Mechanical Ventilation in the Critically Ill Obese Patient

This book is the first to describe a practical evidence-based approach to the management of critically ill obese patients with various medical or postoperative respiratory problems in the intensive care unit. In brief, the book aims to identify the best strategy and present clinical recommendations for different circumstances, to establish indications for and contraindications to noninvasive and invasive mechanical ventilation, and to offer clear guidance on weaning from mechanical ventilation and on respiratory care. Causes of acute respiratory failure in the obese patient are discussed, and advice is offered on the prevention and management of complications during mechanical ventilation and on moving and feeding critically ill obese patients. Long-term outcomes, ethical issues, and health care costs are also addressed. The multidisciplinary approach, with contributions from international experts in different specialties, ensures that the book will be of interest to a range of health professionals involved in critical care, including intensivists, anesthesiologists, and pulmonologists.

Antonio M. Esquinas, MD, PhD, is a member of staff on the Intensive Care Unit and Non-invasive Ventilatory Unit at Hospital General Universitario Morales Meseguer, Murcia, Spain. Prior to taking up this position in January 2013, he worked in the Departments of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine at Sapienza University of Rome, Italy. Dr. Esquinas is a Fellow of the College of Chest Physicians and an International Fellow of the American Association of Respiratory Care. He is Director of the International School of Non-invasive Mechanical Ventilation and President of the International Association of NIV and the Ibero-American  Association of  Bioethics in NIV. He is the author of well over 700 scientific publications, including almost 400 articles and 32 books.

Malcolm Lemzye, MD, is a Specialist in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine in the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Schaffner Hospital, Lens, France. He had previously held a similar position at Broussais Hospital, Saint Malo (2008-9) and was a Clinical Fellow in Critical Care Medicine and Hyperbaric Medicine at Calmette Hospital, Lille (2006-8). Dr. Lemzye obtained his medical degree from 2 University Medical School, Lille in 2001 and subsequently completed his board certification in Critical Care in Pneumonology in 2006 and in Critical Care in 2008. He is the author of more than 40 articles in international peer-reviewed journals.