A simple method for measuring the effect of PEEP on functional residual capacity during mechanical ventilation

Multiple-breath nitrogen washout techniques: including measurements with patients on ventilators

“…Similar comparative studies on mechanically ventilated adults (either under neuromuscular blockade or heavily sedated) also confirm that there is no significant difference between the two gas equilibration methods under these conditions [58,70]. MITCHELL et al [70], in 18 postcardiac surgery patients, found a correlation coefficient of 0.93, with a maximum difference of 430 mL between repeated trials.…”

“…They also found a correlation coefficient of 0.97 in comparison studies in 21 ventilated patients with normal lungs, and a mean±SD difference between paired measurements of 21±213 mL. IBAÑEZ et al [58], in dual studies performed on 12 mechanically ventilated patients with and without PEEP, found a correlation coefficient of 0.97 and no statistically significant difference between the two methods.…”

“…Support for this view is provided by data from IBAÑEZ et al [58] both on spontaneously breathing subjects and mechanically ventilated patients, using the N 2 washout method. Conversely, other workers have not confirmed these findings in adult studies [59,60], but have found results similar to GEUBELLE et al [42].…”

Lung strain and biological response in mechanically ventilated patients

“…Thus, an approach based on stress and strain may have some advantages. The variability of FRC (and EELV) among patients with ALI [27,28] results in different degrees of strain even if the tidal volume is the same. Similarly, the variability of chest wall elastance leads to different transpulmonary pressures for the same plateau pressure applied [29].…”

Lung monitoring at the bedside in mechanically ventilated patients

“…Measurements of EELV at the ICU have always been limited by the use of expensive and bulky equipment and the use of tracer gases [8,9]. Stenqvist's group [10] have introduced a novel method to measure EELV without interrupting mechanical ventilation, based on a simplified and modified nitrogen multiple breath washout technique (NMBW), which is integrated in the Engström ventilator (GE Healthcare, Madison, Wisconsin, USA).…”