There were 42 patients obtained in this retrospective study with a variety of infections to wounds, including sternal, (Figure 1) spinal (Figure 2), and lower extremity (Figure 3). Data was collected for age, sex, predisposing factors, microorganisms, duration of wound VAC application, and wound heal­ing rates. Appropriate wound cultures were obtained from the sites after [...]

INTRODUCTION Several million patients suffer from nonhealing wounds in a variety of anatomical sites, costing the health system millions of dollars. The cost and management of these wounds varies in different centers. For example, the cost of managing a diabetic foot infection for approximately two weeks in one center is between $20,000-$25,000 but may be [...]

The assessment of LVF was initially accomplished using cardiac catheterization and radionuclide angiography. These earlier techniques have the disadvantage of being invasive and therefore not suitable for very ill patients. There is also the risk of radiation exposure with the radionuclide method. However, with the emergence of Doppler echocardiography, a noninvasive assessment of LVF can [...]