Sometimes doctors decide to place an IV line in the internal jugular (“IJ”) vein, which runs inside the neck—right next to the carotid artery. Especially when they decide not to use ultrasound guidance, medical providers sometimes miss the IJ, and insert the IV into...
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, “cardiac arrest” and “heart attack” are actually not the same. Because both can be deadly and require immediate action, it is important to understand the difference between cardiac arrest and heart attack. The...
According to the Centers for Disease Control, stroke is a leading cause of death and serious impairment in the U.S. This installment introduces the most common type of stroke — acute ischemic strokes. What is Stroke? Stroke is the sudden death of brain cells due...
Sepsis is considered a silent critical illness that can lead to organ damage and even death. In this installment, we identify tools for detecting the illness before it is too late. What is Sepsis? Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the...
Several factors, ranging from the time of year to the day of the week, can affect how well a patient does in the hospital. In this installment, we look at weekends and a phenomenon dubbed “the weekend effect.” What Is the Weekend Effect? Published studies...
A stroke usually comes from a blood clot in the brain. So how can a stroke lead to an amputated leg? Sadly, it’s not that difficult. One of two primary treatments for stroke is a thrombectomy. A physician punctures an artery — often the femoral artery in the...
