Extracorporeal Chloride Removal by Electrodialysis. A Novel Approach to Correct Acidemia.

Acidemia is a severe condition among critically ill patients. Despite lack of evidence, sodium bicarbonate is frequently used to correct pH; however, its administration is burdened by several side effects. We hypothesized that the reduction of plasma chloride concentration could be an alternative strategy to correct acidemia.

Effects on membrane lung gas exchange of an intermittent high gas flow recruitment maneuver: preliminary data in veno-venous ECMO patients.

Gas exchange capabilities of polymethylpentene membrane lungs (MLs) worsen over time. ML deterioration is related to protein deposit and clot formation. Condensation and trapping of water vapor inside ML hollow fibers might affect ML performances as well.

Effect of percutaneous tracheostomy on gas exchange in hypoxemic and non-hypoxemic mechanically ventilated patients.

Background: The influence of percutaneous tracheostomy on ventilator-dependence and clinical outcomes has been investigated in a number of studies. However, except for the variations during the procedure, the impact of tracheostomy on gas exchange has been scarcely explored. We investigated the effect of tracheostomy on respiratory function in a cohort of ICU patients.

Performance of different continuous positive airway pressure helmets equipped with safety valves during failure of fresh gas supply.

Purpose: We assessed the performance of different continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) helmets equipped with a safety valve during discontinuation of fresh gas flow.

Methods: This was a physiological study of five healthy volunteers. We delivered CPAP (fresh gas flow 60 l/min, FiO(2) 60%, PEEP 5 cmH(2)O) with three different helmets in a random sequence: 4Vent (Rüsch), HelmHAR-cp (Harol) and CaStar CP210 (StarMed).