The use of a mobile computed tomography scanner in the pediatric intensive care unit to evaluate airway stenting and lung volumes with varying levels of positive end-expiratory pressure

Abstract

Mobile CT scanners can be used in the PICU for the diagnostic evaluation of critically ill children. This option allows for the continuation of medical therapies and monitoring in the intensive care setting while avoiding the potential complications of transporting a critically ill child to the radiology department. The use of mobile CT scanners may disrupt PICU routine and is more expensive than use of fixed CT scanners. Mobile CT scanners may be useful in radiographically determining the optimal level of PEEP in infants with tracheobronchomalacia and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

A Portable CT Scanner in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Decreases Transfer-Associated Adverse Events and Staff Disruption

“…PCT has been used quite extensively in adult neurosurgery as well as adult intensive care for over a decade [10,11] to overcome the potential risks with transferring patients to the RD. However, in the pediatric age group, PCT is rarely described, with reported use during neurosurgical operations [12] and within the PIC setting for the evaluation of airway [13]. There is no available literature on the use of PCT in neurocritical children.…”

Optimizing Perioperative Ventilation Support with Adequate Settings of Positive End-Expiratory Pressure

“…large equipment) and radiation exposure of patients. Hertzog et al have reported a case study using mobile CT scanners to optimize PEEP in a 6-month-old premature infant (Hertzog et al, 2001). However, even with the development of low-dose CT, radiation exposure makes it practically impossible to use CT to guide PEEP titration at the bedside.…”

Review of pediatric airway malacia and its management, with emphasis on stenting

“…However, Burke found that such 'virtual endoscopy' was not as sensitive as actual endoscopy in detecting dynamic airway obstruction [28]. Hertzog, in a single case report in a patient with airway malacia describe the use of CT technology in the ICU setting to determine the ventilatory settings for optimum lung volumes, with minimal disruption of patient care [29].…”