The ICU chest film. Cardiopulmonary monitoring and assist devices.

Numerous catheters, tubes, and other devices have been designed in recent years to facilitate monitoring and assistance of cardiopulmonary physiology in the intensive care patient. These devices have resulted in major improvements in care of the critically ill but at the same time have introduced a new group of iatrogenic complications. Some of these are relatively benign, but others are serious and may result in significant morbidity or mortality if not recognized and treated promptly. Many of the more serious complications can be detected by radiographic examination and, indeed, may be nearly impossible to detect clinically. Hence, a careful, systematic review of the chest radiograph with special attention to the potential complications noted above is mandatory in this setting.