CSF shunts – these are the most common pediatric neurosurgery procedure done in the United States. While very common, these also have the highest rate of neurosurgical complications. About 50% fail within the first year, and the median survival of a shunt is usually 8-10 years, so a patient can expect 2-3 shunt revisions over the course of 20 years.
In addition to his love of ketamine and proper PSA technique, Reuben Strayer has written and talked extensively about ED intubations. Here is his checklist so that you can minimize complications and maximize your success: For more information check out his website with great resources/learning at emupdates.
Alright, you did it. LP complete! You look at those crystal clear tubes, and say to yourself…. “Ohhh yeah, champagne tap!” But then…you realize you ordered 9000 tests on these few drops of precious fluid and have no idea how to correctly ship them off to the lab. First, you ask around. No one seems […]
As ED physicians, we fear the patient we can’t intubate, can’t ventilate. We’ve had a rash of emergency cricothyrotomies in our ED recently. Though rare, you never know when you might need to perform this life saving procedure. Review the brief overview of the steps of the procedure below so you’ll be ready to step […]
One of the most frequent requests we receive as teaching residents (and probably as senior residents) is assistance with performing paracenteses. By now, all of the EM residents are probably comfortable with this procedure. But, July is coming! With it comes newly minted doctors and off service rotators who are eager to learn. Feel free to […]
More to come soon!
