There is a growing concern about the transmission of bloodborne pathogens during medical procedures among health care workers and patients. Over the last three decades, radiological services have undergone many changes with the introduction of new modalities. One of these new disciplines is interventional radiology (IR) which deals with procedures such as arteriography, image-guided biopsies, intravascular catheter insertions, angioplasty and stent placements. Despite these developments, the potential for accidental blood exposure and exposure to other infectious material continues to exist. Therefore, it is important for all radiologists who perform invasive procedures to observe specific recommendations for infection control. In this review, we look at the different policies for protection and universal standards on infection control.

One week before implantation he had been admitted for decompensated heart failure and treated with continuous cardiac output catheter had been inserted Premedication consisted of oral lorazepam and air and a morphine infusion, with the aid of a BIS ®

BackgroundExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a well established, unique therapy for certain severe cardiorespiratory failure as well as in the setting of cardiac arrest. There is scarce literature on how end of life care is managed in patients who are receiving ECMO.AimThe aim of the study is to determine the methods that are used to manage patients who have had ECMO support withdrawn, including whether organ donation was raised. MethodsWe performed a retrospective study to review patient records over a 5 year period (2009–2013). Inclusion criteria include patients over the aged of 18, who have received ECMO and died.ResultsWe identified a large variability to time of death from the time of ECMO cessation. More than 50% of patients who had VA ECMO withdrawn, died within 60 min. Morphine and midazolam were commonly the drug of choice during the withdrawal period.DiscussionThere is a small variability in practice in different components during withdrawal of therapy in patients receiving ECMO. This could be related to physician’s preference, experience as well as family expectations.ConclusionThere was a consistent practice of ensuring comfort care for patients who have had ECMO withdrawn.