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Ventilator Basics: Key concepts
A ventilator is a medical device used to support or replace a person's breathing when they are unable to do so effectively on their own. Ventilators deliver a mixture of oxygen and air to the patient's lungs, either through a tube inserted into the windpipe or through a mask placed over the nose and mouth. The key concept behind ventilators is mechanical ventilation, which involves the use of positive pressure to push air into the lungs and facilitate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Ventilators have various modes of operation, including volume-controlled ventilation, pressure-controlled ventilation, and pressure-support ventilation, among others. Volume-controlled ventilation delivers a set volume of air with each breath, while pressure-controlled ventilation delivers air at a set pressure. Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is a crucial concept in ventilator use, as it helps maintain lung recruitment and prevent collapse of the alveoli during exhalation. Ventilators also have adjustable parameters such as respiratory rate, tidal volume, inspiratory time, and FiO2 (fraction of inspired oxygen) to meet the patient's specific needs. Ventilators can provide both invasive ventilation, where a tube is inserted into the airway, and non-invasive ventilation, which is delivered through a mask or nasal interface.
About the Speaker
Dr. Ankur Gupta
Consultant Intensivist, Head of Emergency & Intensive Care , Apollo Hospitals, Indore.
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Diabetes and GI Disorders: Understanding the Connection
Dr. Firdous Shaikh is a highly esteemed Consultant Diabetologist and Metabolic Physician based in Mumbai, India, with over six years of experience in diabetes care. Currently, she serves at the Shri Kapol Utkarsh Mandal and Jyoti Clinic, where she has been providing expert consultation since December 2018. Previously, Dr. Shaikh worked as an Associate Consultant Diabetologist at Lina Diabetes Care Centre and held positions at Shetty Nursing Home and Jyoti Polyclinic. She completed his Fellowship in Diabetes and Endocrinology from the Royal College of Physicians in the UK and underwent residency training in Diabetology at the Asian Heart Institute. Dr. Shaikh is dedicated to advancing diabetes management and improving patient outcomes through personalized care and ongoing education.
CAR T Cells in Cancer Gene Therapy
CAR T-cell therapy is a groundbreaking approach in cancer gene therapy that harnesses a patient’s immune cells to target and destroy cancer cells. In this technique, T-cells are genetically modified to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that specifically recognize cancer cells. Once reintroduced into the patient, these CAR T-cells seek out and eliminate cancer cells with high precision. This therapy has shown remarkable success in treating certain types of blood cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma, and is being explored for solid tumors. CAR T-cell therapy offers a promising personalized treatment, with ongoing research aimed at enhancing its safety, effectiveness, and applicability to a wider range of cancers.
Pediatric Epilepsy: Diagnosis and Long-term Management
Pediatric epilepsy is a neurological disorder marked by recurrent seizures, affecting around 1% of children worldwide. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management, involving a thorough clinical history, physical exams, EEG, and imaging studies like MRI. Identifying seizure type and underlying causes—such as genetic, structural, or metabolic factors—guides treatment strategies. Long-term management typically includes antiepileptic medications tailored to seizure type and child response, with regular monitoring for side effects and efficacy. For medication-resistant cases, additional treatments like dietary therapy (e.g., ketogenic diet), vagus nerve stimulation, or surgery may be explored. Beyond seizure control, managing comorbidities such as cognitive delays, behavioral issues, and psychosocial challenges is essential for holistic care. Collaborating closely with healthcare providers, caregivers play a key role in monitoring, ensuring adherence, and supporting the child’s quality of life, education, and social integration.
Latest Surgical Approaches to Oral Cancer
Recent advancements in surgical approaches to oral cancer have emphasized precision and minimally invasive techniques. Robotic-assisted surgery and transoral laser microsurgery allow for enhanced accuracy, reducing damage to surrounding tissues. Surgeons also increasingly use image-guided technology, which enhances visualization and helps remove tumors more effectively. Sentinel lymph node biopsy has become a standard for early-stage oral cancer, enabling better staging with minimal invasiveness. These advancements contribute to faster recovery times, reduced complications, and improved overall outcomes for patients.
Urinary Tract Infections: Clinical Approach and Management
An infection of the urinary system is known as a urinary tract infection (UTI). The urethra (urethritis) may be affected by this kind of infection (pyelonephritis) kidneys, bladder (cystitis). A consequence of kidneys' blood-filtering function is urine, or pee. When waste materials and extra water are eliminated from your circulation, your kidneys produce urine. Normally, urine passes through your urinary system uncontaminated. However, UTIs can result from bacteria entering the urinary system.