Category CCC

The LITFL Critical Care Compendium is a comprehensive collection of pages concisely covering the core topics and controversies of critical care.

CCC Critical Care compendium 340

Cuff Leak Test

The cuff leak test is used to predict risk of post-extubation stridor in intubated patients. Use and interpretation of the test needs to take into account the overall context of the patient's condition and the management implications

CCC Critical Care compendium 340

ICU Mind Maps

The ICU Mind Maps covering the CICM Fellowship Exam curriculum are in pdf format. They were created by Dr. Paul Young

CCC Critical Care compendium 340

Post-extubation stridor

Post-extubation stridor is the presence inspiratory noise post-extubation indicated narrowing of the airway (can be supraglottic, but usually glottic and infraglottic)

CCC Critical Care compendium 340

Laryngospasm

Laryngospasm is potentially life-threatening closure of the true vocal chords resulting in partial or complete airway obstruction unresponsive to airway positioning maneuvers.

CCC Critical Care compendium 340

Indices that predict difficulty weaning

Numerous objective indices have been studied to predict failure of ventilator liberation or weaning. None of these indexes alone are sufficiently sensitive and specific to be useful in predicting the success of ventilation discontinuation in an individual patient.

CCC Critical Care compendium 340

Assessment of Swallow in a Tracheostomy Patient

The presence of a tracheostomy tube can adversely effect swallowing: in patients who previously had no dysphagia; and further impair swallowing function in those who already have neurological or mechanical disorders of swallowing.

CCC Critical Care compendium 340

Anatomy for Tracheostomy

To perfrom a tracheostomy, knowledge of the following is required: surface anatomy, course of the trachea, structure of the tracheal rings, layers of dissection, components of the larynx and related structures

CCC Critical Care compendium 340

Timing of Tracheostomy

Tracheostomy is performed in critically ill adults requiring prolonged invasive ventilation as a strategy to: — reduce respiratory tract injury — improve patient comfort, and/or — to facilitate weaning

CCC Critical Care compendium 340

Fenestrated Tracheostomy Tube

fenestrated tracheostomy tube. allows patient to breath normally with a tracheostomy in situ. patient can cough and speak through mouth. improves swallow function. acts a step prior to decannulation