https://members2.ecri.org/Components/hotline/Copyright 2010 ECRINew and Updated Hotline Responsesen-us3/11/2010 4:53:43 AM3/11/2010 4:53:43 AM5htais@ecri.orghttps://members2.ecri.org/Components/Hotline/Pages/7094.aspx VADs are external or implanted pumps that provide aggressive mechanical support to patients with end-stage heart failure. VADs are used to decrease myocardial workload, reduce myocardial oxygen demand, and maintain adequate systemic perfusion. VAD s can be biventricular, left ventricular or right ventricular. Several types of VADs have been developed to meet different needs (i.e., short- versus long-term use, ambulatory versus stationary use). Although VADs were initially developed as a bridge to transplant, experience with long-term VAD support (for patients after open heart surgery, acute myocardial infarction, or awaiting transplantation) have led to exploratory uses of these devices as destination (permanent) therapy for the remainder of the patient's life.3/9/2010https://members2.ecri.org/Components/Hotline/Pages/11848.aspx Whole body cryotherapy is advertised as a means to alleviate a variety of medical conditions, especially sports-related injury and arthritis.  The proposed benefits of this therapy are the release of “healing” hormones, stimulating the immune system, increasing blood circulation to muscles and joints, and “kick starting” the body into “self-healing and biological regeneration mode.”3/9/2010https://members2.ecri.org/Components/Hotline/Pages/11849.aspx Options for delivery of peritoneal dialysis include fluid exchange done manually known as continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD); or use of a machine (cycler) to fill and drain your abdomen known as continuous cycler-assisted peritoneal dialysis (CCPD). CCPD may also be called automated peritoneal dialysis (APD).3/9/2010https://members2.ecri.org/Components/Hotline/Pages/7696.aspx Patients with impaired ability to cough due to respiratory muscle weakness or pulmonary restriction have difficulty clearing secretions from the lungs. Common conditions that can lead to this problem include spinal cord injuries, poliomyelitis, muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and myasthenia gravis. These patients are especially prone to secretion-related complications during upper respiratory tract infections or general anesthesia. Noninvasive techniques for secretion clearance include manually assisted coughing, mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E), and mechanical oscillation.3/8/2010https://members2.ecri.org/Components/Hotline/Pages/7628.aspx Interferential current therapy (IFC) is a form of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). With TENS, electrodes are placed on the skin to stimulate nerves. IFC is a specialized form of TENS and uses two frequencies of stimulation simultaneously. The electrodes may be placed over the painful area or over the spinal nerve to be stimulated.3/5/2010