Disposable Condenser Humidifiers in Intensive Care

Hygroscopic condenser humidifiers in chronically tracheostomized patients who breathe spontaneously.

The aim of this study was to test the usefulness of hygroscopic condenser humidifiers on secretion and on inspired gas temperature in tracheostomized patients. Forty spontaneously breathing chronically tracheostomized patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 received a hygroscopic condenser humidifier connected to the tracheostomy, 24 h daily for 10 days; Group 2, without any protection s...

Evaluating the sterility of disposable wall oxygen humidifiers, during and between use on patients.

Humidifiers for oxygen therapy: what risk for reusable and disposable devices?

INTRODUCTION Nosocomial pneumonia accounts for the vast majority of healthcare-associated infections (HAI). Although numerous medical devices have been discussed as potential vehicles for microorganisms, very little is known about the role played by oxygen humidifiers as potential sources of nosocomial pathogens. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the safety of the reuse of humidifier...

Infection rates in intensive care units by electrocardiographic lead wire type: disposable vs reusable.

BACKGROUND It is unknown if disposable electrocardiographic lead wires (ECG-LWs) reduce infection rates compared with cleaned, reusable lead wires. PURPOSE To compare infection rates in intensive care unit (ICU) patients receiving disposable versus reusable ECG-LWs. METHODS Matched adult ICUs were randomly assigned to disposable or reusable ECG-LWs. Outcomes were bloodstream infection, vent...

Dermatology in the intensive care unit

Background: Considering the prevalence of skin lesions and drug eruptions in intensive care units and the absence of research about it, we decided to study skin lesions of patients admitted in intensive care unit. Patients and Methods: In this descriptive study all patients admitted in intensive care units of Al-Zahra Hospital in Isfahan in 1376-78 were observed and examined by a resident in De...