Life Support Systems
Ecological Systems, Closed
Life Support Care
Heart-Lung Machine
Decision Support Systems, Clinical
Advanced Cardiac Life Support
Decision Support Systems, Management
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Expert Systems
Decision Making, Computer-Assisted
Withholding Treatment
Heart Arrest
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Euthanasia, Passive
Liver, Artificial
Drug Therapy, Computer-Assisted
Quality of Life
Life support in the intensive care unit: a qualitative investigation of technological purposes. Canadian Critical Care Trials Group. (1/45)
BACKGROUND: The ability of many intensive care unit (ICU) technologies to prolong life has led to an outcomes-oriented approach to technology assessment, focusing on morbidity and mortality as clinically important end points. With advanced life support, however, the therapeutic goals sometimes shift from extending life to allowing life to end. The objective of this study was to understand the purposes for which advanced life support is withheld, provided, continued or withdrawn in the ICU. METHODS: In a 15-bed ICU in a university-affiliated hospital, the authors observed 25 rounds and 11 family meetings in which withdrawal or withholding of advanced life support was addressed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 7 intensivists, 5 consultants, 9 ICU nurses, the ICU nutritionist, the hospital ethicist and 3 pastoral services representatives, to discuss patients about whom life support decisions were made and to discuss life-support practices in general. Interview transcripts and field notes were analysed inductively to identify and corroborate emerging themes; data were coded following modified grounded theory techniques. Triangulation methods included corroboration among multiple sources of data, multidisciplinary team consensus, sharing of results with participants and theory triangulation. RESULTS: Although life-support technologies are traditionally deployed to treat morbidity and delay mortality in ICU patients, they are also used to orchestrate dying. Advanced life support can be withheld or withdrawn to help determine prognosis. The tempo of withdrawal influences the method and timing of death. Decisions to withhold, provide, continue or withdraw life support are socially negotiated to synchronize understanding and expectations among family members and clinicians. In discussions, one discrete life support technology is sometimes used as an archetype for the more general concept of technology. At other times, life-support technologies are discussed collectively to clarify the pursuit of appropriate goals of care. CONCLUSIONS: The orchestration of death involves process-oriented as well as outcome-oriented uses of technology. These uses should be considered in the assessment of life-support technologies and directives for their appropriate use in the ICU. (+info)Impact of hetastarch on the intestinal microvascular barrier during ECLS. (2/45)
The effects of hetastarch on microvascular fluid flux were determined in anesthetized dogs undergoing extracorporeal life support (ECLS) with a roller pump and membrane oxygenator. ECLS with a lactated Ringer priming solution resulted in a decrease in microvascular protein reflection coefficient and an increase in transvascular protein clearance. Use of a 6% hetastarch priming solution attenuated the decrease in microvascular protein reflection coefficient and blunted the increase in transvascular protein clearance. Ileal tissue water increased in the group treated with the lactated Ringer priming solution compared with the group treated with 6% hetastarch. The effective plasma-to-interstitial colloid osmotic pressure gradient was greater in the group treated with hetastarch than in the group treated with lactated Ringer solution. Hetastarch decreases the edema associated with ECLS. The reduction in edema is due to the maintenance of the plasma-to-interstitial colloid osmotic pressure gradient and the reduction in the microvascular permeability to protein. (+info)Pediatricians and the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS): time for reconsideration? (3/45)
BACKGROUND: General pediatricians in Israel are actively involved in the initial evaluation, resuscitation and management of traumatized children. However, pediatric trauma care is not a part of pediatric specialty training in Israel, and the few Advanced Trauma Life Support courses per year are insufficient for most pediatricians working in accident and emergency care. OBJECTIVE: To examine the value of the course in relation to the limited resources available for such training. METHODS: A telephone survey of 115 pediatricians who had taken the course between 1990 and 1994 was conducted. The responding physicians (67%) were asked to complete a specially designed questionnaire on life-saving procedures that were taught in the course. In addition, they were asked to subjectively assess the practical utility of the course. RESULTS: Forty-three (56%) pediatricians reported that they routinely treated both adult and pediatric trauma cases. Of these, 81% performed 27 life-saving ATLS procedures. Pediatric trauma was treated by only 22 (28%), of whom 72.3% performed 18 life-saving ATLS procedures. These pediatricians ranked the courses as being "very high" to "high" in impact. CONCLUSIONS: These figures indicate that an ATLS course designed specifically for pediatricians can markedly improve pediatric trauma care. To ensure standard education and patient care, such a course should be developed and made a mandatory component of residency training. Further studies to examine the objective impact of the courses on pediatric trauma care should be carried out. (+info)Liver support systems. (4/45)
In recent years liver transplantation was shown to be the only clinically effective method of treating acute or chronic hepatic failure due to various causes. However, this ultimate therapeutic approach is limited by the growing disparity between organ donation and the number of patients on the waiting list. Factors such as high cost, morbidity, and the need for lifelong immunosuppression accelerated the research on alternative methods to support the failing liver. Recently, new technologies incorporating hepatocytes and extracorporeal circulation devices were introduced for liver support. This review presents current knowledge on liver support systems and their role in the treatment of acute liver failure. (+info)Influence of changes in daylength and carbon dioxide on the growth of potato. (5/45)
Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) are highly productive in mid- to high-latitude areas where photoperiods change significantly throughout the growing season. To study the effects of changes in photoperiod on growth and tuber development of potato cv. Denali, plants were grown for 112 d with 400 micromol m-2 s-1 photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) under a 12-h photoperiod (short days, SD), a 24-h photoperiod (long days, LD), and combinations where plants were moved between the two photoperiods 28, 56, or 84 d after planting. Plants given LD throughout growth received the greatest total daily PPF and produced the greatest tuber yields. At similar levels of total PPF, plants given SD followed by LD yielded greater tuber dry mass (DM) than plants given LD followed by SD. Stem DM per plant, leaf DM, and total plant DM all increased with an increasing proportion of LD and increasing daily PPF, regardless of the daylength sequence. When studies were repeated, but at an enriched (1000 micromol mol-1) CO2 concentration, overall growth trends were similar, with high CO2 resulting in greater stem length, stem DM, leaf DM, and total plant DM; but high CO2 did not increase tuber DM. (+info)Carp experiment in space microgravity--a visual-vestibular sensory conflict model. (6/45)
In the 8-d flight mission of Spacelab-J (STS-47) conducted in 1992, behavior of the dorsal light response (DLR) and EEG activity of the cerebellum were intermittently examined for two carp, normal and otolith-removed. The latter carp had immobilization trouble caused by twisting of the EEG cable on day 2 inflight. The problem continued for the remainder of the experiment. Analyses made on the normal carp provided additional evidence in fish for sensory-motor disorder and readjustment during early phase of microgravity, thus supporting the sensory conflict hypothesis for space motion sickness. In the present report, why and how this space experiment was conducted were reviewed with a brief summary of the results. (+info)Very high CO2 reduces photosynthesis, dark respiration and yield in wheat. (7/45)
Although terrestrial CO2 concentrations, [CO2] are not expected to reach 1000 micromoles mol-1 for many decades, CO2 levels in closed systems such as growth chambers and glasshouses, can easily exceed this concentration. CO2 levels in life support systems in space can exceed 10000 micromoles mol-1 (1%). Here we studied the effect of six CO2 concentrations, from ambient up to 10000 micromoles mol-1, on seed yield, growth and gas exchange of two wheat cultivars (USU-Apogee and Veery-l0). Elevating [CO2] from 350 to 1000 micromoles mol-1 increased seed yield (by 33%), vegetative biomass (by 25%) and number of heads m-2 (by 34%) of wheat plants. Elevation of [CO2] from 1000 to 10000 micromoles mol-1 decreased seed yield (by 37%), harvest index (by 14%), mass per seed (by 9%) and number of seeds per head (by 29%). This very high [CO2] had a negligible, non-significant effect on vegetative biomass, number of heads m-2 and seed mass per head. A sharp decrease in seed yield, harvest index and seeds per head occurred by elevating [CO2] from 1000 to 2600 micromoles mol-1. Further elevation of [CO2] from 2600 to 10000 micromoles mol-1 caused a further but smaller decrease. The effect of CO2 on both wheat cultivars was similar for all growth parameters. Similarly there were no differences in the response to high [CO2] between wheat grown hydroponically in growth chambers under fluorescent lights and those grown in soilless media in a glasshouse under sunlight and high pressure sodium lamps. There was no correlation between high [CO2] and ethylene production by flag leaves or by wheat heads. Therefore, the reduction in seed set in wheat plants is not mediated by ethylene. The photosynthetic rate of whole wheat plants was 8% lower and dark respiration of the wheat heads 25% lower when exposed to 2600 micromoles mol-1 CO2 compared to ambient [CO2]. It is concluded that the reduction in the seed set can be mainly explained by the reduction in the dark respiration in wheat heads, when most of the respiration is functional and is needed for seed development. (+info)Dive Europa: a search-for-life initiative. (8/45)
Liquid water, underwater volcanoes and possibly life forms have been suggested to be present beneath the estimated 10 km-thick ice shell of Europa the Jovian satellite J2. Europa's possible ocean is estimated to be 100-200km deep. Despite the great depth of the Europa's ocean, hydrostatic pressure at the seafloor would be 130-260 MPa, corresponding to 13-26 km depth of a theoretical Earth's ocean. The hydrostatic pressure is not beyond the edge of existing deep-sea technology. Here we propose exploration of Europa's deep-sea by the use of current technologies, taking a symbolic example of a deep submergence vehicle Shinkai 6500 which dives to a depth of 6.5 km deep (50 km depth of Europa's ocean). Shinkai 6500 is embarkable in the payload bay of the Space Shuttles in terms of size and weight for the transportation to a Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Secondary boost is needed for interplanetary flight from the LEO. On-orbit assembly of the secondary booster is a technological challenge. The International Space Station (ISS) and ISS-related technologies will facilitate the secondary boost. Also, ice shell drilling is a challenge and is needed before the dive into Europa's ocean. These challenges should be overcome during a certain leading time for matured experience in the ISS operation. (+info)Life support systems are medical devices or equipment that provide necessary functions for patients who cannot breathe or maintain other vital functions on their own. These systems can include ventilators to assist with breathing, dialysis machines to perform kidney functions, and feeding tubes to provide nutrition. The goal of life support systems is to keep a patient alive while they receive treatment for an illness or injury, or until their body can function independently again.
An ecological system that is closed is a type of ecosystem where there is no exchange of energy, matter, or organisms with the outside environment. It is a self-sustaining system that is able to maintain its own balance and stability without any external inputs or outputs. In a closed ecological system, all the necessary resources for the survival and growth of the organisms within it are recycled and reused, with no waste products leaving the system.
Examples of closed ecological systems are rare in nature, as most ecosystems are open and interconnected with other systems. However, there are some artificial systems that have been designed to be closed, such as space stations or life support systems for spacecraft. These systems are designed to recycle and reuse all resources, including water, air, and nutrients, in order to sustain human life in space.
It is important to note that while a closed ecological system may seem like an ideal model for sustainability, it can also be vulnerable to disturbances and fluctuations within the system. For example, if one species becomes too dominant or if there is a sudden change in environmental conditions, it can have cascading effects on the entire system, potentially leading to its collapse. Therefore, maintaining the balance and stability of a closed ecological system requires careful monitoring and management.
"Space flight" is not a term that has a specific medical definition. However, in general, it refers to the act of traveling through space, outside of Earth's atmosphere, aboard a spacecraft. This can include trips to the International Space Station (ISS), lunar missions, or travel to other planets and moons within our solar system.
From a medical perspective, space flight presents unique challenges to the human body, including exposure to microgravity, radiation, and isolation from Earth's biosphere. These factors can have significant impacts on various physiological systems, including the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, sensory, and immune systems. As a result, space medicine has emerged as a distinct field of study focused on understanding and mitigating these risks to ensure the health and safety of astronauts during space flight.
Life support care, also known as artificial life support or mechanical ventilation, refers to medical interventions that are used to maintain and sustain the essential body functions of a patient who is unable to do so independently. These interventions can include mechanical ventilation to assist with breathing, hemodialysis to filter waste from the blood, intravenous (IV) fluids and medications to maintain circulation, and various other treatments to support organ function.
The goal of life support care is to keep a patient alive while treating their underlying medical condition, allowing time for the body to heal or providing comfort at the end of life. The use of life support can be temporary or long-term, depending on the patient's prognosis and the severity of their illness or injury.
It is important to note that decisions regarding the initiation, continuation, or withdrawal of life support care are complex and multifaceted, often requiring input from medical professionals, patients, and their families. Ethical considerations and advance directives, such as living wills and healthcare proxies, may also play a role in these decisions.
A heart-lung machine, also known as a cardiopulmonary bypass machine, is a medical device that temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs during certain surgical procedures, such as open-heart surgery. The machine pumps blood through the body, oxygenates it, and removes carbon dioxide, allowing the surgeon to operate on a still and non-functioning heart.
The heart-lung machine consists of several components, including a pump, an oxygenator, a heat exchanger, and monitoring equipment. The pump is used to circulate the blood throughout the body, while the oxygenator adds oxygen and removes carbon dioxide from the blood. The heat exchanger is used to control the patient's body temperature during surgery.
The use of a heart-lung machine allows for more precise surgical techniques and can reduce the risk of complications during open-heart surgery. However, there are also potential risks associated with its use, including bleeding, stroke, and infection. Therefore, careful monitoring and management of the patient's condition is essential during and after the use of a heart-lung machine.
Decision Support Systems (DSS), Clinical are interactive computer-based information systems that help health care professionals and patients make informed clinical decisions. These systems use patient-specific data and clinical knowledge to generate patient-centered recommendations. They are designed to augment the decision-making abilities of clinicians, providing evidence-based suggestions while allowing for the integration of professional expertise, patient preferences, and values. Clinical DSS can support various aspects of healthcare delivery, including diagnosis, treatment planning, resource allocation, and quality improvement. They may incorporate a range of technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics, to facilitate the processing and interpretation of complex clinical information.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is a set of clinical guidelines and protocols used by healthcare providers to manage and treat cardiopulmonary emergencies, such as cardiac arrest, stroke, and other life-threatening conditions. It is an advanced level of care that builds upon Basic Life Support (BLS) skills and includes the use of medications, electrical therapies, and specialized monitoring techniques.
ACLS certification courses typically cover topics such as airway management, electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation, pharmacology, rhythm recognition, and team dynamics. The goal of ACLS is to provide a systematic approach to assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients in critical situations, with the ultimate aim of improving outcomes and increasing survival rates.
ACLS protocols are regularly updated by professional organizations such as the American Heart Association (AHA) and the European Resuscitation Council (ERC), based on the latest scientific research and evidence-based practices. Healthcare providers who work in critical care settings, such as emergency departments, intensive care units, and cardiac catheterization labs, are often required to maintain ACLS certification through regular training and recertification.
Decision Support Systems (DSS) in the context of management refer to computerized systems that help managers and decision-makers make informed decisions by providing data, models, and analytical tools. DSSs are designed to augment human judgment and expertise by providing access to relevant information, identifying patterns and trends, and simulating different scenarios.
DSSs in management can be used for a variety of purposes, including:
1. Data analysis: DSSs can analyze large datasets to identify trends, correlations, and other insights that can inform decision-making. This can include data visualization tools, statistical models, and machine learning algorithms.
2. Modeling and simulation: DSSs can help managers simulate different scenarios and model the potential outcomes of various decisions. This can include financial modeling, risk analysis, and what-if scenario planning.
3. Collaboration and communication: DSSs can facilitate collaboration and communication among team members, stakeholders, and other decision-makers. This can include features like shared workspaces, discussion forums, and document management systems.
4. Knowledge management: DSSs can help managers capture, organize, and share knowledge and expertise across the organization. This can include features like expert systems, ontologies, and semantic networks.
DSSs in management are typically used to support semi-structured and unstructured decision-making processes, where there is no clear-cut solution or where the problem requires a high degree of expertise and judgment. They are designed to be flexible, adaptable, and user-friendly, allowing managers to customize their use to fit their specific needs and preferences.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving procedure that is performed when someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. It involves a series of steps that are designed to manually pump blood through the body and maintain the flow of oxygen to the brain until advanced medical treatment can be provided.
CPR typically involves a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths, which are delivered in a specific rhythm and frequency. The goal is to maintain circulation and oxygenation of vital organs, particularly the brain, until advanced life support measures such as defibrillation or medication can be administered.
Chest compressions are used to manually pump blood through the heart and into the rest of the body. This is typically done by placing both hands on the lower half of the chest and pressing down with enough force to compress the chest by about 2 inches. The compressions should be delivered at a rate of at least 100-120 compressions per minute.
Rescue breaths are used to provide oxygen to the lungs and maintain oxygenation of the body's tissues. This is typically done by pinching the nose shut, creating a seal around the person's mouth with your own, and blowing in enough air to make the chest rise. The breath should be delivered over about one second, and this process should be repeated until the person begins to breathe on their own or advanced medical help arrives.
CPR can be performed by trained laypeople as well as healthcare professionals. It is an important skill that can help save lives in emergency situations where a person's breathing or heartbeat has stopped.
An Expert System is a type of artificial intelligence (AI) program that emulates the decision-making ability of a human expert in a specific field or domain. It is designed to solve complex problems by using a set of rules, heuristics, and knowledge base derived from human expertise. The system can simulate the problem-solving process of a human expert, allowing it to provide advice, make recommendations, or diagnose problems in a similar manner. Expert systems are often used in fields such as medicine, engineering, finance, and law where specialized knowledge and experience are critical for making informed decisions.
The medical definition of 'Expert Systems' refers to AI programs that assist healthcare professionals in diagnosing and treating medical conditions, based on a large database of medical knowledge and clinical expertise. These systems can help doctors and other healthcare providers make more accurate diagnoses, recommend appropriate treatments, and provide patient education. They may also be used for research, training, and quality improvement purposes.
Expert systems in medicine typically use a combination of artificial intelligence techniques such as rule-based reasoning, machine learning, natural language processing, and pattern recognition to analyze medical data and provide expert advice. Examples of medical expert systems include MYCIN, which was developed to diagnose infectious diseases, and Internist-1, which assists in the diagnosis and management of internal medicine cases.
Computer-assisted decision making in a medical context refers to the use of computer systems and software to support and enhance the clinical decision-making process. These systems can analyze patient data, such as medical history, laboratory results, and imaging studies, and provide healthcare providers with evidence-based recommendations for diagnosis and treatment.
Computer-assisted decision making tools may include:
1. Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS): CDSS are interactive software programs that analyze patient data and provide healthcare providers with real-time clinical guidance based on established best practices and guidelines.
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms: AI and ML can be used to analyze large datasets of medical information, identify patterns and trends, and make predictions about individual patients' health outcomes.
3. Telemedicine platforms: Telemedicine platforms enable remote consultations between healthcare providers and patients, allowing for real-time decision making based on shared data and clinical expertise.
4. Electronic Health Records (EHRs): EHRs provide a centralized repository of patient information that can be accessed and analyzed by healthcare providers to inform clinical decision making.
Overall, computer-assisted decision making has the potential to improve the quality and safety of medical care by providing healthcare providers with timely and accurate information to support their clinical judgments. However, it is important to note that these tools should always be used in conjunction with clinical expertise and human judgment, as they are not a substitute for the knowledge and experience of trained healthcare professionals.
Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) is a medical educational program and set of guidelines created by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Trauma for the care of severely injured patients. The goal of ATLS is to teach a systematic, concise approach to the early assessment and management of trauma patients, regardless of the provider's level of training or resources available.
The primary survey, a key component of ATLS care, consists of several steps to quickly identify and address life-threatening injuries:
1. Airway management: Ensure an open airway and secure it if necessary, using adjuncts like cervical collars, suctioning, or intubation.
2. Breathing assessment: Check for adequate chest rise, breath sounds, oxygen saturation, and address any immediate life-threatening issues such as tension pneumothorax or open chest wounds (sucking chest wounds).
3. Circulation with hemorrhage control: Assess for signs of hypovolemia (low blood volume) like low blood pressure, weak pulses, and altered mental status. Control external bleeding using direct pressure, tourniquets, or packing. Identify internal sources of bleeding and consider immediate interventions such as pelvic binders or resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA).
4. Disability assessment: Perform a brief neurological examination to assess for spinal cord injury, head injury, or intoxication using the AVPU scale (Alert, responds to Voice, responds to Pain, Unresponsive) and pupillary response.
5. Exposure and environmental control: Completely expose the patient while maintaining body temperature by using warming blankets or room temperature.
After completing the primary survey and addressing any life-threatening conditions, a more detailed secondary survey is conducted to identify all injuries. This includes a head-to-toe physical examination, diagnostic imaging, and laboratory tests as needed. The ATLS framework emphasizes early recognition of injury patterns, timely intervention, and effective communication among the trauma team members.
It's important to note that Advanced Trauma Life Support is a standardized approach for initial assessment and management of severely injured patients. However, individual patient needs and resources may require modifications to this general framework.
"Withholding treatment" in a medical context refers to the deliberate decision not to provide or initiate certain medical treatments, interventions, or procedures for a patient. This decision is typically made after considering various factors such as the patient's wishes, their overall prognosis, the potential benefits and burdens of the treatment, and the patient's quality of life.
The reasons for withholding treatment can vary widely, but some common reasons include:
* The treatment is unlikely to be effective in improving the patient's condition or extending their life.
* The treatment may cause unnecessary discomfort, pain, or suffering for the patient.
* The patient has expressed a desire not to receive certain treatments, particularly if they are deemed to be burdensome or of little benefit.
* The cost of the treatment is prohibitive and not covered by insurance, and the patient cannot afford to pay out-of-pocket.
It's important to note that withholding treatment does not mean abandoning the patient or providing substandard care. Rather, it involves making thoughtful and informed decisions about the most appropriate course of action for a given situation, taking into account the patient's individual needs and preferences.
Cardiac arrest, also known as heart arrest, is a medical condition where the heart suddenly stops beating or functioning properly. This results in the cessation of blood flow to the rest of the body, including the brain, leading to loss of consciousness and pulse. Cardiac arrest is often caused by electrical disturbances in the heart that disrupt its normal rhythm, known as arrhythmias. If not treated immediately with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation, it can lead to death or permanent brain damage due to lack of oxygen supply. It's important to note that a heart attack is different from cardiac arrest; a heart attack occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, often by a clot, causing damage to the heart muscle, but the heart continues to beat. However, a heart attack can sometimes trigger a cardiac arrest.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is a medical procedure that uses a machine to take over the function of the lungs and sometimes also the heart, by pumping and oxygenating the patient's blood outside of their body. This technique is used when a patient's lungs or heart are unable to provide adequate gas exchange or circulation, despite other forms of treatment.
During ECMO, blood is removed from the body through a large catheter or cannula, passed through a membrane oxygenator that adds oxygen and removes carbon dioxide, and then returned to the body through another catheter. This process helps to rest and heal the lungs and/or heart while maintaining adequate oxygenation and circulation to the rest of the body.
ECMO is typically used as a last resort in patients with severe respiratory or cardiac failure who have not responded to other treatments, such as mechanical ventilation or medication. It can be a life-saving procedure, but it also carries risks, including bleeding, infection, and damage to blood vessels or organs.
Passive euthanasia is the act of withholding or withdrawing medical treatments that are necessary to maintain life, allowing the natural dying process to occur. This can include stopping artificial nutrition and hydration, mechanical ventilation, or other forms of life-sustaining treatment. The goal of passive euthanasia is to allow a person who is suffering from a terminal illness or irreversible condition to die with dignity and in comfort, sparing them from unnecessary pain and suffering. It is important to note that the decision to engage in passive euthanasia should be made carefully, with the full involvement of the patient, their family, and medical team, and in accordance with applicable laws and ethical guidelines.
An artificial liver is not a actual organ replacement but a device designed to perform some of the functions of a liver in patients with liver failure. These devices can be divided into two types: bioartificial and non-bioartificial. Non-bioartificial devices, such as hemodialysis machines and molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS), use physical and chemical processes to remove toxins from the blood. Bioartificial livers, on the other hand, contain living cells, usually hepatocytes, which can perform more advanced liver functions such as synthesizing proteins and drugs metabolism.
It's important to note that currently there is no FDA approved artificial liver device available for use in clinical practice. However, research and development of these devices are ongoing with the hope that they may provide a bridge to transplantation or recovery for patients with acute liver failure.
Computer-assisted drug therapy refers to the use of computer systems and technology to support and enhance medication management and administration. This can include a variety of applications such as:
1. Medication ordering and prescribing systems that help reduce errors by providing alerts for potential drug interactions, dosage issues, and allergies.
2. Computerized physician order entry (CPOE) systems that allow healthcare providers to enter, review, and modify medication orders electronically.
3. Electronic medication administration records (eMARs) that track the administration of medications to patients in real-time, reducing errors and improving patient safety.
4. Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) that provide evidence-based recommendations for medication therapy based on patient-specific data.
5. Medication reconciliation systems that help ensure accurate and up-to-date medication lists for patients during transitions of care.
Overall, computer-assisted drug therapy aims to improve the safety, efficacy, and efficiency of medication management by reducing errors, enhancing communication, and providing timely access to relevant patient information.
Quality of Life (QOL) is a broad, multidimensional concept that usually includes an individual's physical health, psychological state, level of independence, social relationships, personal beliefs, and their relationship to salient features of their environment. It reflects the impact of disease and treatment on a patient's overall well-being and ability to function in daily life.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines QOL as "an individual's perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns." It is a subjective concept, meaning it can vary greatly from person to person.
In healthcare, QOL is often used as an outcome measure in clinical trials and other research studies to assess the impact of interventions or treatments on overall patient well-being.
Traumatology is a branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of injuries caused by external forces, such as accidents, violence, or sports. It involves the care of various types of traumas, including but not limited to:
1. Musculoskeletal trauma: Fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains, and soft tissue injuries affecting bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
2. Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Concussions, contusions, diffuse axonal injuries, and other head injuries that can lead to cognitive impairment, physical disability, or even death.
3. Spinal cord injury: Fractures, dislocations, or contusions of the spinal column leading to neurological deficits, paralysis, or loss of sensation.
4. Thoracic and abdominal trauma: Injuries affecting the chest and abdominal organs, such as lung contusions, rib fractures, liver lacerations, or splenic ruptures.
5. Facial trauma: Fractures, soft tissue injuries, or dental damage affecting the face, jaws, and eyes.
6. Burns and electrical injuries: Thermal, chemical, or electrical damage to the skin and underlying tissues.
7. Pediatric trauma: Injuries specific to children due to their unique anatomy, physiology, and developmental needs.
8. Geriatric trauma: Injuries in older adults who may have increased vulnerability due to age-related changes in bone density, balance, cognition, or comorbidities.
Traumatologists are healthcare professionals trained in the management of these injuries, often working closely with other specialists such as orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, and critical care physicians to provide comprehensive care for trauma patients.