A Deficiency in Prolene

Occasionally, we have to take a patient back from the ICU to the operating room to explore a wound, especially if bleeding doesn't appear to be abating. We try to transfuse platelets and coagulation factors, but occasionally the problem is simply a lack of prolene - that is, suture - and the solution is to go back in and sew up the bleeding vessel.

One of the other interesting cases I've had dealt with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. ECMO is very similar to cardiopulmonary bypass, only it can be maintained in the intensive care unit. While this is more commonly done in neonates, we occasionally try it for adults to weather them through severe injuries by taking over the function of the heart and lungs.