Critical Matters
Health, Fitness & Longevity
About
Podcast by Sound Physicians
Episodes
- Invasive Candidiasis
In this, Dr. Sergio Zanotti discusses the management of invasive candidiasis in critically ill patients. Invasive candidiasis is frequent in critically ill patients and is associated with high mortality and morbidity. He is joined by Dr. M…
- Surviving sepsis campaign 2026 guidelines
In this episode, Dr. Zanotti discusses the Surviving Sepsis Campaign: International Guidelines for Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock 2026. He is joined by Dr. Hallie Prescot and Dr. Bram Rochwerg. Dr. Hallie Prescott is an Associate Pr…
- Management of Impella Emergencies
In this episode, Dr. Sergio Zanotti discusses emergency management and resuscitation of patients with left-sided Impella support. We will base our discussion on a recently published United Kingdom multisociety consensus statement. Our gues…
- Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Clinical Guideline Update
In this episode Dr. Sergio Zanotti discusses the recently released Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Acute Pulmonary Embolism in Adults. This guideline is a report of the American College of Cardiology / Amer…
- ECMO Emergencies
In this episode, Dr. Sergio Zanotti discusses a structured approach to ECMO emergencies, focusing on recognizing cardiac arrest, organizing the team response, and early ECMO troubleshooting to support key life-saving interventions. He is j…
- Acute Type B Aortic Dissection
In this episode of Critical Matters, Dr. Sergio Zanotti discusses the management of acute type B aortic dissection. He is joined by Dr. Firas Mussa, a vascular surgeon and professor at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. Dr. Mussa…
- PCT Reassessed
In this episode, Dr. Zanotti discusses the role of Procalcitonin in the ICU. He is joined by Dr. Simran Gupta, an infectious disease specialist at Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston. Dr. Gupta has additional training in Clinical Research…
- Capillary Refill Time (CRT)
In this episode, Dr. Sergio Zanotti discusses the assessment of peripheral perfusion as a tool to guide treatment in septic shock. Specifically, he dives into Capillary Refill Time. He is joined by Dr. Eduardo Kattan, a critical care and a…
- Peripheral vasopressors
In this episode, Dr. Sergio Zanotti discusses the administration of vasopressor agents through peripheral intravenous lines (or what we refer to as “peripheral vasopressors”). He is joined by Dr. Elizabeth Munroe, a practicing pulmonary/cr…
- Fluid Overload in the ICU
Fluid overload is a common problem in critically ill patients. In this episode, Dr. Sergio Zanotti discuss recognizing and managing fluid overload in the ICU with guest Dr. Michael J. Connor, Jr., a practicing intensivist and nephrologist.…
- Outcomes after critical illness
Originally posted in April of 2023, we are sharing this episode of Critical Matters again as Dr. Sergio Zanotti's discussion about the long journey to healing and recovery for those who've survived critical illness in the ICU remains perti…
- ECPR
In this episode, Dr. Sergio Zanotti discusses ECPR–Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. ECPR is still be considered a niche therapy, but its relevance and availability are increasing. He is joined by Dr. Adam Green, a practicing i…
- Transfusion of platelets and FFP in the ICU
In this episode, Dr. Sergio Zanotti discusses clinical guidelines for the transfusion of platelets and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) in critically ill patients. He is joined by Dr. Angel Coz Yataco, a practicing pulmonary critical care physici…
- Management of pneumonia in the ICU
In this episode, Dr. Sergio Zanotti discusses the different aspects of managing pneumonia in critically ill patients. He covers the initial management of severe pneumonia, management of ventilator-associated pneumonia, and highlights the c…
- Enteral Nutrition in the ICU
In this episode of, Dr. Sergio Zanotti explores the vital role of enteral nutrition in the ICU—a foundational element in the prevention and treatment of disease-related malnutrition among critically ill patients. He is joined by Dr. Leah G…
- The science of hope
In this episode, Dr. Zanotti discusses the science of hope. He's joined by Dr. Stephen Trzeciak, a physician-scientist, the Edward D. Viner Endowed Chief of Medicine at Cooper University Health Care, and Professor and Chair of Medicine at…
- Mechanical Ventilation for Severe Asthma
In this episode, Dr. Sergio Zanotti focuses on the nuances of mechanical ventilation in patients with severe asthma. Previously, he explored the medical management of acute asthma exacerbations. Today, he takes a deeper dive into ventilato…
- PADIS Guidelines Update
In this episode, Dr. Zanotti discussed the Society of Critical Care Medicine “Focused Update on the Clinical Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Pain, Anxiety. Agitation/Sedation. Delirium, Immobility, and Sleep Disruption in A…
- TEE in Cardiac Arrest
In this episode, Dr. Sergion Zanotti discusses TEE in cardiac arrest and shock. Critical care clinicians commonly utilize transthoracic echocardiography in the ICU as part of their point-of-care-ultrasonography (POCUS) toolkit. However, th…
- AI in Critical Care
In this episode, Dr. Sergio Zanotti explores one of medicine's fastest-evolving frontiers: artificial intelligence (AI). From predictive analytics to decision-support tools, AI is beginning to influence how we deliver critical care — but w…
- Challenging dogma in the ICU (Part II)
In a previous episode, Dr. Sergio Zanotti explored the importance of challenging dogma, particularly when the supporting evidence is weak or absent. Today, he continues that discussion by examining critical care practices that persist desp…
- Adult congenital disease in the ICU
Due to advancements in medical and surgical care, the survival of patients with congenital conditions into adulthood has dramatically increased. However, as these individuals transition to adulthood, their unique physiology, chronic compli…
- Lessons from the wrong side of the heart
February 7-14 marks the observance of Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Week. In this podcast episode, Dr. Sergio Zanotti provides a unique perspective on adult congenital heart disease, drawing from his journey as a lifelong patient. He…
- Optimizing renal replacement therapy in the ICU
Acute kidney injury is a frequent complication of critical illness, and a subgroup of these patients will require renal replacement therapy. In this episode. Dr. Sergio Zanotti discusses optimizing renal replacement therapy in the ICU. He…
- Rational Fluid Therapy
In this episode, Dr. Sergio Zanotti discusses rational fluid therapy. He is joined by Dr. Adrian Wong, a practicing intensive care medicine and anesthesia physician. Dr. Wong is a consultant and clinical lead at King’s College Hospital, Lo…
- 2024 Year in Review
This episode of Critical Matters will close 2024 with a year in review. Dr. Sergio Zanotti is going solo and will discuss a couple of relevant clinical guidelines and review five clinical trials. To close, he'll share some of his favorite…
- Return of the PAC
In this episode Dr. Zanotti discusses the current role of pulmonary artery catheters in critical care medicine. He is joined by Dr. Steven Hollenberg a critical care and cardiology physician. Dr. Hollenberg is a professor of medicine at Em…
- Choice Framing in ICU Goals of Care Meetings
In this episode, Dr. Sergio Zanotti discusses the application of behavioral economics to clinical practice, specifically choice framing in ICU goals-of-care Meetings. He is joined by Dr. Joanna Hart, a pulmonary critical care physician and…
- Management of Complications Post-Cardiotomy
In this episode, Dr. Sergio Zanotti discusses the management of critically ill patients after cardiac surgery, focusing on the clinical management of two important complications: hemorrhage and cardiac arrest. He is joined by Dr. Christoph…
- Hyperglycemic Emergencies
In this episode, Dr. Sergio Zanotti discuss the management of critically ill patients undergoing hyperglycemic emergencies. He is joined by Dr. George Willis, a practicing emergency medicine physician. Dr. Willis is an Associate Professor…
- Music and Critical Illness
This episode, Dr. Sergio Zanotti discusses music and critical illness and explores the topic through the lens of his guest – Andrew Schulman. Andrew is the first musician to be accepted as a professional Society of Critical Care Medicine (…
- Albumin in Critical Care
In this episode of Critical Matters, Dr. Zanotti discusses the use of intravenous albumin in critical care. He is joined by Dr. Jeannie Callum, Director of Transfusion Medicine and Professor of Pathology and Molecular Medicine at Queens Un…
- Neurological support post-cardiac arrest
Much attention has been paid to targeted temperature management (TTM) in post-cardiac arrest patients. The evidence for this practice continues to evolve, and previous episodes of Critical Matters have covered this topic. In this episode,…
- Vasoplegia after cardiac surgery
Hypotension and shock are both recognized as complications post-cardiac surgery. Some patients may develop more severe shock refractory to fluids and catecholamines. This response is also known as today's podcast episode, topic: vasoplegia…
- Tracheostomy Emergencies
We pulled out another favorite out this week - Dr. Zanotti's deep-dive on tracheostomy emergencies. Tracheostomies are common in ICU patients. Every intensivist should be capable of recognizing and providing initial management to potential…
- The Forgotten Patient
Today, we are revisiting one of our favorite episodes from last year - The Forgotten Patient. Dr. Zanotti focuses on the loved ones and families of critically ill patients and explores the topic through the lens of a cardiac arrest co-surv…
- Temporary Pacing in the ICU
In this episode, Dr. Zanotti covers temporary pacing in the ICU. He is joined by Dr. Christopher Noel, a Critical Care Attending at Cooper University Healthcare, and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Cooper Medical School of Rowan Univ…
- The Neuro Exam
Disturbances in neurological function due to primary neurological disorders or organ failure from critical illness are common in patients admitted to the ICU. In this episode, Dr. Zanotti discusses the neurological physical exam in the ICU…
- Mechanical Circulatory Support - Part 2
This is the second part in our series discussing temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS). Part one, covered different types of devices for tMCS, pathophysiology of shock, clinical indications, and general considerations for critica…
- Mechanical Circulatory Support - Part 1
In the first part of this two-part series, Dr. Zanotti is joined by Bindu Akkanti, MD, an associate professor in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine at UTHealth Houston. Together, they discuss temporary mechanical…
- Goal-Directed Mechanical Ventilation
With over 700 modes of mechanical ventilation available today, it can be overwhelming to find the best application of technology at the bedside. Focused on goal-directed mechanical ventilation, this discussion covers the taxonomy of mechan…
- Life-Threatening Asthma
In this episode, Dr. Zanotti discusses the management of acute life-threatening asthma exacerbations in the ICU with this guest, Dr. Haney Mallemat, a physician trained in EM/IM and Critical Care. Dr. Mallemat is currently an Associate Pro…
- Corticosteroids in Critical Illness Update
In this episode, Dr. Zanotti is joined by Dr. Stephen Pastores to discuss the 2024 Focused Update: Guidelines on Use of Corticosteroids in Sepsis, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, and Community-Acquired Pneumonia, published by the Soci…
- Conflict Resolution in Healthcare
In this episode, Dr. Zanotti discusses the delicate balance of conflict resolution in healthcare. Conflict is common in our daily work in the ICU. Many clinicians avoid conflict and have negative feelings towards it. However, conflict, whe…
- ECMO for Respiratory Failure
In this episode, Dr. Zanotti is joined by Dr. Craig Rackley to discuss the role of ECMO – extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in supporting patients with acute respiratory failure. Dr. Rackley is a practicing pulmonary critical care physic…
- Critical care of neuromuscular disorders
In this episode, we will discuss critical care management of acute neuromuscular disorders. We will focus on the Guillain-Barre Syndrome and Myasthenia Gravis. My guest is Dr. Kamran Athar, who is trained in critical care medicine and neur…
- ARDS Respiratory Support Update
In this episode, Dr. Zanotti is joined by Dr. Eddy Fan for a discussion about Respiratory Support in ARDS. Dr. Fan is an associate professor in the Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care Medicine and the Institute of Health Policy, Ma…
- Seizure Management in the ICU
In this episode, we discuss the management of seizures in the intensive care unit. Our guest is Dr. Brandon Foreman – an internist and neurologist with fellowship training in epilepsy and Neurocritical care. Dr. Foreman is an Associate Pro…
- Evaluation of Fever in the ICU Patient
In this episode, we discuss the evaluation of fever in the adult ICU patient. We discuss updates from the recently published Society of Critical Care Medicine and Infectious Diseases Society of America clinical guidelines. My guest is Dr.…
- Brain Death / Death by Neurologic Criteria
In this episode, we discuss the topic of Brain Death / Death by Neurologic Criteria. We discuss updates from the recently published American Academy of Neurology, American Academy of Pediatrics, Child Neurology Society, and Society of Crit…