All articles tagged with #critical care
Surgeons at Northwestern Medicine used a total artificial lung system to take over gas exchange after removing both diseased lungs from a critically ill patient, preserving heart function and bridging him to a double-lung transplant. The patient survived 48 hours on life support and, after the procedure, recovered well; two years later he has normal lung function and is fully independent.
Doctors in Chicago used a total artificial lung to keep a Missouri man alive after a rare infection liquefied his lungs. In a 12-hour operation involving about 15 clinicians, his lungs were removed and connected to an external artificial lung, allowing him to survive for 48 hours before receiving a donor lung transplant.
A 33-year-old man with influenza-triggered ARDS survived 48 hours on an external artificial-lung system that maintained blood flow to the heart, allowing a double lung transplant. He recovered rapidly, kidneys and heart function normalized, and years later shows no rejection, suggesting the device could help other critically ill patients awaiting transplants.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III was admitted to the critical care unit at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for supportive care and close monitoring due to symptoms suggesting an emergent bladder issue. His cancer prognosis remains excellent, and updates on his condition will be provided as soon as possible.
Adults with severe respiratory illness who are women, have public insurance, and have fewer financial resources may be less likely to receive extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), an advanced form of life support. A study found that men, people with private health insurance, and those from areas with higher median incomes were more likely to receive ECMO. The researchers found disparities even after controlling for access to ECMO, age, severity of illness, reasons for seeking care, regions where they sought care, and other health conditions.