Abrupt Deflation after Sustained Inflation Causes Lung Injury

What is it about?

Current Knowledge: Management of mechanical ventilation in ARDS focuses on ‘setting’ the ventilator parameter, including tidal volume and airway pressure; whether lung injury can occur secondary to abrupt deflation is not known. What this Study adds: Abrupt deflation after sustained inflation can injure previously healthy lungs. The mechanism appears to a surge of systemic cardiac output against vasoconstricted arteries which causes acute left ventricular decompensation, pulmonary edema and lung injury. If confirmed in patients with ARDS, this could have important implications.

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