Improving the efficiency of advanced life support training: a randomized, controlled trial.

Background: Each year, more than 1.5 million health care professionals receive advanced life support (ALS) training.

Objective: To determine whether a blended approach to ALS training that includes electronic learning (e-learning) produces outcomes similar to those of conventional, instructor-led ALS training.

Temperature monitoring during cardiopulmonary bypass--do we undercool or overheat the brain?

Objective: Brain cooling is an essential component of aortic surgery requiring circulatory arrest and inadequate cooling may lead to brain injury. Similarly, brain hyperthermia during the rewarming phase of cardiopulmonary bypass may also lead to neurological injury. Conventional temperature monitoring sites may not reflect the core brain temperature (Tdegrees).