Tilt Talk

Episode 7 – Awakening Potential: Verticalization Therapy in Neuro-Critical Care with Dr. Tarek DakakniIn this episode of Tilt Talk, we’re joined by Dr. Tarek Dakakni, MD, FCCP, neurocritical care and vascular neurologist and Medical Director of Neurosciences at Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville, to explore the intersection of neuroscience, critical care, and mobility.Dr. Dakakni defines Disorders of Consciousness (DoC) and discusses the physical and cognitive consequences of prolonged immobility, including deconditioning, secondary complications, and limited neurological stimulation. We examine why early, graded sensory input—particularly through upright positioning—is critical for promoting arousal, attention, and brain reorganization, while also supporting airway clearance, muscle tone regulation, and overall physiological function.The conversation also addresses ICP management, contrasting traditional bed rest with emerging approaches to controlled early mobilization. Dr. Dakakni explains the physiological rationale for gradual verticalization and its potential impact on cerebral perfusion, CSF dynamics, and edema management. We discuss the role of the Total Lift Bed in enabling safe, precise, and closely monitored verticalization, and highlight the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork in advancing mobility practices in the Neuro ICU.This episode offers an evidence-informed look at how upright positioning can support recovery in some of the most neurologically vulnerable patients.

🎙️ VitalGo’s Tilt Talk — Episode: Advancing ECMO Mobility: Inside the New ELSO Rehabilitation & Mobilization GuidelinesGuest: Dr. Stephen RamseyIn Part 2 of our special series with Dr. Stephen Ramsey, Tilt Talk explores one of the most significant recent advancements in critical care: the development of the ELSO ECMO Rehabilitation and Mobilization Guidelines. As a key contributor, Dr. Ramsey provides an insider’s look at how these landmark guidelines came together—and why they matter now more than ever.In this episode, we unpack:    •    The origin story of the guidelines: how the idea formed, the clinical questions that drove the initiative, and the collaborative process that shaped the final document    •    The multidisciplinary team behind the work, highlighting the global experts who brought diverse perspectives and frontline experience    •    The evidence base: what current research shows about early mobility, safety, and functional outcomes for ECMO-supported patients    •    What the guidelines include, from risk stratification to progression pathways to best practices for mobilizing even the sickest patients    •    Why verticalization matters—and how Dr. Ramsey emphasizes its role as a cornerstone of modern ECMO care, supporting early physiologic engagement and safer mobilization in complex casesDr. Ramsey also shares remarkable patient stories that illustrate the power of thoughtful, compassionate, mobility-focused care—from day-one humanization to the moment of discharge. His insights offer both practical guidance and meaningful reminders of the “why” behind advancing rehabilitation in critical care.Whether you’re implementing ECMO mobility practices or looking to elevate your current program, this episode sheds light on the science, collaboration, and heart behind the newest ELSO standards—and the evolving future of ECMO care.

🎙️ VitalGo’s Tilt Talk — Episode: The Ramsey Protocol for Safe Ambulation of Femoral IABP PatientsGuest: Dr. Stephen RamseyIn this powerful and highly practical episode of Tilt Talk, we sit down with Dr. Stephen Ramsey—the driving force behind what is now widely known as The Ramsey Protocol for the safe and progressive ambulation of patients supported by femoral Intra-aortic Balloon Pumps (IABPs).Dr. Ramsey takes us on a journey from the early days of the protocol’s development to its current use across leading cardiovascular units. We explore the clinical questions that sparked the protocol, the evolution of key milestones, and the real-world data now validating its impact on patient mobility, safety, and outcomes.Listeners will hear:    •    The history of The Ramsey Protocol and why traditional mobility restrictions needed to be challenged    •    The step-by-step progression, from first tilt to full ambulation, including essential safety considerations    •    Practical modifications clinicians have adopted to tailor the approach to unique patient populations    •    Up-to-date evidence demonstrating improved patient outcomes and reduced complications    •    Humanizing mobility, with stories of patients who regained autonomy, confidence, and hope through structured early ambulation    •    And of course, how the Total Lift® Bed plays an integral role—supporting gradual mobilization, standardizing practice, and making safe mobility possible even for the most fragile patients.Whether you’re new to IABP mobilization or looking to refine your current practice, this episode delivers everything from “how-to” protocol specifics to high-level insights on culture change and patient-centered care.Join us as Dr. Ramsey shares the wisdom, data, and heart behind a protocol that is reshaping what’s possible in critical care mobility.

🎙️ Tilt Talk – Episode 4: with Kali DaytonIn this inspiring episode of Tilt Talk, host Jenna Hightower sits down with Kali Dayton, founder of the acclaimed podcast Walking Home from the ICU, to explore the transformative power of verticalization therapy in critical care.Together, Jenna and Kali unpack the cultural, clinical, and emotional barriers that keep ICU patients immobilized and the ripple effects that change lives when we choose to stand them up instead. From real world patient stories to evidence-based insights, this conversation dives deep into the movement reshaping how we think about recovery, dignity, and the future of critical care.Tune in for a powerful discussion on courage, culture, and the human spirit behind the science of verticalization therapy.

Ilija Klipa has been with AHN since December 2018 and specializes in critical care/cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. His intensive care unit deals with a high volume of patients supported with mechanical circulatory devices, including VA-ECMO, percutaneous ventricular assist devices (pVADs), and intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABPs), that require prehabilitation to improve their qualification for advanced therapies including heart transplant and durable left ventricular assist devices.LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilija-klipa-3481a8264?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_androidResources:Clinical management of the Impella 5.5 pumphttps://www.jhltonline.org/article/S1053-2498(25)02035-2/fulltextAmbulation in patients with peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and concomitant femoral intra-aortic balloon pump supporthttps://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/02676591241290402

In Episode 2 of Tilt Talk, we take the conversation further and dive into the real-world application of early mobility and verticalization therapy in today’s ICUs. Building on the foundation from Episode 1, we explore how hospitals are moving beyond theory and making verticalization the standard of care for their most complex patients.✨ What you’ll learn in Episode 2:The link between verticalization therapy and faster recovery timesCase examples from high-acuity patients on ECMO, ARDS, and mechanical supportWhy early mobility reduces complications, length of stay, and overall ICU costsThe challenges hospitals face—and how leaders are overcoming themWhether you’re a clinician, administrator, or simply curious about the future of critical care, this episode shows why more hospitals are adopting Total Lift Beds and embracing verticalization.🔔 Subscribe now so you don’t miss future episodes featuring clinical champions, success stories, and ICU innovations that are shaping patient care worldwide.📌 Follow VitalGo & Tilt Talk:

Welcome to the very first episode of Tilt Talk, the show where we dive deep into the world of verticalization therapy and explore how it’s changing critical care forever.In this episode, we introduce the concept behind Tilt Talk and discuss why the Total Lift Bed and verticalization are becoming the new standard of care in ICUs worldwide. From reducing complications in ECMO and ARDS patients to accelerating recovery and mobility, we’ll uncover the science, the stories, and the impact behind this breakthrough therapy.✨ What you’ll learn in Episode 1:What verticalization therapy really means for patients and cliniciansWhy early mobility is critical in high-acuity ICUsHow the Total Lift Bed is reshaping outcomes for ECMO, ARDS, and other critical conditionsWhat’s next for hospitals embracing this technologyThis is just the beginning—join us as we bring together clinicians, innovators, and thought leaders to share insights, success stories, and the future of critical care.🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Tilt Talk.Hosted by Jenna Hightower, Phillip Gonzalez and Becky Rimert Brought to you by VitalGo