventilator, breathing circuit, and humidifier, and considers the major ventilator functions, including the control parameters and alarms. Including over 200 full-colour illustrations and practical troubleshooting information you can rely on, regardless of ventilator models or brands, this guide is an invaluable quick-reference resource for both experienced and inexperienced users.

Audience: Critical Care Physicians, Pulmonary Medicine Physicians; Respiratory Care Practitioners; Intensive Care Nurses Author is the most recognized name in Critical Care Medicine Technical and clinical developments in mechanical ventilation have soared, and this new edition reflects these advances Written for clinicians, unlike other books on the subject which have primarily an educational focus

Covers essential information on maths, physics and clinical measurement for anaesthesia and critical care.

The sixth edition provides practical, concise information on all aspects of intensive care. Written in a clear and accessible style and now for the first time presented in colour throughout, this book enables the user to manage a patient in an ICU setting effectively without recourse to large text/reference works or specialized monographs. This thoroughly revised and updated edition reflects the best and most current practice from leading centres in Australia, the UK and Western Europe. Information on management and treatment of conditions is balanced by pathophysiological and pharmacological background. This is not just a "cook book" of procedures. It provides all of the essential information for candidates wishing to pass professional examinations. Addition of colour throughout to highlight summary boxes, tables, charts and flow diagrams.Will make key information more accessible, easier and faster to retrieve. Pitfalls in treatment and management emphasized in each chapter.Providers the user with expert advice on practical issues that will be encountered on a day-to-day basis in the ICU. Keeps the user abreast of the latest developments in diagnosis and management.

Mechanical ventilation is the life-support technique most frequently used in critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units. This Monograph discusses conventional and innovative ventilator modalities, adjuvant therapies, modes of extracorporeal respiratory support, and weaning from mechanical ventilation and noninvasive ventilation.

Simplify, simplify! Henry David Thoreau For writers of technical books, there can be no better piece of advice. Around the time of writing the first edition – about a decade ago – there were very few monographs on this s- ject: today, there are possibly no less than 20. Based on critical inputs, this edition stands thoroughly revamped. New chapters on ventilator waveforms, airway humidification, and aerosol therapy in the ICU now find a place. Novel software-based modes of ventilation have been included. Ventilator-associated pneumonia has been se- rated into a new chapter. Many new diagrams and algorithms have been added. As in the previous edition, considerable energy has been spent in presenting the material in a reader-friendly, conv- sational style. And as before, the book remains firmly rooted in physiology. My thanks are due to Madhu Reddy, Director of Universities Press – formerly a professional associate and now a friend, P. Sudhir, my tireless Pulmonary Function Lab technician who found the time to type the bits and pieces of this manuscript in between patients, A. Sobha for superbly organizing my time, Grant Weston and Cate Rogers at Springer, London, Balasaraswathi Jayakumar at Spi, India for her tremendous support, and to Dr. C. Eshwar Prasad, who, for his words of advice, I should have thanked years ago. vii viii Preface to the Second Edition Above all, I thank my wife and daughters, for understanding.