The thoracic duct is the primary conduit which carries chyle (lymphatic fluid containing triglycerides, immune cells, proteins, etc.) from the cisterna chyli to the…
One of the cardiopulmonary challenges I constantly face as a cardiothoracic anesthesiologist and intensivist is balancing positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) with cardiac output (CO).…
Albuterol (ProAirVentolin/Proventil) is most often used as a short-acting, inhaled therapy for bronchospasm. It works via β-2 agonism – adrenergic receptors that relax bronchial…
You can’t read about pulmonary physiology without encountering the topic of V/Q mismatch, otherwise known as ventilation-perfusion mismatch. In fact, of the five major…
Re-expansion pulmonary edema is a rare but relevant consideration after a large volume thoracentesis. It’s a consequence of the rapid expansion of a previously…
From a physics standpoint, work (W) = force (F) x distance (d). Similarly, pressure (P) = force (F) / area (A) and volume (V)…
In this ultrasound still image, I have a phase array probe positioned on the left side of the body around the 8th rib. A…
Before reading this post, it’s important to understand the basic physiology behind breathing. Normally, intrapleural pressure (Pip) isnegative, but during a forced expiration, the…