Principles and Practice of Intensive Care

Patients who require dedicated care and monitoring along with life-saving support are treated within the domain of intensive care medicine. It is a technologically advanced, expensive and resource-intensive area of medical care. A daily plan comprising of observation, intervention and impression with respect to the vital systems of a patient is implemented in an intensive care strategy. Such care is provided in critical care units. Some of the equipment used in such units are hemodynamic and cardiac monitoring systems, ventricular assist devices, intra-aortic balloon pumps, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuits, continuous renal replacement equipment, etc. Such equipment facilitate mechanical ventilation, hemofiltration, drug infusion and total parenteral nutrition, among others. Nutrition in the intensive care unit is another significant aspect of such care. This book is a compilation of chapters that discuss the most vital principles and practices of intensive care. From theories to research to practical applications, case studies related to all contemporary topics of relevance to this field have been included in this book. It includes contributions of experts and scientists, which will provide innovative insights into this field.