I sent one of my babies from work down to the PICU from our unit....supposedly just another RSV+, intubate for a little while to give her a break, then she'd be back. I find out yesterday she has non-HIV PCP pneumonia, is on an ossilator (sp) and they are talking to the family about ECMO because the ossilator isn't cutting it. (she's satting low 80's on the ossilator), now , i'm not a critical care nurse, and have really no experiance with mechanical ventilation. What's the difference between a regular vent and an ossilator, and whats the prognosis for a baby on ECMO?

oh and if you have an extra minute, put her and her family in your prayers tonight, she's mom and dad's first and only child, 4 months old .......

I'm sorry to hear this. She and her family are in my prayers.

I hope the little one gets better. I'll be thinking of her and her family.

Will keep them in my prayers. Sorry to hear this.

I'm not sure but I think an oscillator gives the baby many shallow breaths rather than much fewer deeper breaths.

I'm going to look it up! Be back....

Aw crap! My search button isn't working AAARGH!

High-Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation (HFOV) employs the delivery of near-or-less-than deadspace tidal volumes at frequencies (Hz) greater than 150 breaths per minute (bpm). This, combined with the active inspiratory and expiratory cycle of the ventilator and adjustments in amplitude, provides alveolar ventilation for the patient.

ECMO uses a heart-lung machine similar to the one in open-heart surgery. These kids are on heparin with this as well which can lead to problems of its own.

I am so sorry to hear about this little one. She and here family are in my thoughts.

Heather

Oh dear I am sorry to hear this. RSV is some nasty stuff. My daughter had it at 10months and it was serious even at that age. Warm thoughts with you and that family and hoping she recovers fully very soon!

ECMO is like going on heart-lung bipass and the pump oxgyenates the blood. It is considered a last-ditch attempt- at least in our ICU. As mentioned in an earlier post, the blood must be heparinized due to the use of the pump and the prognosis for anyone, let alone a 4 month old is not good.

I am sorry for the baby and the family. I see these situations and often wonder, why? Of course there is no answer.

How heartbreaking. My prayers are with her and her family.

Special prayers for you too, for being a special nurse!

JUDE