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.

Chapter “Aerosol Therapy and Humidification” is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.

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.

Now in paperback, the second edition of the Oxford Textbook of Critical Care is a comprehensive multi-disciplinary text covering all aspects of adult intensive care management. Uniquely this text takes a problem-orientated approach providing a key resource for daily clinical issues in the intensive care unit. The text is organized into short topics allowing readers to rapidly access authoritative information on specific clinical problems. Each topic refers to basic physiological principles and provides up-to-date treatment advice supported by references to the most vital literature. Where international differences exist in clinical practice, authors cover alternative views. Key messages summarise each topic in order to aid quick review and decision making. Edited and written by an international group of recognized experts from many disciplines, the second edition of the Oxford Textbook of Critical Careprovides an up-to-date reference that is relevant for intensive care units and emergency departments globally. This volume is the definitive text for all health care providers, including physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other allied health professionals who take care of critically ill patients.

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.