Computerized lung acoustic monitoring can help to differentiate between various chest radiographic densities in critically ill patients.

Background: Complementary bedside lung monitoring modalities are often sought in order to assist in the differentiation between several lung opacities in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Objectives: To evaluate the use of computerized lung acoustic monitoring as a complementary approach in the differentiation between various chest radiographic densities in critically ill patients.

Methods: Lung vibration intensity was assessed in 82 intensive care patients using vibration response imaging.

Changes in regional distribution of lung sounds as a function of positive end-expiratory pressure.

Introduction: Automated mapping of lung sound distribution is a novel area of interest currently investigated in mechanically ventilated, critically ill patients. The objective of the present study was to assess changes in thoracic sound distribution resulting from changes in positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). Repeatability of automated lung sound measurements was also evaluated.

Prediction of extubation outcome: a randomised, controlled trial with automatic tube compensation vs. pressure support ventilation.

Introduction: Tolerance of a spontaneous breathing trial is an evidence-based strategy to predict successful weaning from mechanical ventilation. Some patients may not tolerate the trial because of the respiratory load imposed by the endotracheal tube, so varying levels of respiratory support are widely used during the trial. Automatic tube compensation (ATC), specifically developed to overcome the imposed work of breathing because of artificial airways, appears ideally suited for the weaning process.

Extubation outcome following a spontaneous breathing trial with automatic tube compensation versus continuous positive airway pressure.

Objective: We hypothesized that the additional use of automatic tube compensation (ATC) during a spontaneous breathing trial with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), by minimizing respiratory work, would result in more patients undergoing successful extubation.

Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled study.

Setting: A ten-bed, general intensive care department at a tertiary-care hospital.

Initial experience with a mechanical ventilation weaning unit.

Background: While increasing numbers of patients require prolonged mechanical ventilation, resources for weaning are either limited (ICU beds) or inadequate (general wards).

Objectives: To report on our initial experience over a 7 month period with an eight-bed mechanical ventilation weaning unit.

Methods: Sixty-nine patients requiring MV for > 10 days were admitted to the unit (nurse:patient ratio 1:4).

Automatic tube compensation-assisted respiratory rate to tidal volume ratio improves the prediction of weaning outcome.

Objective: To assess whether the respiratory rate to tidal volume ratio (RVR) measured while receiving automatic tube compensation (ATC) [RVRATC] would have a better predictive value as a weaning measure than unassisted RVR.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Setting: General ICU of a tertiary-care university hospital.