The Critical Care Commute Podcast

Join Peter Brindley and Leon Byker as they host David Bertoni, an ED physician and ECMO clinical lead, and Jorian 'Joe' Kippax, a trauma specialist and reservist, for an incredible story of a remote river rescue in Tasmania. The team responds to a distress call from a trapped rafting party in the Franklin River, one of Tasmania's most remote and formidable areas. The rescue involves complex logistical challenges, a field amputation, and the use of ECMO technology amidst perilous conditions. The patient, after 20 hours trapped in frigid water, undergoes a harrowing yet successful rescue and recovery. This episode offers a gripping recount of teamwork, medical ingenuity, and human resilience.00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview00:40 Setting the Scene: Remote River Rescue01:39 The Rescue Operation Begins03:13 Challenges and Techniques in the Rescue07:25 Field Amputation and Extraction18:35 Transport and ECMO Preparation23:20 Hospital Arrival and ECMO Procedure26:18 Patient Recovery and Reflections30:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this engaging discussion, Professor Mervyn Singer, author of Sepsis 3.0, shares his insights on the evolving treatment of sepsis. He addresses the crucial balance between antibiotics and steroids, emphasizing individualized care over rigid guidelines. The conversation highlights missed opportunities during the COVID-19 crisis and the complexities of managing the immune response in sepsis. Professor Singer also explores innovative strategies like metabolic interventions and the need for precision medicine, challenging traditional treatments for better patient outcomes.

Dr. Shannon Fernando is an intensivist at Lakeridge Health and a prolific researcher with over 150 publications. Known for his work in outcomes-based research across critical care, he joins us to discuss long-term outcomes after cardiogenic shock.About the Episode:This episode is part of our cardiovascular critical care series and explores what happens after the ICU for patients who survive cardiogenic shock. We unpack quality of life, functional outcomes, mental health, and the hidden burdens on both patients and caregivers. Dr. Fernando provides key data insights from his large cohort studies and shares reflections from ICU follow-up clinics. We also dive into the challenges of prognostication and how to communicate realistic expectations to families.Topics CoveredDefining Long-Term Outcomes:Beyond survival: functional independence, mental health, cognition, and system resource use.Key Findings from Ontario Cohort42% of cardiogenic shock survivors require increased levels of care15% die within a year post-dischargeModest impact of revascularization or mechanical support on long-term outcomesMorbidity and Quality of LifeLoss of independence and inability to return to workHigh incidence of PTSD, depression, and caregiver burdenDelayed functional recovery and unmet expectationsPrognostic Factors and Predictive MarkersFrailty as a key indicatorPre-existing mental health as a predictor of post-ICU mental health outcomesIn-hospital arrest characteristics: rhythm, downtime, comorbiditiesICU Follow-Up ClinicsValue in knowledge translation and emotional supportReal-world insights on functional recovery and patient satisfactionCommon patient sentiment: gratitude mixed with traumaCommunication with FamiliesAvoiding value impositionEmphasizing trajectory over fixed timelinesBalancing hope with realismRethinking Endpoints in ResearchLimitations of 28-day mortalityNeed for patient-centered, long-term functional outcomesTrajectory-based data over snapshot metricsKnowledge Translation as the InterventionEquipping clinicians and patients with realistic expectationsNormalizing psychological responsesShaping future research directions around lived experience

Dr. Emilie Belley-Côté, an Associate Professor at McMaster and expert in critical care cardiology, dives into the complexities of cardiogenic shock and the SCAI classification. She breaks down the five stages, illustrating their significance for patient care and interdisciplinary communication. The conversation highlights the critical need to recognize pre-shock conditions and the real-world applications of SCAI in guiding treatment decisions. Dr. Belley-Côté also touches on the challenges posed by mixed shock and the latest advancements in cardiac monitoring.

Dr. James Downar, a leading Canadian expert in palliative and critical care, dives into the fascinating world of psychedelics and their potential to alleviate psychological distress in patients facing critical illness. He discusses the transformative powers of substances like psilocybin and MDMA, exploring how they can help individuals confront fear and isolation. The conversation covers the structure of psychedelic-assisted therapy, the importance of 'set and setting,' and the need for compassion in integrating these therapies into traditional care.

Prof. Mervyn Singer, an ICU physician and critical care thought leader, shares insights on ischemia-reperfusion syndrome, a paradox where restoring blood flow can worsen injury. He breaks down the complex mechanisms at play, such as mitochondrial involvement and oxidative stress. The conversation delves into the variability in physiological responses to stress, advocating for a tailored approach to ICU interventions. Prof. Singer emphasizes the importance of clinical judgment and flexibility in treatment protocols, aiming for patient-centered care.

Dr. Mike Christian, a specialist in pre-hospital and critical care medicine with a military background, shares valuable insights on transforming emergency services in Canada. He discusses his unconventional journey from paramedic to physician, highlights the integration of AI in emergency dispatch, and contrasts Canada’s pre-hospital care with global models like the UK's. Mike emphasizes the critical role of physician-led teams, mentorship, and emerging technologies in improving patient outcomes and survival rates during emergencies.

Dr. Elizabeth Viglianti, an assistant professor and critical care specialist at the University of Michigan, shares her expertise on gender-based harassment in the medical field. She recounts her personal experiences that fueled her passion for this vital topic. The conversation delves into the prevalence of harassment and its impact on professional dignity, especially for women. Dr. Viglianti discusses systemic barriers in reporting and highlights recommendations for creating a more equitable and supportive environment in medicine.

We take another break as we are joined by Prof. Wendy Sligl, formidable ID and ICU doc, to discuss the critical topic of optimizing antibiotic prescribing in critical care settings. The discussion covers various aspects of antibiotic use, including the importance of timely administration, the role of communication in ensuring effective treatment, and the nuances of dosing strategies such as loading doses and continuous infusions. The conversation also delves into the duration of antibiotic therapy, emphasizing the need for individualized treatment based on patient response. Takeaways:Infections are common in intensive care units, and sepsis is a life-threatening condition.Identifying the clinical syndrome is crucial for appropriate antibiotic therapy.Empiric therapy is often necessary before culture data is available.Timely administration of antibiotics is linked to better patient outcomes.Communication among healthcare teams is essential for effective antibiotic delivery.Loading doses can help achieve therapeutic levels quickly in critically ill patients.Continuous infusions of certain antibiotics may improve clinical outcomes.Shorter courses of antibiotics can be as effective as longer ones.Monitoring patient response is key to adjusting antibiotic therapy.Consulting infectious disease specialists can enhance treatment strategies.Chapters:00:00Introduction to Antibiotic Optimization01:07Understanding Infections and Sepsis02:47Emergency Room Protocols for Antibiotic Administration04:56Identifying Sepsis and Administering Antibiotics06:33Communication and Timeliness in Antibiotic Delivery08:42Optimizing Antibiotic Dosing Strategies10:59Pharmacodynamics and Continuous Infusions12:44Duration of Antibiotic Therapy18:52Monitoring and Adjusting Antibiotic Treatment21:39The Debate on Antibiotic Duration26:37Specific Infections and Treatment Duration31:24Practical Strategies for Antibiotic Stewardship32:43Rapid Fire Questions on Antibiotic Use

Dr. Darryl Abrams, Associate Medical Director of the Medical ECMO Program at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University, dives into the transformative world of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR). He breaks down key trials like ARREST and Prague OHCA, highlighting their impact on clinical practice. The discussion covers challenges in implementing eCPR, including patient selection and ethical considerations regarding access to this advanced care. Abrams also contrasts healthcare models in the U.S. and Canada, shedding light on disparities in treatment.