ABSTRACT
We report the feasibility of a combined approach of very low low tidal volume (VT) and mild therapeutic hypothermia (MTH) to decrease the ventilatory load in a severe COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) cohort. Inclusion criteria was patients ≥18-years-old, severe COVID-19-related ARDS, driving pressure ∆P >15 cmH2O despite low-VT strategy, and extracorporeal therapies not available. MTH was induced with a surface cooling device aiming at 34°C. MTH was maintained for 72 h, followed by rewarming of 1°C per day. Data were shown in median (interquartile range, 25%-75%). Mixed effects analysis and Dunnett's test were used for comparisons. Seven patients were reported. Ventilatory load decreased during the first 24 h, minute ventilation (VE) decreased from 173 (170-192) to 152 (137-170) mL/kg/min (P = 0.007), and mechanical power (MP) decreased from 37 (31-40) to 29 (26-34) J/min (P = 0.03). At the end of the MTH period, the VT, P, and plateau pressure remained consistently close to 3.9 mL/kg predicted body weight, 12 and 26 cmH2O, respectively. A combined strategy of MTH and ultraprotective mechanical ventilation (MV) decreased VE and MP in severe COVID-19-related ARDS. The decreasing of ventilatory load may allow maintaining MV within safety thresholds.
ABSTRACT
Thirty years ago, the traditional approach to mechanical ventilation consisted of the normalization of PaCO2 and pH at the expense of using a tidal volume (VT) of 10-15 mL kg-1. But then, the use of 6-8 mL kg-1 became a dogma for ventilating patients either with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or without lung disease in the operating theatre. It is currently recognized that even low tidal volumes may be excessive for some patients and insufficient for others, depending on its distribution in the aerated lung parenchyma. To carry out intraoperative protective mechanical ventilation, medical literature has focused on positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP), plateau pressure (Paw plateau), and airway driving pressure (ΔPaw). However, considering its limitations, other parameters have emerged that represent a better reflection of isolated lung stress, such as transpulmonary pressure (PL) and transpulmonary driving pressure (ΔPL). These parameters are less generalized in clinical practice due to the requirement of an oeso-phageal balloon for their measurement and therefore their cumbersome application in the operating theatre. However, its study helps in the interpretation of the rest of the ventilator pressures to optimize intraoperative mechanical ventilation. This article defines and develops protective ventilation parameters, breaks down their determinants, mentions their limitations, and offers recommendations for their use intraoperatively.
Subject(s)
Positive-Pressure Respiration , Respiratory Distress Syndrome , Humans , Tidal Volume , Respiratory Distress Syndrome/therapy , Respiration, Artificial , LungABSTRACT
Introducción: La alteración en el intercambio gaseoso es una complicación de la cirugía cardíaca con circulación extracorpórea. La causa de este deterioro es multifactorial. Durante la derivación, ambos pulmones colapsan y al término de la circulación extracorpórea los pulmones se vuelven a expandir, sin existir una técnica estándar para ello. La aplicación de reclutamiento alveolar durante la anestesia general en este tipo de cirugía mejora la oxigenación arterial. Objetivo: Describir aspectos esenciales de fisiopatología de la injuria pulmonar asociada a la ventilación mecánica en procedimientos quirúrgicos cardíacos y el efecto de la ventilación mecánica protectora perioperatoria como estrategia para prevenirla. Método: Se realizó una búsqueda de la literatura publicada durante el período comprendido entre enero de 1990 y diciembre de 2020 que hiciera referencia a las estrategias de ventilación mecánica protectora en cirugía cardiovascular. Resultados: La evidencia experimental y clínica sugiere que los bajos volúmenes corrientes de ventilación pulmonar y la aplicación por un corto período del aumento de las presiones inspiratorias, conocidas como "maniobras de reclutamiento" seguidas de la aplicación de presión positiva al final de la espiración para mantener los alveolos reclutados abiertos, incrementan la capacidad residual funcional y reducen la injuria pulmonar asociada a la ventilación mecánica. Estas recomendaciones han sido extrapoladas de estudios retrospectivos realizados en otro tipo de poblaciones. Conclusiones: No existe evidencia contundente de que esta estrategia disminuya la respuesta proinflamatoria, mejore la función pulmonar posoperatoria y disminuya la mortalidad perioperatoria, cuando se compara con la ventilación convencional(AU)
Introduction: The alteration in gas exchange is a complication of cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation. The cause of this deterioration is multifactorial. During the shunt, both lungs collapse and at the end of the extracorporeal circulation the lungs expand again, without a standard technique for it. The application of alveolar recruitment during general anesthesia in this type of surgery improves arterial oxygenation. Multiple strategies are used and have as a reference the extracorporeal circulation and its contribution to the pulmonary and systemic inflammatory response. This forces the anesthesiologist to understand the pathophysiology of lung injury associated with mechanical ventilation. Objective: Describe essential aspects of pathophysiology of pulmonary injury associated with mechanical ventilation in cardiac surgical procedures and the effect of perioperative protective mechanical ventilation as a strategy to prevent it. Method: A search of the literature published during the period between January 1990 and December 2020 was carried out that referred to protective mechanical ventilation strategies in cardiovascular surgery. Results: Experimental and clinical evidence suggest that low current volumes of pulmonary ventilation and the application for a short period of increased inspiratory pressures, known as "recruitment maneuvers" followed by the application of positive pressure at the end of expiration to keep the recruited alveoli open, increase functional residual capacity and reduce lung injury associated with mechanical ventilation. These recommendations have been extrapolated from retrospective studies conducted in other types of populations. Conclusions: There is no strong evidence that this strategy decreases the pro-inflammatory response, improves postoperative lung function and decreases perioperative mortality, when compared to conventional ventilation(AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Thoracic Surgery/methods , Respiration, Artificial/methods , Noninvasive Ventilation/methodsABSTRACT
To determine whether end-expiratory lung volume measured with volumetric capnography (EELVCO2) can individualize positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) setting during laparoscopic surgery. We studied patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery subjected to Fowler (F-group; n = 20) or Trendelenburg (T-group; n = 20) positions. EELVCO2 was measured at 0° supine (baseline), during capnoperitoneum (CP) at 0° supine, during CP with Fowler (head up + 20°) or Trendelenburg (head down - 30°) positions and after CP back to 0° supine. PEEP was adjusted to preserve baseline EELVCO2 during and after CP. Baseline EELVCO2 was statistically similar to predicted FRC in both groups. At supine and CP, EELVCO2 decreased from baseline values in F-group [median and IQR 2079 (768) to 1545 (725) mL; p = 0.0001] and in T-group [2164 (789) to 1870 (940) mL; p = 0.0001]. Change in body position maintained EELVCO2 unchanged in both groups. PEEP adjustments from 5.6 (1.1) to 10.0 (2.5) cmH2O in the F-group (p = 0.0001) and from 5.6 (0.9) to 10.0 (2.6) cmH2O in T-group (p = 0.0001) were necessary to reach baseline EELVCO2 values. EELVCO2 increased close to baseline with PEEP in the F-group [1984 (600) mL; p = 0.073] and in the T-group [2175 (703) mL; p = 0.167]. After capnoperitoneum and back to 0° supine, PEEP needed to maintain EELVCO2 was similar to baseline PEEP in F-group [5.9 (1.8) cmH2O; p = 0.179] but slightly higher in the T-group [6.5 (2.2) cmH2O; p = 0.006]. Those new PEEP values gave EELVCO2 similar to baseline in the F-group [2039 (980) mL; p = 0.370] and in the T-group [2150 (715) mL; p = 0.881]. Breath-by-breath noninvasive EELVCO2 detected changes in lung volume induced by capnoperitoneum and body position and was useful to individualize the level of PEEP during laparoscopy.Trial registry: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03693352. Protocol started 1st October 2018.
Subject(s)
Carbon Dioxide , Laparoscopy , Humans , Lung , Lung Volume Measurements , Positive-Pressure Respiration/methods , RespirationABSTRACT
This study aimed to observe the effects of lung-protective ventilation (LPV) on oxygenation index (OI) and postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy in middle-aged and elderly patients. A total of 120 patients who were scheduled to undergo laparoscopic radical gastrectomy with an expected time of >3 h were randomly divided into conventional ventilation (CV group) with tidal volume (TV) of 10 mL/kg without positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), and lung-protective ventilation (PV group) with 7 mL/kg TV and personal level of PEEP with regular recruitment maneuver every 30 min. Measurements of OI, modified clinical pulmonary infection score (mCPIS), and PPCs were assessed during the perioperative period. Fifty-seven patients in the CV group and 58 in the PV group participated in the data analysis. Patients in the PV group showed better pulmonary dynamic compliance, OI, and peripheral capillary oxygen saturation during and after surgery. The mCPIS was significantly lower in the PV group than in the CV group after surgery. The incidence rate of PPCs was lower in the PV group than in the CV group and the difference was significant in patients whose ventilation time was longer than 6 h in both groups. LPV during laparoscopic radical gastrectomy significantly improved pulmonary oxygenation function and reduced postoperative mCPIS and the incidence of PPCs during the early period after surgery of middle-aged and elderly patients, especially patients whose mechanical ventilation time was longer than 6 h.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Aged , Postoperative Complications/prevention & control , Pulmonary Gas Exchange/physiology , Laparoscopy/methods , Gastrectomy/methods , Intraoperative Care/methods , Lung Diseases/prevention & control , Respiration, Artificial/methods , Double-Blind Method , Prospective Studies , Laparoscopy/adverse effects , Gastrectomy/adverse effectsABSTRACT
PURPOSE: We compared respiratory mechanics between the positive end-expiratory pressure of minimal respiratory system elastance (PEEPminErs) and three levels of PEEP during low-tidal-volume (6 mL/kg) ventilation in rats. METHODS: Twenty-four rats were anesthetized, paralyzed, and mechanically ventilated. Airway pressure (Paw), flow (F), and volume (V) were fitted by a linear single compartment model (LSCM) Paw(t) = Ers × V(t) + Rrs × F(t) + PEEP or a volume- and flow-dependent SCM (VFDSCM) Paw(t) = (E1 + E2 × V(t)) × V(t) + (K1 + K2 × |F(t)|) × F(t) + PEEP, where Ers and Rrs are respiratory system elastance and resistance, respectively; E1 and E2× V are volume-independent and volume-dependent Ers, respectively; and K1 and K2 × F are flow-independent and flow-dependent Rrs, respectively. Animals were ventilated for 1 h at PEEP 0 cmH2O (ZEEP); PEEPminErs; 2 cmH2O above PEEPminErs (PEEPminErs+2); or 4 cmH2O above PEEPminErs (PEEPminErs+4). Alveolar tidal recruitment/derecruitment and overdistension were assessed by the index %E2 = 100 × [(E2 × VT)/(E1 + |E2| × VT)], and alveolar stability by the slope of Ers(t). RESULTS: %E2 varied between 0 and 30% at PEEPminErs in most respiratory cycles. Alveolar Tidal recruitment/derecruitment (%E2 < 0) and overdistension (%E2 > 30) were predominant in the absence of PEEP and in PEEP levels higher than PEEPminErs, respectively. The slope of Ers(t) was different from zero in all groups besides PEEPminErs+4. CONCLUSIONS: PEEPminErs presented the best compromise between alveolar tidal recruitment/derecruitment and overdistension, during 1 h of low-VT mechanical ventilation.
Subject(s)
Elasticity/physiology , Lung/physiology , Positive-Pressure Respiration/methods , Respiratory Mechanics/physiology , Anesthesia , Animals , Rats , Respiration, Artificial/methods , Tidal VolumeABSTRACT
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is an acute respiratory failure produced by an inflammatory edema secondary to increased lung capillary permeability. This causes alveolar flooding and subsequently deep hypoxemia, with intrapulmonary shunt as its most important underlying mechanism. Characteristically, this alteration is unresponsive to high FIO2 and only reverses with end-expiratory positive pressure (PEEP). Pulmonary infiltrates on CXR and CT are the hallmark, together with decreased lung compliance. ARDS always occurs within a week of exposition to a precipitating factor; most frequently pneumonia, shock, aspiration of gastric contents, sepsis, and trauma. In CT scan, the disease is frequently inhomogeneous, with gravitational infiltrates coexisting with normal-density areas and also with hyperaerated parenchyma. Mortality is high (30-60%) especially in ARDS associated with septic shock and neurocritical diseases. The cornerstone of therapy lies in the treatment of the underlying cause and in the use mechanical ventilation which, if inappropriately administered, can lead to ventilator-induced lung injury. Tidal volume = 6 ml/kg of ideal body weight to maintain an end-inspiratory (plateau) pressure = 30 cm H2O ("protective ventilation") is the only variable consistently associated with decreased mortality. Moderate-to-high PEEP levels are frequently required to treat hypoxemia, yet no specific level or titration strategy has improved outcomes. Recently, the use of early prone positioning in patients with PaO2/FIO2 = 150 was associated with increased survival. In severely hypoxemic patients, it may be necessary to use adjuvants of mechanical ventilation as recruitment maneuvers, pressure-controlled modes, neuromuscular blocking agents, and extracorporeal-membrane oxygenation. Fluid restriction appears beneficial.
Subject(s)
Respiratory Distress Syndrome/therapy , Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use , Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation , Humans , Neuromuscular Blocking Agents/therapeutic use , Patient Positioning/methods , Positive-Pressure Respiration/methods , Prognosis , Prone Position , Respiration, Artificial/methods , Respiratory Distress Syndrome/diagnostic imaging , Respiratory Distress Syndrome/etiology , Respiratory Distress Syndrome/mortality , Risk Factors , Tomography, X-Ray ComputedABSTRACT
El síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo (SDRA) es una insuficiencia respiratoria aguda secundaria a edema pulmonar inflamatorio, con aumento de permeabilidad capilar, inundación alveolar e hipoxemia profunda subsiguiente. El trastorno subyacente es la presencia de shunt intrapulmonar, característicamente refractario a las FIO2 elevadas. El SDRA se manifiesta dentro de la semana de la exposición a un factor de riesgo, habitualmente neumonía, shock, sepsis, aspiración de contenido gástrico, trauma, y otros. En la tomografía axial computarizada (TAC) la enfermedad frecuentemente aparece como no homogénea, con infiltrados gravitacionales coexistiendo con áreas normalmente aireadas y otras hiperinsufladas. La mortalidad es elevada (30-60%), especialmente en el SDRA secundario a shock séptico e injuria cerebral aguda. El tratamiento es el del factor de riesgo, junto con la ventilación mecánica que, inapropiadamente utilizada, puede también inducir injuria. El uso de un volumen corriente ≤ 6 ml/kg de peso corporal ideal como para mantener una presión de fin de inspiración (plateau) ≤ 30 cm H2O ("ventilación protectora") se asocia a una disminución de la mortalidad. Niveles de presión positiva de fin de espiración (PEEP) moderados-altos son frecuentemente necesarios para tratar la hipoxemia, pero no existe un único valor predeterminado o un método específico de titular PEEP para disminuir la mortalidad. Recientemente, la utilización precoz del decúbito prono en pacientes con PaO2/FIO2 ≤150 se asoció a un aumento de supervivencia. En la hipoxemia grave, pueden utilizarse adyuvantes de la ventilación mecánica como maniobras de reclutamiento, bloqueantes neuromusculares y oxigenación por membrana extracorpórea. La restricción en los fluidos resulta beneficiosa.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is an acute respiratory failure produced by an inflammatory edema secondary to increased lung capillary permeability. This causes alveolar flooding and subsequently deep hypoxemia, with intrapulmonary shunt as its most important underlying mechanism. Characteristically, this alteration is unresponsive to high FIO2 and only reverses with end-expiratory positive pressure (PEEP). Pulmonary infiltrates on CXR and CT are the hallmark, together with decreased lung compliance. ARDS always occurs within a week of exposition to a precipitating factor; most frequently pneumonia, shock, aspiration of gastric contents, sepsis, and trauma. In CT scan, the disease is frequently inhomogeneous, with gravitational infiltrates coexisting with normal-density areas and also with hyperaerated parenchyma. Mortality is high (30-60%) especially in ARDS associated with septic shock and neurocritical diseases. The cornerstone of therapy lies in the treatment of the underlying cause and in the use mechanical ventilation which, if inappropriately administered, can lead to ventilator-induced lung injury. Tidal volume ≤ 6 ml/kg of ideal body weight to maintain an end-inspiratory (plateau) pressure ≤ 30 cm H2O ("protective ventilation") is the only variable consistently associated with decreased mortality. Moderate-to-high PEEP levels are frequently required to treat hypoxemia, yet no specific level or titration strategy has improved outcomes. Recently, the use of early prone positioning in patients with PaO2/FIO2 ≤ 150 was associated with increased survival. In severely hypoxemic patients, it may be necessary to use adjuvants of mechanical ventilation as recruitment maneuvers, pressure-controlled modes, neuromuscular blocking agents, and extracorporeal-membrane oxygenation. Fluid restriction appears beneficial.
Subject(s)
Humans , Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn/therapy , Prognosis , Respiration, Artificial/methods , Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn/etiology , Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn/mortality , Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn/diagnostic imaging , Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Risk Factors , Positive-Pressure Respiration/methods , Prone Position , Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use , Patient Positioning/methods , Neuromuscular Blocking Agents/therapeutic useABSTRACT
En esta revisión se recogen los conceptos fundamentales del uso de la ventilación mecánica (VM) invasiva, principalmente en la insufciencia respiratoria aguda. La VM es una práctica común en la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) y debe ser entendida como una terapia de sostén destinada a sustituir el trabajo respiratorio mientras se restablece el balance entre la demanda ventilatoria y la capacidad del paciente para sostenerla. Se debe reconocer que el objetivo de la VM no es la normalización de los gases sanguíneos, sino obtener un intercambio gaseoso razonable, sin sobrepasar los umbrales de seguridad, lo que permite limitar el daño inducido por su uso.
In this review, we collect the fundamental concepts of the use of invasive mechanical ventilation (MV) in children, particularly in acute respiratory failure. MV is a common practice in the ICU and must be understood as a therapeutic intervention to replace the work of breathing while restores the balance between ventilatory demand and the patient's ability to sustain it. It is essential for the clinician to recognize that the goal of mechanical ventilatory support is not to normalize the patient's blood gases but providing a reasonable gas exchange; the benefts are obtained if the safety thresholds are not exceeded. Thus, this strategy has become the only tool available to limit the development of ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI).
Subject(s)
Child , Humans , Pediatrics , Respiration, Artificial/standards , Respiratory Insufficiency/therapyABSTRACT
En esta revisión se recogen los conceptos fundamentales del uso de la ventilación mecánica (VM) invasiva, principalmente en la insufciencia respiratoria aguda. La VM es una práctica común en la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) y debe ser entendida como una terapia de sostén destinada a sustituir el trabajo respiratorio mientras se restablece el balance entre la demanda ventilatoria y la capacidad del paciente para sostenerla. Se debe reconocer que el objetivo de la VM no es la normalización de los gases sanguíneos, sino obtener un intercambio gaseoso razonable, sin sobrepasar los umbrales de seguridad, lo que permite limitar el daño inducido por su uso.(AU)
In this review, we collect the fundamental concepts of the use of invasive mechanical ventilation (MV) in children, particularly in acute respiratory failure. MV is a common practice in the ICU and must be understood as a therapeutic intervention to replace the work of breathing while restores the balance between ventilatory demand and the patients ability to sustain it. It is essential for the clinician to recognize that the goal of mechanical ventilatory support is not to normalize the patients blood gases but providing a reasonable gas exchange; the benefts are obtained if the safety thresholds are not exceeded. Thus, this strategy has become the only tool available to limit the development of ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI).(AU)
Subject(s)
Child , Humans , Pediatrics , Respiration, Artificial/standards , Respiratory Insufficiency/therapyABSTRACT
JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A patogênese da síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo (SDRA) tem sido explicada pela presença de uma agressão direta (SDRA pulmonar) e/ou indireta (SDRA extrapulmonar) ao parênquima pulmonar. Evidências indicam que a fisiopatologia da doença pode diferir com o tipo de lesão. O objetivo deste estudo foi apresentar breve revisão das diferenças entre a SDRA pulmonar e a SDRA extrapulmonar e discutir as interações entre os aspectos morfofuncionais e a resposta aos diferentes tratamentos. CONTEÚDO: Esta revisão bibliográfica baseou-se em uma pesquisa sistemática de artigos experimentais e clínicos sobre SDRA incluídos nas bases de dados MedLine e SciElo nos últimos 20 anos. Muitos pesquisadores concordam, com base em estudos experimentais, que a SDRA pulmonar e a SDRA extrapulmonar não são idênticas no que diz respeito aos aspectos morfofuncionais, a resposta à pressão positiva ao final da expiração (PEEP), manobra de recrutamento alveolar, posição prona e outras terapias farmacológicas. Entretanto, os estudos clínicos têm descrito resultados contraditórios, os quais podem ser atribuídos à dificuldade de se classificar a SDRA em uma ou outra etiologia, e de se precisar o início, a fase e a gravidade da SDRA nos pacientes. CONCLUSÕES: Pacientes com SDRA de etiologias distintas perduram sendo considerados como pertencendo a uma mesma síndrome e, assim, são tratados da mesma forma. Logo, é fundamental entender as diferenças fisiopatológicas entre a SDRA pulmonar e extrapulmonar para que a terapia seja mais bem direcionada.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The pathogenesis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has been described by the presence of direct (pulmonary) and/or indirect (extrapulmonary) insult to the lung parenchyma. Evidence indicates that the pathophysiology of ARDS may differ according to the type of primary insult. This article presents a brief overview of differences between pulmonary and extrapulmonary ARDS, and discusses the interactions between morpho-functional aspects and response to differents therapies, both in experimental and clinical studies. CONTENTS: This systematic review included clinical and experimental ARDS studies found in MedLine and SciElo databases in the last 20 years. Many researchers acknowledge that experimental pulmonary and extrapulmonary ARDS are not identical with regard to morpho-functional aspects, the response to positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), recruitment manoeuvre, prone position and other adjunctive therapies. However, contradictory results have been reported in different clinical studies, which could be attributed to the difficulty of classifying ARDS in one or the other category, and to the assurance regarding the onset, phase and severity of ARDS in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Heterogeneous ARDS patients are still considered as belonging to one syndrome, and are therefore treated in a similar manner. Thus, it is important to understand the pathophysiology of pulmonary and extrapulmonary ARDS in an attempt to better treat these patients.
Subject(s)
Respiratory Distress Syndrome/epidemiology , Respiratory Distress Syndrome/physiopathologyABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Studies comparing high frequency oscillatory and conventional ventilation in acute respiratory distress syndrome have used low values of positive end-expiratory pressure and identified a need for better recruitment and pulmonary stability with high frequency. OBJECTIVE: To compare conventional and high frequency ventilation using the lower inflection point of the pressure-volume curve as the determinant of positive end-expiratory pressure to obtain similar levels of recruitment and alveolar stability. METHODS: After lung lavage of adult rabbits and lower inflection point determination, two groups were randomized: conventional (positive end-expiratory pressure = lower inflection point; tidal volume=6 ml/kg) and high frequency ventilation (mean airway pressures= lower inflection point +4 cmH2O). Blood gas and hemodynamic data were recorded over 4 h. After sacrifice, protein analysis from lung lavage and histologic evaluation were performed. RESULTS: The oxygenation parameters, protein and histological data were similar, except for the fact that significantly more normal alveoli were observed upon protective ventilation. High frequency ventilation led to lower PaCO2 levels. DISCUSSION: Determination of the lower inflection point of the pressure-volume curve is important for setting the minimum end expiratory pressure needed to keep the airways opened. This is useful when comparing different strategies to treat severe respiratory insufficiency, optimizing conventional ventilation, improving oxygenation and reducing lung injury. CONCLUSIONS: Utilization of the lower inflection point of the pressure-volume curve in the ventilation strategies considered in this study resulted in comparable efficacy with regards to oxygenation and hemodynamics, a high PaCO2 level and a lower pH. In addition, a greater number of normal alveoli were found after protective conventional ventilation in an animal model of acute respiratory distress syndrome.