Respiratory Therapy: Videos

Pulmonary-artery catheterization aids the diagnosis and management of numerous cardiovascular illnesses, including pulmonary hypertension, cardiogenic shock, mixed shock states, cardiac tamponade, and mechanical complications of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (e.g., right ventricular infarction, ventricular septal rupture, and papillary-muscle rupture).

The placement of a central venous line is an essential technique in the treatment of many hospitalized patients. This video will demonstrate the placement of a central venous catheter in the internal jugular vein with the use of one of several variations of the Seldinger technique.

This video will demonstrate arterial line placement in the radial artery using two of the many techniques available for arterial line placement, an over-the-wire technique and an over-the-needle technique.

Disposable pressure transducers are ubiquitous in the modern hospital — in operating rooms, intensive care units, and cardiac catheterization laboratories. They are used whenever precise, continuous measurement of physiological pressures is required. Physicians should understand how the transducers work and how to interpret the data they provide.

Unlike arterial blood gas analysis, pulse oximetry allows for noninvasive and continuous monitoring of arterial blood oxygen saturation.

Capnography is the standard of care for monitoring the adequacy of ventilation in patients receiving general anesthesia. It is also used to monitor ventilation during procedures performed while the patient is under moderate or deep sedation.

Endotracheal extubation refers to the removal of an endotracheal tube from the trachea. This procedure is commonly performed in operating rooms, postanesthesia care units, and intensive care units.

The video provides basic instruction for medical personnel in the placement of a laryngeal mask airway as an alternative to endotracheal intubation in patients receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Fiberoptic intubation plays an important part in the management of a difficult airway and is recommended by many societies of anesthesia. It is primarily important for the management of the anticipated difficult airway, but can also be used to secure the airway in an unexpected situation.

This video describes how to perform a cricothyroidotomy in an adult. The major indication for cricothyroidotomy is the inability to establish an airway by orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation.

Visualization of the larynx and pharynx is an essential part of a complete head and neck examination.

Emergency orotracheal intubation is indicated in any situation in which definitive control of the airway is needed.

Providing positive-pressure ventilation with a face mask and a bag-valve device can be a lifesaving maneuver.

All health care providers prescribing this therapy must be familiar with patient-selection criteria, the available equipment, and the appropriate ventilator settings. The accompanying video reviews these issues, with a focus on acute respiratory failure.

This video demonstrates a commonly used method for performing a nonemergency transfusion of red cells in an awake, competent adult.

The insertion of a pleural chest tube is often done in a setting where immediate action is required. Nonetheless, adherence to sterility, analgesia, sound technique, and safety are always warranted.