Special Techniques

Abstract

Commonly used techniques in the ICU include different airway management, cardioversion/defibrillation, vascular access, arterial lines, pulmonary artery catheterization, tube thoracostomy, intraaortic balloon pump, pericardiocentesis, therapeutic hypothermia, and bronchoscopies, among others. This chapter reviews each one of these techniques in detail. In addition, a series of figures depicting the individual procedure aid to the understanding of these therapeutic interventions. The modified Seldinger’s technique, the simplest method of obtaining access to vascular spaces, is covered in detail.