A new treatment modality for unilateral athelectasis: Recruitment maneuver with endobronchial blocker

Atelectasis is a commonly seen complication during the post-operative period in intensive care units. The treatment of atelectasis depends on the underlying cause. We aimed to share our experience on the treatment of right total atelectasis in our intensive care unit applied with the help of the endobronchial blocker.     

What about doctors? The impact of medical errors

Medical error is a distressing event to the patient and the health care providers. The impact of such events has been well studied on patients but poorly on health professionals. These events are still considered as a taboo in the medical culture and hence missed as great learning opportunities. They have negative impact on doctors' emotional wellbeing, general quality of life, and their professional practice and conduct. Medical errors and adverse events also affect the quality and cost of the health service. Health service administrations should provide healthcare professionals involved in such events with professional support and counselling services, and should consider and treat them as second victims.     

Continuous positive airway pressure and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder, increasingly recognized. It is commonly present in obese persons, treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), being the gold standard. The disorder has been associated with diabetes mellitus and possibly related to hypoxia per se, increased sympathetic activity, disturbed hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and increased inflammatory cytokines and leptin, all of which can adversely affect both glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Given this association and the presence of common risk factors, this review assessed the impact of CPAP on diabetes mellitus through various metabolic parameters including HbA1c, nocturnal glucose and insulin resistance, in addition to the effect of CPAP on the prevention of diabetes mellitus. Results have been conflicting; Randomized controlled trials are recommended to allow objective and definite conclusions.     

Two‐ and Three‐Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiography in the Assessment of Acquired Ascending Aortic Aneurysm to Pulmonary Artery Fistula

Aorta to pulmonary artery fistula is an uncommon and potentially fatal condition. This case is of a 48‐year‐old Caucasian male with congestive heart failure and multiple aortic valve replacement surgeries who presented with an acquired ascending aortic aneurysm to pulmonary artery fistula diagnosed using two‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography via nonstandard imaging windows. Three‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography using live/real time three‐dimensional color Doppler was used to assess the size of the opening of the fistula, providing additional value. This patient was surgically managed and is doing well 8 months postoperation.