ICU Learning

Sami Safadi, M.D. samisaf@gmail.com

Welcome to ICU Learning. I am an assistant professor of medicine at the Department of Medicine at the University of Minnesota. I have expertise in the fields of internal medicine, nephrology, and critical care medicine.

My passion lies in leveraging the power of technology to educate and equip trainees with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide exceptional care to critically ill patients.

I created this website to provide high-quality learning modules designed to help learners understand key physiological processes essential to the management and treatment of critically ill patients.

For the best experience, please use a modern browser such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, or Microsoft Edge. While the modules are accessible on mobile devices, some content may not display optimally on smaller screens.

Please note that the modules on this website are intended as educational tools to complement your learning. They are not a substitute for professional medical judgment or clinical decision-making.

By using this website, you agree to anonymously share usage data, which will be utilized for research in medical education. Additionally, we may invite you to participate in periodic surveys, and we sincerely appreciate your feedback. Please refer to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy for details.

Mechanical Ventilation

Positive-pressure mechanical ventilation is a critical, life-saving intervention commonly used in intensive care units to manage patients with respiratory failure. Proficiency in ventilator setup and monitoring is an essential skill in modern critical care practice.

The modules below simulate interactions between a patient and a ventilator, demonstrating various modes of mechanical ventilation. Users can explore different clinical scenarios by adjusting lung properties and ventilator settings.

An enchanced version of this simulator that provides additional modules, and functionality is available. It can be accessed through VentSim.cc.

Simulator Modules

Preset Scenarios, All Modes

Normal Lungs
Restrictive Process (ARDS)
Obstructive Process (Asthma)
Obstructive Process (COPD)

Individual Modes, Older Version

Volume-Controlled (VC)
Pressure-Controlled (PC)
Pressure-Regulated VC (PRVC)
Pressure-Support (PS/CPAP)
Airway Pressure Release (APRV)
VC with Non-Linear Lung Compliance

Video Tutorials

I created a series of videos to teach the basics of mechanical ventilation using the simulator. You can access the videos on youtube by clicking this link.

Resucitation Ultrasound

Resuscitation Ultrasound is a specialized application designed to assist clinicians in using point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). It integrates hemodynamic calculators and high-quality educational content covering cardiac, vascular, and visceral ultrasound—all in one convenient platform.

Explore key hemodynamic measurements and learn how to obtain them effectively. The app allows users to practice ultrasound techniques, optimize imaging, and refine measurement skills. The educational content is designed to support both qualitative and quantitative assessments with accuracy and confidence.

Utilize built-in calculators to determine metrics such as cardiac output, stroke volume, systemic vascular resistance, and inferior vena cava respiratory variation. Educational resources are seamlessly integrated within the calculator feature, ensuring continuous learning.

The content is accessible online through resuspocus.com. The app is also available free of charge to use by the medical community. Android and iOS app store links are provided below.

CRRT Resources

Managing Dysnatremias in Patients Receiving Renal Replacement

Dysnatremias present a significant challenge in patients receiving renal replacement therapy due to the limited ability to adjust sodium concentrations in dialysate or replacement solutions. The formulas developed by Drs. Tinawi and Bastani provide a practical approach to determining the appropriate rate of hypotonic or hypertonic solutions needed to prevent rapid correction of dysnatremias. These formulas can be readily applied at the bedside. Access the content here.

Filtration Fraction in Renal Replacement

A thorough understanding of filtration fraction and the factors influencing it is essential for clinicians managing critically ill patients undergoing renal replacement therapy. This interactive page serves both as an educational resource and a calculator, providing valuable insights into filtration fraction dynamics. It is accessible through this link.

Feedback

For any feedback, please feel free to email me at samisaf@gmail.com.