procedures

Lumbar puncture (LP) is a bedside procedure I occasionally do as an intensivist to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) surrounding the spinal cord and brain. CSF analysis can help diagnose central nervous...

As an intensivist and cardiothoracic anesthesiologist, bronchoscopy is an incredibly common procedure I perform in the ICU (from in front of the patient) and OR (from behind the patient). A small camera on the...

Surgicel is an oxidized cellulose hemostatic agent used to control bleeding. It creates a physical barrier to blood loss while promoting localized vasoconstriction and platelet aggregation within the matrix of fibers. Furthermore, due to...

Here's a sample of my bronchoscopy note template in case anyone is interested in creating a "smart phrase" in their electronic health record. The "< >" indicates pre-populated drop down menus with the listed...

Compared to internal jugular and femoral central venous catheters (CVCs), I prefer placing subclavian CVCs because they don't tether patients' necks, they're easy to access, they're easy to dress, and they're in a part...

Percutaneous tracheostomy ("perc trach") is a procedure that is routinely performed at the bedside on patients who require prolonged mechanical ventilation or airway control due to an upper airway obstruction or for pulmonary hygiene....

As a cardiothoracic anesthesiologist and intensivist, I routinely place large central lines for resuscitation, vasoactive/inotrope administration, and to facilitate additional monitoring (ie, Swan Ganz catheter). Over the years, I've heard "MAC", "sheath introducer", "Cordis",...

Paracentesis is a procedure performed to remove new ascites in the context of fever, abdominal pain, worsening renal function, and acidosis usually in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. I use a standard paracentesis kit and...