"VIDEOS IN CLINICAL MEDICINE" The New England Journal of Medicine

Videos in Clinical Medicine have been published on this Web site since April 13, 2006. For more information, see the editorial, Videos in Clinical Medicine — A New Journal Feature.

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Abscess Incision and Drainage Skin and soft-tissue infections, including cutaneous abscesses, are commonly encountered in primary care and emergency departments. This video covers basic indications and contraindications and demonstrates the technique of incision and drainage of a cutaneous abscess. Fitch MT, Manthey DE, McGinnis HD, Nicks BA, Pariyadath M. N Engl J Med 2007;357:e20, November 8, 2007.

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Chest-Tube Insertion Chest-tube insertion can be lifesaving. The technique requires an understanding of the chest anatomy, equipment, indications, and complications. This video demonstrates a common technique used to insert a chest tube. Dev SP, Nascimento B Jr, Simone C, Chien V. N Engl J Med 2007;357:e15, October 11, 2007.

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Pelvic Examination The purpose of the pelvic examination is to identify developmental or anatomic abnormalities, infection, neoplasms, tubal pregnancies, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and other conditions or disorders. This video demonstrates how to perform a comprehensive pelvic examination, including an examination of the external genitalia, a Papanicolaou test to screen for cervical dysplasia, a bimanual examination, and a rectovaginal examination. Edelman A, Anderson J, Lai S, Braner DAV, Tegtmeyer K. N Engl J Med 2007;356:e26, June 28, 2007.

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Central Venous Catheterization The placement of a central venous line is an essential technique in the treatment of many hospitalized patients. This video demonstrates the placement of a central venous catheter in the internal jugular vein and considers complications and how to avoid them. Graham AS, Ozment C, Tegtmeyer K, Lai S, Braner DAV. N Engl J Med 2007;356:e21, May 24, 2007.

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Orotracheal Intubation Emergency orotracheal intubation is indicated in any situation in which definitive control of the airway is needed. Specific indications include cardiac or respiratory arrest, failure to protect the airway from aspiration, inadequate oxygenation or ventilation, and impending or existing airway obstruction. This video demonstrates how to perform orotracheal intubation. Specific indications are discussed, along with contraindications, troubleshooting, and complications. Kabrhel C, Thomsen TW, Setnik GS, Walls RM. N Engl J Med 2007;356:e15, April 26, 2007.

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Paracentesis Abdominal paracentesis can establish the cause of ascites or rule out spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in patients with ascites. Large-volume paracentesis in hemodynamically stable patients with tense or refractory ascites can alleviate discomfort or respiratory compromise. This video demonstrates how to perform the procedure. Thomsen TW, Shaffer RW, White B, Setnik GS. N Engl J Med 2006;355:e21, November 9, 2006.

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Basic Laceration Repair Lacerations are among the most common reasons for visits to emergency departments. Although most lacerations will heal without treatment, laceration repair reduces infection, scarring, and patient discomfort. Various methods may be used to repair lacerations. This video demonstrates suturing, the most common method of wound closure. Thomsen TW, Barclay DA, Setnik GS. N Engl J Med 2006;355:e18, October 26, 2006.

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Thoracentesis Thoracentesis may dramatically reduce respiratory distress in patients presenting with large pleural effusions. In addition, diagnostic thoracentesis is a valuable procedure in a patient with pleural effusion of unknown cause. This video demonstrates how to perform thoracentesis. Thomsen TW, DeLaPena J, Setnik GS. N Engl J Med 2006;355:e16, October 12, 2006.

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Lumbar Puncture This video demonstrates how to perform a lumbar puncture to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Knowledge of the contraindications, the pertinent anatomy, and the methods to minimize the risk of complications is necessary for the safe and efficient performance of the procedure. Ellenby MS, Tegtmeyer K, Lai S, Braner DAV. N Engl J Med 2006;355:e12, September 28, 2006.

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Male Urethral Catheterization Urethral catheterization may be indicated for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes: to decompress the bladder, permit irrigation, obtain sterile urine, measure urinary output, or measure the residual urinary volume after voiding. This video demonstrates how to perform male urethral catheterization. Thomsen TW, Setnik GS. N Engl J Med 2006;354:e22, May 25, 2006.

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Arthrocentesis of the Knee Arthrocentesis is used to establish the cause of an acute monoarthritis or polyarthritis. It is also used to drain large effusions or hemarthroses and to instill steroids or local anesthetic. This video demonstrates how to perform arthrocentesis. Thomsen TW, Shen S., Shaffer RW, Setnik GS. N Engl J Med 2006;354:e19, May 11, 2006.

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Nasogastric Intubation Common indications for nasogastric intubation include decompression of the GI tract in patients with bowel obstruction and gastric emptying in intubated patients to prevent aspiration. This video demonstrates the insertion of a nasogastric tube. Thomsen TW, Shaffer RW, Setnik GS. N Engl J Med 2006;354:e16, April 27, 2006.

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Placement of an Arterial Line Placement of an arterial line is indicated for continuous monitoring of arterial pressure and direct arterial blood sampling. This video demonstrates two techniques for arterial line placement. Tegtmeyer K, Brady G, Lai S, Hodo R, Braner D. N Engl J Med 2006;354:e13, April 13, 2006.

Positive-Pressure Ventilation with a Face Mask and a Bag-Valve Device Providing positive-pressure ventilation with a face mask and a bag-valve device can be a lifesaving maneuver. Although seemingly simple, the technique requires an understanding of the airway anatomy, the equipment, and the indications. This video demonstrates the equipment and technique used to provide positive-pressure ventilation with a face mask and a bag-valve device. Ortega R, Mehio AK, Woo A, Hafez