Cardiorespiratory effects of pressure-controlled ventilation with and without inverse ratio in the adult respiratory distress syndrome

Equal Ratio Ventilation Reduces Blood Loss During Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Surgery

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective randomized double-blinded study.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of two different ventilator modes (inspiratory to expiratory ratio [I:E ratio] of 1:1 and 1:2) on intraoperative surgical bleeding in patients undergoing posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) surgery.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

During PLIF surgery, a considerable amount of blood loss is anticipated. In the prone position, engorgement of the vertebral vein increases surgical bleeding. We hypothesized that equal ratio ventilation (ERV) with I:E ratio of 1:1 would lower peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) in the prone position and consequentially decrease surgical bleeding.

METHODS

Twenty-eight patients were randomly assigned to receive either ERV (ERV group, n = 14) or conventional ventilation with I:E ratio of 1:2 (control group, n = 14). Hemodynamic and respiratory parameters were measured at 5 minutes after anesthesia induction, at 5 minutes after the prone position, at the time of skin closure, and at 5 minutes after turning to the supine position.

RESULTS

The amount of intraoperative surgical bleeding in the ERV group was significantly less than that in the control group (975.7 ± 349.9 mL vs. 1757.1 ± 1172.7 mL, P = 0.030). Among other hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, PIP and plateau inspiratory pressure (Pplat) were significantly lower and dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn) was significantly higher in the ERV group than those of the control group throughout the study period, respectively (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Compared to conventional ratio ventilation, ERV provided lower PIP and reduced intraoperative surgical blood loss in patients undergoing PLIF surgery.Level of Evidence: 2.

Lung-protective properties of expiratory flow-initiated pressure-controlled inverse ratio ventilation: A randomised controlled trial

Background

Expiratory flow-initiated pressure-controlled inverse ratio ventilation (EF-initiated PC-IRV) reduces physiological dead space. We hypothesised that EF-initiated PC-IRV would be lung protective compared with volume-controlled ventilation (VCV).

Methods

Twenty-eight men undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy were enrolled in this randomised controlled trial. The EF-initiated PC-IRV group (n = 14) used pressure-controlled ventilation with the volume guaranteed mode. The inspiratory to expiratory (I:E) ratio was individually adjusted by observing the expiratory flow-time wave. The VCV group (n = 14) used the volume control mode with a 1:2 I:E ratio. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare differences in the serum cytokine levels.

Results

There were no significant differences in serum IL-6 between the EF-initiated PC-IRV (median 34 pg ml^-1 (IQR 20.5 to 63.5)) and VCV (31 pg ml^-1 (24.5 to 59)) groups (P = 0.84). The physiological dead space rate (physiological dead space/expired tidal volume) was significantly reduced in the EF-initiated PC-IRV group as compared with that in the VCV group (0.31 ± 0.06 vs 0.4 ± 0.07; P<0.001). The physiological dead space rate was negatively correlated with the forced vital capacity (% predicted) in the VCV group (r = -0.85, P<0.001), but not in the EF-initiated PC-IRV group (r = 0.15, P = 0.62). Two patients in the VCV group had permissive hypercapnia with low forced vital capacity (% predicted).

Conclusions

There were no differences in the lung-protective properties between the two ventilatory strategies. However, EF-initiated PC-IRV reduced physiological dead space rate; thus, it may be useful for reducing the ventilatory volume that is necessary to maintain normocapnia in patients with low forced vital capacity (% predicted) during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Formal guidelines: management of acute respiratory distress syndrome

Fifteen recommendations and a therapeutic algorithm regarding the management of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) at the early phase in adults are proposed. The Grade of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology has been followed. Four recommendations (low tidal volume, plateau pressure limitation, no oscillatory ventilation, and prone position) had a high level of proof (GRADE 1 + or 1 -); four (high positive end-expiratory pressure [PEEP] in moderate and severe ARDS, muscle relaxants, recruitment maneuvers, and venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation [ECMO]) a low level of proof (GRADE 2 + or 2 -); seven (surveillance, tidal volume for non ARDS mechanically ventilated patients, tidal volume limitation in the presence of low plateau pressure, PEEP > 5 cmH2O, high PEEP in the absence of deleterious effect, pressure mode allowing spontaneous ventilation after the acute phase, and nitric oxide) corresponded to a level of proof that did not allow use of the GRADE classification and were expert opinions. Lastly, for three aspects of ARDS management (driving pressure, early spontaneous ventilation, and extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal), the experts concluded that no sound recommendation was possible given current knowledge. The recommendations and the therapeutic algorithm were approved by the experts with strong agreement.

Formal guidelines: management of acute respiratory distress syndrome

Fifteen recommendations and a therapeutic algorithm regarding the management of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) at the early phase in adults are proposed. The Grade of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology has been followed. Four recommendations (low tidal volume, plateau pressure limitation, no oscillatory ventilation, and prone position) had a high level of proof (GRADE 1 + or 1 −); four (high positive end-expiratory pressure [PEEP] in moderate and severe ARDS, muscle relaxants, recruitment maneuvers, and venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation [ECMO]) a low level of proof (GRADE 2 + or 2 −); seven (surveillance, tidal volume for non ARDS mechanically ventilated patients, tidal volume limitation in the presence of low plateau pressure, PEEP > 5 cmH2O, high PEEP in the absence of deleterious effect, pressure mode allowing spontaneous ventilation after the acute phase, and nitric oxide) corresponded to a level of proof that did not allow use of the GRADE classification and were expert opinions. Lastly, for three aspects of ARDS management (driving pressure, early spontaneous ventilation, and extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal), the experts concluded that no sound recommendation was possible given current knowledge. The recommendations and the therapeutic algorithm were approved by the experts with strong agreement.

Effect of pressure-controlled inverse ratio ventilation on dead space during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: A randomised crossover study of three different ventilator modes

BACKGROUND

Pressure-controlled inverse inspiratory to expiratory ratio ventilation (PC-IRV) is thought to be beneficial for reducing the dead space volume.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of PC-IRV on the components of dead space during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RLRP).

DESIGN

A randomised crossover study of three different ventilator modes.

SETTING

A single university hospital from September 2014 to April 2015.

PATIENTS

Twenty consecutive study participants undergoing RLRP.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were ventilated sequentially with three different modes in random order for 30 min: volume control ventilation (VCV; inspiratory to expiratory ratio 0.5), pressure control ventilation (PCV; inspiratory to expiratory ratio 0.5) and PC-IRV. Inverse inspiratory to expiratory ratio was adjusted individually by observing the expiratory flow-time wave to prevent the risk of dynamic pulmonary hyperinflation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome included physiological dead space (VDphys), airway dead space (VDaw), alveolar dead space (VDalv) and shunt dead space (VDshunt). VDphys was calculated by Enghoff's method. We also analysed respiratory dead space (VDresp) and VDaw using a novel analytical method. Then, VDalv and VDshunt were calculated by VDalv = VDresp - VDaw and VDshunt = VDphys - VDresp, respectively.

RESULTS

The VDphys/expired tidal volume (VTE) ratio in PC-IRV (29.2 ± 4.7%) was significantly reduced compared with that in VCV (43 ± 8.5%) and in PCV (35.9 ± 3.9%). The VDshunt/VTE in PC-IRV was significantly smaller than that in VCV and PCV. VDaw/VTE in PC-IRV was also significantly smaller than that in VCV but not that in PCV. There was no significant change in VDalv/VTE.

CONCLUSION

PC-IRV with the inspiratory to expiratory ratio individually adjusted by the expiratory flow-time wave decreased VDphys/VTE in patients undergoing RLRP.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

University Hospital Medical Information Network in Japan 000014004.

Effect of prolonged inspiratory time on gas exchange during robot-assisted laparoscopic urologic surgery

BACKGROUND

Gas exchange disturbance may develop during urologic robotic laparoscopic surgery with the patient in a steep Trendelenburg position. This study investigated whether prolonged inspiratory time could mitigate gas exchange disturbances including hypercapnia.

METHODS

In this randomized cross-over trial, 32 patients scheduled for robot-assisted urologic surgery were randomized to receive an inspiratory to expiratory time ratio (I:E) of 1:1 for the first hour of pneumoperitoneum followed by 1:2 for last period of surgery (group A, n = 17) or I:E of 1:2 followed by 1:1 (group B, n = 15). Arterial blood gas analysis, airway pressure and hemodynamic variables were assessed at four time points (T1: 10 min after induction of general anesthesia, T2: 1 h after the initiation of pneumoperitoneum, T3: 1 h after T2 and T4: at skin closure). The carry over effect of initial I:E was also evaluated over the next hour through arterial blood gas analysis.

RESULTS

There was a significant decrease in partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (PaO₂) for both groups at T2 and T3 compared to T1 but in group B the PaO₂ at T4 was not decreased from the baseline. Partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood (PaCO₂) increased with I:E of 1:2 but did not significantly increase with I:E of 1:1; however, there were no differences in PaO₂ and PaCO₂ between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Decreased oxygenation by pneumoperitoneum was improved and PaCO₂ did not increase after 1 h of I:E of 1:1; however, the effect of equal ratio ventilation longer than 1 h remains to be determined. There was no carryover effect of the two different I:E ratios.

Comparison of volume controlled ventilation and pressure controlled ventilation in patients undergoing robot-assisted pelvic surgeries: An open-label trial

Background and Aims:

Although volume controlled ventilation (VCV) has been the traditional mode of ventilation in robotic surgery, recently pressure controlled ventilation (PCV) has been used more frequently. However, evidence on whether PCV is superior to VCV is still lacking. We intended to compare the effects of VCV and PCV on respiratory mechanics and haemodynamic in patients undergoing robotic surgeries in steep Trendelenburg position.

Methods:

This prospective, randomized trial was conducted on sixty patients between 20 and 70 years belonging to the American Society of Anesthesiologist Physical Status I–II. Patients were randomly assigned to VCV group (n = 30), where VCV mode was maintained through anaesthesia, or the PCV group (n = 30), where ventilation mode was changed to PCV after the establishment of 40° Trendelenburg position and pneumoperitoneum. Respiratory (peak and mean airway pressure [AP_peak, AP_mean], dynamic lung compliance [C_dyn] and arterial blood gas analysis) and haemodynamics variables (heart rate, mean blood pressure [MBP] central venous pressure) were measured at baseline (T₁), post-Trendelenburg position at 60 min (T₂), 120 min (T₃) and after resuming supine position (T₄).

Results:

Demographic profile, haemodynamic variables, oxygen saturation and minute ventilation (MV) were comparable between two groups. Despite similar values of AP_mean, AP_peak was significantly higher in VCV group at T2 and T3 as compared to PCV group (P < 0.001). C_dyn and PaCO₂ were also better in PCV group than in VCV group (P < 0.001 and 0.045, respectively).

Conclusion:

PCV should be preferred in robotic pelvic surgeries as it offers lower airway pressures, greater C_dyn and a better-preserved ventilation-perfusion matching for the same levels of MV.

Improving Oxygenation When Conventional Ventilation Fails: A Case Study

Long periods of significant hypoxia do not disqualify a patient from becoming an organ donor. As the management of organ donor patients becomes more complex, recovery coordinators often have to change their thinking and resort to nonconventional means of management. This case study presents a hypoxic donor and how using pressure-control inverse ratio ventilation improved oxygenation in this donor. Before changing ventilator modes, the transplant surgeons were concerned about the long periods of hypoxia the patient had experienced during her hospitalization. After making the change, improving oxygenation, and demonstrating an improved oxygen state, 4 organs were recovered and subsequently transplanted. All the recovered organs functioned immediately after transplantation without any signs of poor performance. Although this treatment modality is not available at every institution, it can be used to improve oxygenation problems in organ donors.

Pediatric Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure: Management of Oxygenation

Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) is one of the hallmarks of acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which are caused by an inflammatory process initiated by any of a number of potential systemic and/or pulmonary insults that result in heterogeneous disruption of the capillary-pithelial interface. In these critically sick patients, optimizing the management of oxygenation is crucial. Physicians managing pediatric patients with ALI or ARDS are faced with a complex array of options influencing oxygenation. Certain treatment strategies can influence clinical outcomes, such as a lung protective ventilation strategy that specifies a low tidal volume (6 mL/kg) and a plateau pressure limit (30 cm H2O). Other strategies such as different levels of positive end expiratory pressure, altered inspiration to expiration time ratios, recruitment maneuvers, prone positioning, and extraneous gases or drugs may also affect clinical outcomes. This article reviews state-of-the-art strategies on the management of oxygenation in acute hypoxemic respiratory failure in children.

Pressure-controlled inverse ratio ventilation as a rescue therapy for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome

Purpose

Low tidal volume ventilation improves the outcomes of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, no studies have investigated the use of a rescue therapy involving mechanical ventilation when low tidal volume ventilation cannot maintain homeostasis. Inverse ratio ventilation (IRV) is one candidate for such rescue therapy, but the roles and effects of IRV as a rescue therapy remain unknown.

Methods

We undertook a retrospective review of the medical records of patients with ARDS who received IRV in our hospital from January 2007 to May 2014. Gas exchange, ventilation, and outcome data were collected and analyzed.

Results

Pressure-controlled IRV was used for 13 patients during the study period. Volume-controlled IRV was not used. IRV was initiated on 4.4 ventilation days when gas exchange could not be maintained. IRV significantly improved the PaO₂/FiO₂ from 76 ± 27 to 208 ± 91 mmHg without circulatory impairment. The mean duration of IRV was 10.5 days, and all survivors were weaned from mechanical ventilation and discharged. The 90-day mortality rate was 38.5 %. Univariate analysis showed that the duration of IRV was associated with the 90-day mortality rate. No patients were diagnosed with pneumothorax.

Conclusions

Pressure-controlled IRV provided acceptable gas exchange without apparent complications and served as a successful bridge to conventional treatment when used as a rescue therapy for moderate to severe ARDS.

Effects of pressure-controlled and volume-controlled ventilation on respiratory mechanics and systemic stress response during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) is less frequently employed in general anesthesia. With its high and decelerating inspiratory flow, PCV has faster tidal volume delivery and different gas distribution. The same tidal volume setting, delivered by PCV versus volume-controlled ventilation (VCV), will result in a lower peak airway pressure and reduced risk of barotrauma. We hypothesized that PCV instead of VCV during laparoscopic surgery could achieve lower airway pressures and reduce the systemic stress response. Forty ASA I-II patients were randomly selected to receive either the PCV (Group PC, n = 20) or VCV (Group VC, n = 20) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Blood sampling was made for baseline arterial blood gases (ABG), cortisol, insulin, and glucose levels. General anesthesia with sevoflurane and fentanyl was employed to all patients. After anesthesia induction and endotracheal intubation, patients in Group PC were given pressure support to form 8 mL/kg tidal volume and patients in Group VC was maintained at 8 mL/kg tidal volume calculated using predicted body weight. All patients were maintained with 5 cmH₂O positive-end expiratory pressure (PEEP). Respiratory parameters were recorded before and 30 min after pneumoperitonium. Assessment of ABG and sampling for cortisol, insulin and glucose levels were repeated 30 min after pneumoperitonium and 60 min after extubation. The P-peak levels observed before (18.9 ± 3.8 versus 15 ± 2.2 cmH₂O) and during (23.3 ± 3.8 versus 20.1 ± 2.9 cmH₂O) pneumoperitoneum in Group VC were significantly higher. Postoperative partial arterial oxygen pressure (PaO₂) values are higher (98 ± 12 versus 86 ± 11 mmHg) in Group PC. Arterial carbon dioxide pressure (PaCO₂) values (41.8 ± 5.4 versus 36.7 ± 3.5 mmHg) during pneumoperitonium and post-operative mean cortisol and insulin levels were higher in Group VC. When compared to VCV mode, PCV mode may improve compliance during pneumoperitoneum, improve oxygenation and reduce stress response postoperatively and may be more appropriate in patients having laparoscopic surgery.

Pressure-Controlled vs Volume-Controlled Ventilation in Acute Respiratory Failure: A Physiology-Based Narrative and Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Mechanical ventilation is a cornerstone in the management of acute respiratory failure. Both volume-targeted and pressure-targeted ventilations are used, the latter modes being increasingly used. We provide a narrative review of the physiologic principles of these two types of breath delivery, performed a literature search, and analyzed published comparisons between modes.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether pressure control-continuous mandatory ventilation (PC-CMV) or pressure control-inverse ratio ventilation (PC-IRV) has demonstrated advantages over volume control-continuous mandatory ventilation (VC-CMV). The Cochrane tool for risk of bias was used for methodologic quality. We also introduced physiologic criteria as quality indicators for selecting the studies. Outcomes included compliance, gas exchange, hemodynamics, work of breathing, and clinical outcomes. Analyses were completed with RevMan5 using random effects models.

RESULTS

Thirty-four studies met inclusion criteria, many being at high risk of bias. Comparisons of PC-CMV/PC-IRV and VC-CMV did not show any difference for compliance or gas exchange, even when looking at PC-IRV. Calculating the oxygenation index suggested a poorer effect for PC-IRV. There was no difference between modes in terms of hemodynamics, work of breathing, or clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The two modes have different working principles but clinical available data do not suggest any difference in the outcomes. We included all identified trials, enhancing generalizability, and attempted to include only sufficient quality physiologic studies. However, included trials were small and varied considerably in quality. These data should help to open the choice of ventilation of patients with acute respiratory failure.

Pressure-controlled versus volume-controlled ventilation for acute respiratory failure due to acute lung injury (ALI) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

BACKGROUND

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) account for one-quarter of cases of acute respiratory failure in intensive care units (ICUs). A third to half of patients will die in the ICU, in hospital or during follow-up. Mechanical ventilation of people with ALI/ARDS allows time for the lungs to heal, but ventilation is invasive and can result in lung injury. It is uncertain whether ventilator-related injury would be reduced if pressure delivered by the ventilator with each breath is controlled, or whether the volume of air delivered by each breath is limited.

OBJECTIVES

To compare pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) versus volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) in adults with ALI/ARDS to determine whether PCV reduces in-hospital mortality and morbidity in intubated and ventilated adults.

SEARCH METHODS

In October 2014, we searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (2014, Isssue 9), MEDLINE (1950 to 1 October 2014), EMBASE (1980 to 1 October 2014), the Latin American Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS) (1994 to 1 October 2014) and Science Citation Index-Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED) at the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) Web of Science (1990 to 1 October 2014), as well as regional databases, clinical trials registries, conference proceedings and reference lists.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs (irrespective of language or publication status) of adults with a diagnosis of acute respiratory failure or acute on chronic respiratory failure and fulfilling the criteria for ALI/ARDS as defined by the American-European Consensus Conference who were admitted to an ICU for invasive mechanical ventilation, comparing pressure-controlled or pressure-controlled inverse-ratio ventilation, or an equivalent pressure-controlled mode (PCV), versus volume-controlled ventilation, or an equivalent volume-controlled mode (VCV).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened and selected trials, assessed risk of bias and extracted data. We sought clarification from trial authors when needed. We pooled risk ratios (RRs) for dichotomous data and mean differences (MDs) for continuous data with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a random-effects model. We assessed overall evidence quality using the GRADE (Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We included three RCTs that randomly assigned a total of 1089 participants recruited from 43 ICUs in Australia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Spain and the USA. Risk of bias of the included studies was low. Only data for mortality and barotrauma could be combined in the meta-analysis. We downgraded the quality of evidence for the three mortality outcomes on the basis of serious imprecision around the effect estimates. For mortality in hospital, the RR with PCV compared with VCV was 0.83 (95% CI 0.67 to 1.02; three trials, 1089 participants; moderate-quality evidence), and for mortality in the ICU, the RR with PCV compared with VCV was 0.84 (95% CI 0.71 to 0.99; two trials, 1062 participants; moderate-quality evidence). One study provided no evidence of clear benefit with the ventilatory mode for mortality at 28 days (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.06; 983 participants; moderate-quality evidence). The difference in effect on barotrauma between PCV and VCV was uncertain as the result of imprecision and different co-interventions used in the studies (RR 1.24, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.77; two trials, 1062 participants; low-quality evidence). Data from one trial with 983 participants for the mean duration of ventilation, and from another trial with 78 participants for the mean number of extrapulmonary organ failures that developed with PCV or VCV, were skewed. None of the trials reported on infection during ventilation or quality of life after discharge.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Currently available data from RCTs are insufficient to confirm or refute whether pressure-controlled or volume-controlled ventilation offers any advantage for people with acute respiratory failure due to acute lung injury or acute respiratory distress syndrome. More studies including a larger number of people given PCV and VCV may provide reliable evidence on which more firm conclusions can be based.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may not reduce short-term mortality in cardiogenic pulmonary edema: a propensity-based analysis

INTRODUCTION

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) improves patients' condition in case of cardiogenic pulmonary edema (CPE). However, the impact of CPAP on short-term mortality remains a matter of debate. We aimed at estimating the effect of CPAP on short-term mortality in patients treated for a CPE.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We pooled the data from the Acute Heart Failure Global Registry of Standard Treatment and the Etude Francaise l'Innsuficiens Cardiaque Aigue observational cohorts to compare the estimations of the effect on short-term mortality of CPAP, before and after propensity score (PS) matching. A total of 2286 patients with a cardiogenic pulmonary edema were included in the analysis, of whom 321 (14%) received CPAP. Of these, 314 could be matched to a control patient (matched population: n = 628) and were included in the PS analysis. In naive analysis, CPAP application influenced neither short-term mortality (HR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.73-1.46; P = .86) nor the need for tracheal intubation (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.78-1.40; P = .78). After PS matching, CPAP was associated with a reduction in the need for tracheal intubation (OR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.37-0.84; P = .005) but it did not reduce short-term mortality (HR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.47-1.26; P = .30).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a reduction in the need for tracheal intubation, CPAP application may not reduce short-term mortality in patients suffering from cardiogenic pulmonary edema.

[Influence of pressure- and volume-controlled ventilation on pulse pressure variations: randomized study]

OBJECTIVE

Pulse pressure variation (ΔPP) has been demonstrated to be an accurate dynamic parameter to predict fluid responsiveness. However, the impact of different ventilator modes on this parameter is unknown. We compared ΔPP values calculated alternatively during pressure- and volume-controlled ventilation.

STUDY DESIGN

Double-blind randomized study, cross-over design.

PATIENTS

Patients in intensive care unit after a cardiac surgery.

METHOD

Patients were ventilated alternatively in both ventilator modes (according to the randomization): volume-controlled ventilation (VVC) and pressure-controlled ventilation (VPC). Other parameters of ventilation were identical. ΔPP values were calculated for each patient in both ventilator modes.

RESULTS

Among the 26 patients analyzed, mean ΔPP value was de 14.0±7.3% in VVC and 11.8±6.2% in VPC (P<0,0001). On Bland-Altman representation, mean bias was +2.2±2.3% and inferior and superior limits of agreement were respectively -2.3 and 6.7%. Arterial blood pressure and central venous pressure were not modified.

CONCLUSION

ΔPP values obtained with both ventilator modes were not interchangeable. On average, ΔPP decreases by more than two points in the passage VVC to VPC for a given patient, all others things being equal.

Hemodynamic Effects of Volume-Controlled Ventilation Versus Pressure-Controlled Ventilation in Head Trauma Patients

Background. Controlled ventilation for head trauma patients should reduce hypoxemia, hypercapnia and prevent secondary brain injury. However, changes in cardiac output and arterial blood pressure are the common consequences of mechanical ventilation. This study was designed to compare pressure- versus volume-controlled ventilation modes in severe head trauma patients to identify the mode with least hemodynamic compromise and best oxygenation profile. Methods. This prospective crossover study was carried out on 15 severe head trauma patients admitted to surgical ICU for mechanical ventilation and critical care. All patients were initially ventilated with volume-controlled ventilation for 12 hours then the mode of ventilation was changed to pressure-controlled ventilation for the next 12 hours. Arterial and pulmonary artery catheters were inserted for continuous monitoring of arterial blood pressure, cardiac output, pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary wedge pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, and systemic vascular resistance every 4 hours from the start of each ventilation mode. Lung mechanics and arterial blood gases were simultaneously recorded during the times of hemodynamic monitoring. Results. Cardiac output did not show significant changes between the 2 ventilation modes and mean group differences at 4, 8, and 12 hours were −0.2, −0.2, −0.1 L/min (95% confidence interval = −1.04 to 0.64, −0.92 to 0.52, and −0.68 to 0.48 L/min), respectively. Additionally, the other hemodynamic variables were comparable at all levels of study analysis. Volume-controlled ventilation was associated with significant higher peak air way pressure in comparison with pressure-controlled ventilation after 4, 8, and 12 hours. The oxygenation values and other lung mechanics were not significantly change between the 2 ventilation modes. Conclusion. Both volume-controlled and pressure-controlled ventilations have comparable hemodynamic and oxygenation profiles in severe head trauma patients for short-term ventilation.

Prolonged inspiratory time produces better gas exchange in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery: A randomised trial

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic surgery performed with a patient in the Trendelenburg position is known to have adverse effects on pulmonary gas exchange and respiratory mechanics. We supposed that prolonged inspiratory time can improve gas exchange at lower airway pressure.

METHODS

One hundred patients undergoing gynaecologic laparoscopic surgery were randomly assigned to one of four groups: conventional inspiratory-to-expiratory (I : E) ratio (Group 1 : 2), I : E ratio of 1 : 1 (Group 1 : 1), 2 : 1 (Group 2 : 1), or 1 : 2 with external positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 5 cmH2 O (Group 1 : 2 PEEP). Tidal volume was set to 6 ml/kg, and I : E ratio was adjusted at the onset of pneumoperitoneum. Arterial blood gas analysis with measurements of partial pressure of arterial oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2 /FiO2 ), and physiologic dead space-to-tidal volume ratio (VD /VT ) was performed 15 min after anaesthetic induction (T1), and 30 (T2) and 60 min (T3) after onset of CO2 insufflation.

RESULTS

PaO2 /FiO2 at T3 in Groups 1 : 1, 2 : 1, and 1 : 2 PEEP were higher than Group 1 : 2. The partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide at T3 in Group 2 : 1 was lower than the other groups. The VD /VT at T2 and T3 were lower in Groups 1 : 1 and 2 : 1 than Groups 1 : 2 and 1 : 2 PEEP. Peak or plateau airway pressure was higher in Group 1 : 2 PEEP than the other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

A prolonged inspiratory time demonstrated a beneficial effect on oxygenation. Furthermore, it showed better CO2 elimination without elevating the peak or plateau airway pressure compared with applying external PEEP. In terms of gas exchange and respiratory mechanics, a prolonged inspiratory time appears to be superior to applying external PEEP in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery in the Trendelenburg position.

High-frequency oscillatory ventilation in pediatric acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: disease-specific morbidity survival analysis

Background

Multiple ventilatory strategies for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) in children have been advocated, including high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV). Despite the frequent deployment of HFOV, randomized controlled trials remain elusive and currently there are no pediatric trials looking at its use. Our longitudinal study analyzed the predictive clinical outcome of HFOV in pediatric AHRF given disease-specific morbidity.

Methods

A retrospective 8-year review on pediatric intensive care unit admissions with AHRF ventilated by HFOV was performed. Primary outcomes included survival, morbidity, length of stay (LOS), and factors associated with survival or mortality.

Results

A total of 102 patients underwent HFOV with a 66 % overall survival rate. Survivors had a greater LOS than nonsurvivors (p = 0.001). Mortality odds ratio (OR) for patients without bronchiolitis was 8.19 (CI = 1.02, 65.43), and without pneumonia it was 3.07 (CI = 1.12, 8.39). A lower oxygenation index (OI) after HFOV commencement and at subsequent time points analyzed predicted survival. After 24 h, mortality was associated with an OI > 35 [OR = 31.11 (CI = 3.25, 297.98)]. Sepsis-related mortality was associated with a higher baseline FiO₂ (0.88 vs. 0.65), higher OI (42 vs. 22), and augmented metabolic acidosis (pH of 7.25 vs. 7.32) evaluated 4 h on HFOV (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

High-frequency oscillatory ventilation may be safely utilized. It has a 66 % overall survival rate in pediatric AHRF of various etiologies. Patients with morbidity limited to the respiratory system and optimized oxygenation indices are most likely to survive on HFOV.

A comparison of pressure-controlled and volume-controlled ventilation for laparoscopic cholecystectomy

The potential advantages of pressure-controlled over volume-controlled ventilation during laparoscopic surgery have yet to be proven. We randomly assigned 42 patients with BMI <30 kg.m(-2) scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy to receive either pressure- or volume-controlled ventilation. Compared with volume-controlled ventilation, pressure-controlled ventilation resulted in a significant decrease in mean (SD) peak airway pressure at 10 min (20.4 (2.7) vs 24.0 (4.7)cmH₂O, p=0.004) and 30 min (20.7 (3.0) vs 23.9 (4.9)cmH₂O, p=0.015) and an increase in mean airway pressure at 10 min (10.5 (0.9) vs 9.6 (1.1)cmH₂O, p=0.007) and 30 min (10.5 (1.1) vs 9.6 (1.2)cmH₂O, p=0.016) after the start of surgery. Gas exchange and haemodynamic stability were similar. We conclude that pressure-controlled ventilation is a safe alternative and offers some advantages to volume-controlled ventilation during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in non-obese patients.

Severe hypoxemic respiratory failure: part 1--ventilatory strategies

Approximately 16% of deaths in patients with ARDS results from refractory hypoxemia, which is the inability to achieve adequate arterial oxygenation despite high levels of inspired oxygen or the development of barotrauma. A number of ventilator-focused rescue therapies that can be used when conventional mechanical ventilation does not achieve a specific target level of oxygenation are discussed. A literature search was conducted and narrative review written to summarize the use of high levels of positive end-expiratory pressure, recruitment maneuvers, airway pressure-release ventilation, and high-frequency ventilation. Each therapy reviewed has been reported to improve oxygenation in patients with ARDS. However, none of them have been shown to improve survival when studied in heterogeneous populations of patients with ARDS. Moreover, none of the therapies has been reported to be superior to another for the goal of improving oxygenation. The goal of improving oxygenation must always be balanced against the risk of further lung injury. The optimal time to initiate rescue therapies, if needed, is within 96 h of the onset of ARDS, a time when alveolar recruitment potential is the greatest. A variety of ventilatory approaches are available to improve oxygenation in the setting of refractory hypoxemia and ARDS. Which, if any, of these approaches should be used is often determined by the availability of equipment and clinician bias.

Positive end-expiratory pressure in pressure-controlled ventilation improves ventilatory and oxygenation parameters during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

During laparoscopy, pneumoperitoneum may result in intraoperative atelectasis, which impairs normal gas exchange. This study investigated whether positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 5 cmH(2)O in pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) mode can improve ventilatory and oxygenation parameters during pneumoperitoneum.

METHODS

Thirty patients, aged 18-65 years, undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly allocated to the ZEEP (PEEP = 0 cmH(2)O) or PEEP (PEEP = 5 cmH(2)O) group. PCV was started after induction of anesthesia. Apart from PEEP level, all other ventilator settings were identical for both groups. Peak airway pressure was set at induction and reset after pneumoperitoneum to deliver tidal volume of 8 ml/kg in both groups. Hemodynamic, ventilatory, and oxygenation parameters were measured after induction of anesthesia (T1) and 30 min after pneumoperitoneum (T2).

RESULTS

Oxygenation index (PaO(2)/FiO(2)) was significantly higher in the PEEP group than in the ZEEP group at T2 (P = 0.031). In both groups, dynamic compliance significantly decreased over 40 min from T1 to T2. There were no significant differences in hemodynamics between the two groups during the study period.

CONCLUSION

Application of PEEP of 5 cmH(2)O should be considered in PCV during laparoscopic surgeries to decrease intraoperative atelectasis caused by pneumoperitoneum to improve gas exchange and oxygenation.

Pressure control ventilation

As mechanical ventilators become increasingly sophisticated, clinicians are faced with a variety of ventilatory modes that use volume, pressure, and time in combination to achieve the overall goal of assisted ventilation. Although much has been written about the advantages and disadvantages of these increasingly complex modalities, currently there is no convincing evidence of the superiority of one mode of ventilation over another. Pressure control ventilation may offer particular advantages in certain circumstances in which variable flow rates are preferred or when pressure and volume limitation is required. The goal of this article is to provide clinicians with a fundamental understanding of the dependent and independent variables active in pressure control ventilation and describe features of the mode that may contribute to improved gas exchange and patient-ventilator synchronization.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Acute lung injury is a syndrome diagnosed clinically and is one of the most common causes of respiratory failure seen in the intensive care unit. A consensus definition of this and its more severe form, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), has allowed for better consistency in determining the epidemiology and facilitates consistent clinical trial design to better find therapies to treat or prevent it. Patients who present with ARDS usually show signs of tachpnea or dyspnea and have underlying conditions that promote inflammatory responses. The pathogenesis involves an inflammatory insult that eventually destroys the pulmonary capillary vasculature as well as alveoli. Pathophysiologically, the patient with ARDS may progress through as many as 3 phases: exudative, proliferative, and fibrotic. Treatment options can be either nonpharmacologic or pharmacologic and are limited. Ventilator strategies such as low-tidal-volume ventilation have improved outcomes in these patients, while corticosteroid use is not as established to provide morbidity or mortality benefit. Other therapies have been investigated with inconclusive or disappointing results for the treatment of this fatal syndrome.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome

Several combination therapies have been described throughout this article: in all likelihood, it is combination therapy that will allow improved survival of ARDS patients. As medicine moves into the future, clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of therapies for ARDS will be performed. In human critical care medicine, a large forward step was taken when ALI and ARDS were clearly defined. Unfortunately. as good as the definition is, ALI and ARDS occur secondary to many different underlying pathologic processes,perhaps obscuring the benefits of certain therapies for ARDS based on the underlying condition, for example, trauma versus sepsis. Selection of patients entering any ARDS trial is crucial: not only must those patients meet the strict definition of ARDS but the underlying disease process should be clearly identified. Identification of patients suffering from different disease processes before the onset of ARDS will allow for stratification of outcomes according to the intervention and the underlying pathology--comparing apples to apples and not to oranges. We are in a unique position in veterinary medicine. Although frequently financially limited by our clients, we have the opportunity to achieve several goals. First, we need to clearly define what constitutes ALI and ARDS in veterinary medicine. Do we want to rely on the human definitions? Probably not; however, as a group, we need to determine what we will accept as definitions. For example, we may not be able perform right heart catheterizations on all our patients to meet the wedge pressure requirement of human beings of less than 18 mm Hg. Do we agree that a PAOP of less than 18 mmHg is appropriate for animals, and is it appropriate for all animals? Will we accept another measure, for example, pulmonary artery diameter increases with echocardiographic evidence of acceptable left heart function? What is acceptable left heart function? As veterinarians, what do we consider to be hypoxemia? Is it the same in all species that we work with? What do we define as acute onset? Most human ARDS cases occur while patients are in hospital being treated for other problems, whereas many of our patients present already in respiratory distress. If we are unable to ventilate patients for economic or practical reasons, what do we use as the equivalent of the Pao2/Flo, ratio'? Reliance on the pathologist is not reasonable, because many disease processes can look similar to ARDS under the microscope. If anything, ALI and ARDS are clinical diagnoses. It is time for veterinarians to reach a consensus on the definition for ALI and ARDS in our patients. Only when we have a consensus of definition can rational prospective clinical trials of therapies be designed.

Ventilation-Perfusion Distribution Related to Different Inspiratory Flow Patterns in Experimental Lung Injury

In acute lung injury (ALI), controlled mechanical ventilation with decelerating inspiratory flow (.V(dec)) has been suggested to improve oxygenation when compared with constant flow (.V(con)) by improving the distribution of ventilation and perfusion (.V(A)/.Q). We performed the present study to test this hypothesis in an animal model of ALI. Furthermore, the effects of combined decelerating and constant flow (Vdot;(deco)) were evaluated. Thus, 18 pigs with experimental ALI were randomized to receive mechanical ventilation with either .V(con), .V(dec) or a fixed combination of both flow wave forms (.V(deco)) at the same tidal volume and positive end-expiratory pressure level for 6 h. Hemodynamics, gas exchange, and .V(A)/.Q distribution were determined. The results revealed an improvement of oxygenation resulting from a decrease of pulmonary shunt within each group (P < 0.05). However, blood flow to lung areas with a normal .V(A)/.Q distribution increased only during ventilation with .V(con) (P < 0.05). Accordingly, PaO(2) was higher with .V(con) than with .V(dec) and .V(deco) (P < 0.05). We conclude that contrary to the hypothesis, .V(con)provides a more favorable .V(A)/.Q distribution, and hence better oxygenation, when compared with .V(dec) and .V(deco) in this model of ALI.

IMPLICATIONS

In acute lung injury, mechanical ventilation with decelerating flow has been suggested to improve ventilation-perfusion distribution when compared with constant flow. We tested this hypothesis in an animal model. Contrary to the hypothesis, we found a more favorable ventilation-perfusion distribution during constant flow when compared with decelerating flow.

New aspects of ventilation in acute lung injury

Recent recognition that artificial ventilation may cause damage to the acutely injured lung has caused renewed interest in ventilation techniques that minimise this potential harm. Many ventilation techniques have proved beneficial in small trials of very specific patient groups, but most have subsequently failed to translate into improved patient outcome in larger trials. An exception to this is 'protective ventilation' using reduced tidal volumes (to lower airway pressure) and increased PEEP (to reduce pulmonary collapse). Results of trials of protective ventilation have been encouraging, and the technique should now be adopted more widely. High frequency ventilation, inverse ratio ventilation, prone positioning and inhaled nitric oxide are all techniques that may be considered when, in spite of optimal artificial ventilation, the patient's gas exchange remains dangerously poor. Under these circumstances, the choice of technique is dependent on their availability, local expertise and individual patient needs.

Effect of inspiratory flow pattern and inspiratory to expiratory ratio on nonlinear elastic behavior in patients with acute lung injury

Ventilatory modes employing different inspiratory flow patterns and inspiratory to expiratory ratios may alter lung strain in acute lung injury patients. To determine whether variations in lung strain existed between pressure-controlled, volume-controlled, and pressure-controlled inverse ratio modes of ventilation, we randomly applied each for 30 minutes in 18 acute lung injury patients, keeping tidal volume, respiratory rate, fractional inspired oxygen, and total positive end-expiratory pressure constant. After each mode, a multiple linear regression analysis of dynamic airway pressure and airflow was performed with a volume-dependent single compartment model of the equation of motion, and an index of nonlinear elastic behavior was calculated. In five additional patients, concurrent dynamic computerized axial tomography scanning at juxtadiaphragmatic and subcarinal levels was added. Although static mechanics, oxygenation, and hemodynamics were no different between pressure-controlled, volume-controlled, and pressure-controlled inverse ratio ventilation, we found significant differences in nonlinear behavior. This was least with pressure-controlled followed by volume-controlled ventilation, and pressure-controlled inverse ratio ventilation had the greatest nonlinear elastic behavior. Dynamic computerized axial tomography analysis revealed more overinflated units in the left subcarinal slice with pressure-controlled inverse ratio ventilation. Ventilator flow pattern and inspiratory to expiratory ratio independently influence lung strain in acute lung injury; however, further studies are needed to determine the biologic significance.

Improving oxygenation when conventional ventilation fails: a case study

Long periods of significant hypoxia do not disqualify a patient from becoming an organ donor. As the management of organ donor patients becomes more complex, recovery coordinators often have to change their thinking and resort to nonconventional means of management. This case study presents a hypoxic donor and how using pressure-control inverse ratio ventilation improved oxygenation in this donor. Before changing ventilator modes, the transplant surgeons were concerned about the long periods of hypoxia the patient had experienced during her hospitalization. After making the change, improving oxygenation, and demonstrating an improved oxygen state, 4 organs were recovered and subsequently transplanted. All the recovered organs functioned immediately after transplantation without any signs of poor performance. Although this treatment modality is not available at every institution, it can be used to improve oxygenation problems in organ donors.

Effects of short-term pressure-controlled ventilation on gas exchange, airway pressures, and gas distribution in patients with acute lung injury/ARDS: comparison with volume-controlled ventilation

STUDY OBJECTIVES

The potential clinical benefits of pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) over volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) in patients with acute lung injury (ALI) or ARDS still remain debated. We compared PCV with VCV in patients with ALI/ARDS with respect to the following physiologic end points: (1) gas exchange and airway pressures, and (2) CT scan intrapulmonary gas distribution at end-expiration.

DESIGN

Prospective, observational study.

SETTING

A multidisciplinary ICU in a nonuniversity, acute-care hospital.

PATIENTS

Ten patients with ALI or ARDS (9 men and 1 woman; age range, 17 to 80 years).

INTERVENTIONS

Sequential ventilation in PCV and VCV with a constant inspiratory/expiratory ratio, tidal volume, respiratory rate, and total positive end-expiratory pressure; measurement of gas exchange and airway pressures; and achievement of CT sections at lung base, hilum, and apex for the quantitative analysis of lung densities and of aerated vs nonaerated zones.

RESULTS

PaO(2), PaCO(2), and PaO(2)/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio levels did not differ between PCV and VCV. Peak airway pressure (Ppeak) was significantly lower in PCV compared with VCV (26 +/- 2 cm H(2)O vs 31 +/- 2 cm H(2)O; p < 0.001; mean +/- SEM). The surface areas of the nonaerated zones as well as the total areas at each section level were unchanged in PCV compared with VCV, except at the apex level, where there was a significantly greater nonaerated area in VCV (11 +/- 2 cm(2) vs 9 +/- 2 cm(2); p < 0.05). The total mean CT number of each lung (20 lungs from 10 patients) was similar in the two modes, as were the density values at the basal and apical levels; the hilum mean CT number was - 442 +/- 28 Hounsfield units (HU) in VCV and - 430 +/- 26 HU in PCV (p < 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

These data show that PCV allows the generation of lower Ppeaks through the precise titration of the lung distending pressure, and might be applied to avoid regional overdistension by means of a more homogeneous gas distribution.

Treatment of ARDS

Improved understanding of the pathogenesis of acute lung injury (ALI)/ARDS has led to important advances in the treatment of ALI/ARDS, particularly in the area of ventilator-associated lung injury. Standard supportive care for ALI/ARDS should now include a protective ventilatory strategy with low tidal volume ventilation by the protocol developed by the National Institutes of Health ARDS Network. Further refinements of the protocol for mechanical ventilation will occur as current and future clinical trials are completed. In addition, novel modes of mechanical ventilation are being studied and may augment standard therapy in the future. Although results of anti-inflammatory strategies have been disappointing in clinical trials, further trials are underway to test the efficacy of late corticosteroids and other approaches to modulation of inflammation in ALI/ARDS.

Extending inspiratory time in acute respiratory distress syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To assess the short-term effects of extending inspiratory time by lengthening end-inspiratory pause (EIP) without inducing a clinically significant increase in intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEPi) in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

DESIGN

Controlled, randomized, crossover study.

SETTING

Two medical intensive care units of university hospitals.

PATIENTS

Sixteen patients with early (< or =48 hrs) ARDS.

INTERVENTION

We applied two durations of EIP (0.2 secs and extended) each for 1 hr while keeping all the following ventilatory parameters constant: FIO2, total PEEP (PEEPtot = applied PEEP + PEEPi), tidal volume, inspiratory flow, and respiratory rate. The duration of extended EIP was titrated to avoid an increase of PEEPi of > or =1 cm H2O.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Despite an increase in mean airway pressure (20.6 +/- 2.3 vs. 17.6 +/- 2.1 cm H2O, p < .01), extended EIP did not significantly improve PaO2 (93 +/- 21 vs. 86 +/-16 torr [12.40 +/- 2.80 vs. 11.46 +/- 2.13 kPa] with 0.2 secs EIP, NS). However, although the difference in PaO2 between the two EIP durations was <20 torr (<2.66 kPa) in 14 patients, two patients exhibited a >40 torr (>5.33 kPa) increase in PaO2 with extended EIP. Extended EIP decreased PaCO2 (62 +/- 13 vs. 67 +/- 13 torr [8.26 +/- 1.73 vs. 8.93 +/- 1.73 kPa] with 0.2 secs EIP, p < .01), which resulted in a higher pH (7.22 +/- 0.10 vs. 7.19 +/- 0.09 with 0.2 secs EIP, p < .01) and contributed to a slight increase in arterial hemoglobin saturation (94 +/- 3 vs. 93 +/- 3% with 0.2 EIP, p < .01). No significant difference in hemodynamics was observed.

CONCLUSION

In patients with ARDS, extending EIP without inducing a clinically significant increase in PEEPi does not consistently improve arterial oxygenation but enhances CO2 elimination.

Thirty years of clinical trials in acute respiratory distress syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review clinical trials in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

DATA SOURCES

Computerized bibliographic search of published research and citation review of relevant articles.

STUDY SELECTION

All clinical trials of therapies for ARDS were reviewed. Therapies that have been compared in prospective, randomized trials were the focus of this analysis.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data on population, interventions, and outcomes were obtained by review. Studies were graded for quality of scientific evidence.

MAIN RESULTS

Lung protective ventilator strategy is supported by improved outcome in a single large, prospective trial and a second smaller trial. Other therapies for ARDS, including noninvasive positive pressure ventilation, inverse ratio ventilation, fluid restriction, inhaled nitric oxide, almitrine, prostacyclin, liquid ventilation, surfactant, and immune-modulating therapies, cannot be recommended at this time. Results of small trials using corticosteroids in late ARDS support the need for confirmatory large clinical trials.

CONCLUSIONS

Lung protective ventilator strategy is the first therapy found to improve outcome in ARDS. Trials of prone ventilation and fluid restriction in ARDS and corticosteroids in late ARDS support the need for large, prospective, randomized trials.

Single-breath measurements of pulmonary oxygen uptake and gas flow rates for ventilator management in ARDS

Monitoring data in critical care and anesthesiology should be displayed to present a rapid and easily comprehensible definition of the patient's clinical status. A graphic computer display of the analog output of gas flow rates and the O(2) and CO(2) concentrations of respiratory gases profiles the expired breath for an estimation of pulmonary function and gas exchange. An estimate of pulmonary perfusion, cardiac output, and the general adequacy of cardiovascular circulation is obtained from the computer calculation of O(2) uptake and CO(2) elimination, dead space, and alveolar ventilation. Adjunctive data from the spirometric measurements of airway pressures, volumes, and compliance, supplemented by hemodynamic monitoring, aids in the diagnosis of physiologic changes. For > 10 years, we have used this system to monitor patients who are anesthetized, sedated, and receiving mechanical ventilation during anesthesia and surgery, and recently have extended the technique to intensive care areas. Our experience has shown good correlation of changes in the computer-assisted expired breath analysis with coinciding clinical events, including upper airway obstruction, bronchospasm, and alveolar volume/pulmonary capillary blood flow impairment. To demonstrate the use of this system, we describe the ventilator management for a patient with severe ARDS. In this patient, changes in ventilator management, including pressure control ventilation, improved pulmonary O(2) uptake (mean, 18.7 vs 8.5 mL/breath), CO(2) elimination (mean, 17 vs 13 mL/breath), and compliance (mean, 29.7 vs 19.0 mL/cm H(2)O), were compared with intermittent mandatory ventilation.

Pressure Control Inverse Ratio Ventilation in the Treatment of Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Patients with Blunt Chest Trauma

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of pressure control inverse ratio ventilation (PCIRV) in improving oxygenation in trauma patients with adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and to assess the potential risks associated with this form of treatment. This was a cohort study assessing the trends in hemodynamic and ventilatory parameters after the initiation of PCIRV, conducted at a community Level I trauma center intensive care unit. The study comprised 15 trauma patients developing severe, progressive ARDS [two or more of the following criteria: positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) >10 cm H2O; arterial partial pressure of oxygen divided by fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2:FiO2) ratio <150; and peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) >45 cm H2O]: ten due to blunt chest injuries, three due to sepsis, and two due to fat emboli syndrome. PCIRV was initiated. Main outcome measures were PIP, PEEP (total, auto), oxygen saturation, cardiac index, oxygen delivery, PaO2:FiO2 ratio, compliance, evidence of complications of PCIRV, and mortality. Within 24 hours of conversion to PCIRV, the patients stabilized and the mean PaO2:FiO2 ratio rose from 96.3 ± 57.8 to 146.8 ± 91.1 (P < 0.05) and PIP fell from 47.9 ± 13.8 to 38.8 ± 8.4 cm H2O; auto-PEEP increased from 0.5 ± 1.9 to 7.5 ± 5.6 cm H2O (P < 0.05); oxygen delivery index remained stable (563 ± 152 to 497 ± 175 mL/min/m2); three patients developed evidence of barotrauma, one patient developed critical illness polyneuropathy, and two patients died (13%). PCIRV is an effective salvage mode of ventilation in patients with severe ARDS, but it is not without complications. Auto-PEEP levels and cardiac index should be monitored to ensure tissue oxygen delivery is maintained.

Physiological effects of alveolar, tracheal, and "standard" pressure supports

Pressure support (PS) is characterized by a pressure plateau, which is usually generated at the ventilator level (PS(vent)). We have built a PS device in which the pressure plateau can be obtained at the upper airway level (PS(aw)) or at the alveolar level (PS(A)). The effect of these different PS modes was evaluated in seven healthy men during air breathing and 5% CO(2) breathing. Minute ventilation during air breathing was higher with PS(A) than with PS(aw) and lower with PS(vent) (16 +/- 3, 14 +/- 3, and 11 +/- 2 l/min, respectively). By contrast, there were no significant differences in minute ventilation during 5% CO(2) breathing (25 +/- 5, 27 +/- 7, and 23 +/- 5 l/min, respectively). The esophageal pressure-time product per minute was lower with PS(A) than with PS(aw) and PS(vent) during air breathing (29 +/- 26, 44 +/- 44, and 48 +/- 30 cmH(2)O. s, respectively) and 5% CO(2) breathing (97 +/- 40, 145 +/- 62, and 220 +/- 41 cmH(2)O. s, respectively). In conclusion, during PS, moving the inspiratory pressure plateau from the ventilator to the alveolar level reduces pressure output, particularly at high ventilation levels.

The effect of mode, inspiratory time, and positive end-expiratory pressure on partial liquid ventilation

Partial liquid ventilation (PLV) has been shown to be an effective means of improving oxygenation in the injured lung. However, little is known about how approach to ventilation during PLV affects gas exchange and pulmonary mechanics. We hypothesized that gas exchange and pulmonary mechanics would be best with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) set above the lower inflection point (LIP) of the pressure-volume (P-V) curve regardless of mode of ventilation or inspiratory to expiratory time (I:E) ratio and that the efficiency of ventilation would be greatest with volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) compared with pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) and with long inspiratory time as compared with short inspiratory time. Lung injury was induced in 14 sheep by lavage, 10 of which were studied. Sheep were then assigned to high-PEEP (Group H, n = 5) and low-PEEP (Group L, n = 5) groups. In Group H applied PEEP was set at the LIP and in Group L applied PEEP was set at 5 cm H2O after the lung was filled with perflubron (PFB). We randomly compared VCV and PCV with I:E ratios of 1:2, 1:1, and 2:1. Peak inspiratory pressure and VT were adjusted to maintain a constant end-inspiratory plateau pressure (Pplat) of about 25 cm H2O in both groups and a constant total PEEP of about 5 cm H2O in Group L and about 12 cm H2O in Group H. There were no differences in oxygenation among modes in Group H. In Group L VCV 2:1 and all of the PCV modes in Group L had a lower PaO2 than VCV 1:1 (p < 0.05). PaCO2 and VD/VT were significantly different (p < 0.05) among modes. VD/VT was highest during PCV 1:2 with PEEP of 5 cm H2O (p < 0.05). Quasi-static compliance in Group H was higher than in Group L (p < 0.05). We conclude that during low PEEP gas exchange deteriorated in VCV with long inspiratory time and in PCV. Oxygenation was enhanced during VCV 1:1 when compared with VCV at longer I:E ratios or PCV at any I:E ratio. With PEEP set at the LIP, adequate gas exchange and improved lung mechanics could be obtained in all modes assessed.