Clinical News

Hamilton Medical G7 Ventilator Cleared by FDA: Adaptive Support Ventilation 2.0 and AI-Guided PEEP Titration

The Hamilton Medical HAMILTON-G7 intelligent ventilator has received FDA 510(k) clearance, featuring an upgraded Adaptive Support Ventilation 2.0 (ASV 2.0) algorithm and an embedded AI-guided PEEP titration tool validated against esophageal pressure-guided optimization.

NBRC Updates CRT-to-RRT Pathway: Reduced Minimum Clinical Hours Requirement

The NBRC has revised the pathway from Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) to Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), reducing the required minimum clinical hours and allowing accelerated examination eligibility for graduates of CAAHEP-accredited programs with 3.0+ GPA.

AARC New CPG: Liberation from Mechanical Ventilation in Adult ICU Patients

The AARC has released a new Clinical Practice Guideline on liberation from mechanical ventilation in critically ill adults, formally endorsing RT-driven liberation protocols, daily spontaneous awakening trials (SAT), and validating the RSBI as the primary weaning predictor.

RSV Season 2025-2026: Evolving RT Management Protocols and Prophylaxis Updates

The 2025-2026 respiratory virus season features co-circulation of RSV, influenza A/B, and SARS-CoV-2 subvariants. Updated prophylaxis (nirsevimab for infants, RSV maternal vaccine) and RT management protocols for RSV bronchiolitis are reviewed.

GOLD 2026 Report: Updated COPD Phenotype Classification and Treatment Algorithm

The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2026 report introduces a refined ABCD assessment tool incorporating eosinophil counts and exacerbation history into initial pharmacotherapy selection, replacing the 2019 ABCD grouping.

Dupilumab Receives Expanded Indication: Moderate-to-Severe Asthma Ages 6+ Without Eosinophil Requirement

The FDA has approved an expanded indication for dupilumab (Dupixent) for uncontrolled moderate-to-severe asthma, removing the previously required minimum blood eosinophil threshold and extending approval to patients aged 6 years and older.

AASM Updates OSA Management Guidelines: Positional Therapy and CPAP Alternatives

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has released updated clinical practice guidelines for the management of adult obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), expanding evidence-based recommendations for positional therapy, hypoglossal nerve stimulation, and PAP adherence interventions.

AARC Releases Updated CPG: High-Flow Nasal Cannula in Adults

The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) has published an updated Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) for high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy in adult patients, incorporating evidence on pre-oxygenation, post-extubation use, and HFNC in immunocompromised patients.

Dräger Babylog VN800: FDA Clearance for Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist (NAVA) in Neonates < 1 kg

Dräger Medical has received FDA clearance for an expanded weight range for Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist (NAVA) mode on the Babylog VN800 neonatal ventilator, now approved for use in neonates weighing as little as 500 grams.

ATS/ESICM Issue Revised Global ARDS Definition: Key Changes from Berlin 2012

A joint ATS/ESICM/SCCM task force has published a revised global ARDS definition expanding the Berlin criteria to include high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) as an eligible respiratory support modality, and introducing the Global ARDS Severity Score (GASS) to replace P/F ratio categories.

NBRC Announces 2026 RRT Examination Restructuring: Content Blueprint Updates

The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) has announced significant blueprint changes to the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) Written Registry Exam effective January 2026, including increased weighting of critical care and simulation-based content areas.

FDA-Approved Terlipressin: Vasopressor Implications for Septic Shock Management

Terlipressin, a synthetic vasopressin analogue, has received expanded FDA approval for vasodilatory shock refractory to catecholamines. RT practitioners should understand its hemodynamic effects and implications for oxygenation management in critically ill patients.