Chapter 196: Tending to Family's Emotions
Chapter 196: Tending to Family's Emotions
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Suddenly, a voice interrupted their conversation.
The brainstem, often referred to as the central control of human life, regulates autonomous functions such as breathing, heartbeat, and digestion. When it ceases to function, life itself is extinguished.
Hence, the most precise indicator of brain death is the cessation of the brainstem, specifically the medulla oblongata, as it houses all the fundamental physiological functions of the human body. Other regions of the brain serve different purposes.
This statement immediately seized the attention of the others, prompting them to turn and identify the speaker.
It was Xie Wanying, standing there, her gaze fixed on the patient as she murmured to herself, “I wonder how long it took to resuscitate the heart.”
Her demeanor brought to Cao Yong’s mind their first encounter.
“Please, share your opinion,” Cao Yong turned to her and said.
Zhou Junpeng was taken aback. Why was a deputy chief suddenly seeking the opinion of an intern? He then glanced at Fu Xinheng, who surprisingly did not object. Perhaps Fu Xinheng believed that inviting someone for consultation meant that Cao Yong would make the final decision, not him.
The teacher inquired, and Xie Wanying replied, “In general, when a heart attack patient experiences sudden cardiac arrest and the heart is promptly resuscitated through chest compressions, consciousness can be restored because of the timely intervention. It’s rare for such patients to experience brain death.”
As she explained, a few people in the room found her reasoning compelling.
“Only when the resuscitation is delayed beyond the optimal treatment window, resulting in irreversible brain damage, will the patient experience brain death. However, this patient was discovered in the intervention room and immediately resuscitated. It’s unlikely that this is the case. If the heart stopped twice despite resuscitation, could it be related to a prior brainstem issue that caused the heart to fail again? It’s improbable for a catheterization lab patient to be placed on a ventilator directly.”
Her words opened up a new line of thought for those in the room.
Zhou Junpeng and Huang Zhilei exchanged glances, and the two associate and assistant professors also fell into deep contemplation.
“We should conduct a CT scan,” Cao Yong suggested.
Fu Xinheng said to Zhou Junpeng, “Go and contact the CT room. I originally planned to have you do it after the consultation.”
A CT scan was already scheduled, but the on-site doctors were uncertain about explaining brain death to the patient’s family, even if they performed it. Xie Wanying’s insights offered them a different perspective.
Speaking of brainstem issues, aside from inadequate oxygen during delayed resuscitation, medullary infarction is also a common cause. This patient likely had hypertension and hyperlipidemia, making medullary infarction a significant possibility. They should review the patient’s medical history and inquire about any symptoms related to cervical spine problems, dizziness, or recurrent falls on one side.
Cao Yong raised the patient’s pant legs and noticed bruising on one side of both knees, confirming their suspicions.
It appeared that further investigation was required to confirm their diagnosis.
While Zhou Junpeng accompanied the patient to the CT room, Cao Yong and Fu Xinheng proceeded to the Cardio thoracic Department’ conference room. Along the way, they discussed the necessity of informing the hospital’s top management and convening the core medical team for a consultation. They understood that without clear communication with the family, the family would not be at ease.