Atrial Natriuretic Peptide isolated from the right atrium potent diuretic/natriuretic effect on kidney + vasodilator effects on resistance & capacitance of blood vessels released in response to atrial stretching (ie. fluid overload)
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained dysrhythmia and is characterised by disorganised atrial electrical activity and contraction resulting in an "irregularly irregular" ventricular response ("fibrillation waves")
An approach to arrhythmia, causes, classification and factors contributing to arrhythmogenesis
Arrhythmia Literature Summaries
Reviewed and revised 12/6/12 Afterload = left ventricular wall tension required to overcome resistance to ejection (impedance to ejection of blood from the heart into the arterial circulation). developed as ventricular muscle fibres shorten during isovolumetric contraction & ejection phases…
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the preferred emergency reperfusion strategy in most cases of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)
Coronary artery disease accounts for > 30% of death in West and presents acutely as acute coronary syndromes. Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a catch all term that refers to ischemic symptoms resulting from acute coronary occlusion
Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS) Literature Summaries
Open Chest Management (OCM) and Delayed Sternal Closure (DSC) is used following 1-4% of surgical procedures involving cardiotomy in adults, and more commonly in paediatrics
Tunnel vision refers to peripheral constriction of the visual fields. Differential diagnosis.
A system that allows drainage of the pleural space using an airtight system to maintain subatmospheric intrapleural pressure; the underwater seal acts a one-way valve
Intercostal Catheter (Chest Drain) tube inserted into pleural space to allow drainage of contents