The evaluation of a better intubation strategy when only the epiglottis is visible: a randomized, cross-over mannequin study.

Background: The Cormack-Lehane (C-L) grade III airway is considered to be a challenging airway to intubate and is associated with a poor intubation success rate. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the holding position, shapes, bend angles of the endotracheal tube (ET) and the stylet-assisted lifting of the epiglottis could improve the success rate of intubation.

Methods: Thirty-two participants, 26 physicians, 2 residents, and 4 nurse practitioners, with 12.

Disco spotlight sign: A sign that may be useful for diagnosis of pneumomediastinum.

The use of ultrasonography for the investigation of pneumomediastinum is limited by the presence of air artifacts. Air accumulation in the mediastinum obscures the heart, sometimes leading to misinterpretation as lung tissue. We found that cardiac apical swinging during the heart cycle, however, can create a uniquely characteristic squeezing of mediastinal free air, producing a sonographic B-line that flashes in and out.

Acute aortic dissection (AAD) in the elderly.

AAD is a relatively uncommon yet catastrophic disease. Though the relationship between AAD and age has been discussed in several previous studies, many facets of the relationship between AAD and the elderly still remain unclear. From a retrospective review of charts from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2010, we collected data of 132 spontaneous AAD cases in a medical center in Taiwan, 83 of which were enrolled in our study.

Treatment and prognosis of pyogenic liver abscess.

Background: There are many combinations of treatments for pyogenic liver abscess (PLA). Different treatments are indicated for different clinical courses of PLA.

Aims: To realize the current prevalence, clinical course, trend of treatment, and prognosis of pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) in Taiwan.