Influence of positive end-expiratory pressure on myocardial strain assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography in mechanically ventilated patients.

Purpose: The effects of mechanical ventilation (MV) on speckle tracking echocardiography- (STE-)derived variables are not elucidated. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) ventilation on 4-chamber longitudinal strain (LS) analysis by STE.

Methods: We studied 20 patients admitted to a mixed intensive care unit who required intubation for MV and PEEP titration due to hypoxia.

Recruitment maneuver in prevention of hypoxia during percutaneous dilational tracheostomy: randomized trial.

Background: Percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT) can potentially lead to hypoxia and alveolar derecruitment. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of performing a recruitment maneuver (RM) before tracheostomy, in order to improve oxygenation.

Methods: We enrolled 29 eligible trauma patients with acute lung injury criteria requiring tracheostomy in a university ICU.

Cardiac arrest after intragastric balloon insertion in a super-obese patient.

A super-obese patient who suffered from severe sleep apnea (SSA) and other comorbidities underwent insertion of a BioEnterics intragastric balloon (BIB) before bariatric surgery. During the night, he was victim of cardiac arrest. After cardiopulmonary resuscitation and return of spontaneous circulation, he was transferred to intensive care unit.