Protective and ultra-protective ventilation: using pumpless interventional lung assist (iLA)

Acute lung failure is associated with high mortality and usually requires mechanical ventilation to ensure adequate gas exchange. However, mechanical ventilation itself can be associated with major complications and can aggravate pre-existing lung disease, thus contributing to morbidity and mortality. Extracorporeal gas exchange is increasingly used when conventional mechanical ventilation has failed. In contrast to veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), pumpless extracorporeal interventional lung assist (iLA) is applied via an arterio-venous bypass into which a gas exchange membrane is integrated. iLA allows for efficient carbon dioxide removal, which allows for a significant reduction in ventilator settings. iLA may be a useful tool in protective or even 'ultraprotective' ventilation, enabling the application of very low tidal volumes in patients with acute respiratory failure of different etiologies. This article reviews the current status and the potential role of interventional (pumpless) lung-assist iLA within the context of lung-protective ventilation strategies.     

High-frequency oscillatory ventilation in adults with traumatic brain injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome

BACKGROUND: This study observed adverse events of rescue treatment with high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) in head-injured patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). METHODS: Data of five male patients with ARDS and traumatic brain injury, median age 28 years, who failed to respond to conventional pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) were analyzed retrospectively during HFOV. Adjusted mean airway pressure at initiation of HFOV was set to 5 cm H2O above the last measured mean airway pressure during PCV. Frequency of pulmonary air leak, mucus obstruction, tracheal injury, and need of HFOV termination due to increased intracranial pressure, decreased cerebral perfusion pressure, or deterioration in P(a)CO2 were analyzed. RESULTS: During HFOV we found no complications. We recorded 390 datasets of intracranial pressure, cerebral perfusion pressure and P(a)CO2 simultaneously. Intracranial pressure increased (>25 mmHg) in 11 of 390 datasets, cerebral perfusion pressure was reduced (<70 mmHg) in 66 of 390 datasets, and P(a)CO2 variations (<4.7 kPa; >6.0 kPa) were observed in eight of 390 datasets after initiation of HFOV. All these alterations were responsive to treatment. P(a)O2/F(I)O2-ratio improved in four patients during HFOV. Conclusion: High-frequency oscillatory ventilation appears to be a promising alternative rescue treatment in head-injured patients with ARDS if continuous monitoring of intracranial pressure, cerebral perfusion pressure and P(a)CO2 are provided, in particular during initiation of HFOV.     

序贯性通气治疗重症急性左心衰竭伴呼吸衰竭的疗效观察

目的探讨序贯通气治疗重症急性左心衰竭伴呼吸衰竭的临床疗效。方法研究组患者采用序贯性通气治疗方法,对照组患者采用单纯有创机械通气方法。结果出现肺部感染控制窗后3 h检测,研究组患者的氧分压（123.68±9.98）mmHg明显高于对照组（101.32±7.43）mmHg,二氧化碳分压（33.29±3.46）mmHg明显低于对照组（36.64±3.96）mmHg,氧合指数（256.69±51.28）明显高于对照组（232.17±44.69）（P〈0.05）;研究组患者机械通气时间（7.6±3.2）d明显短于对照组（9.7±4.3）d,死亡率6.98%明显低于对照组16.28%,数据经统计学比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论序贯性通气治疗重症急性左心衰竭伴呼吸衰竭具有较好的临床疗效,能够有效减少患者总通气时间和死亡率。     

Acute respiratory alkalosis associated with low minute ventilation in a patient with severe hypothyroidism

PURPOSE: Patients with severe hypothyroidism present unique challenges to anesthesiologists and demonstrate much increased perioperative risks. Overall, they display increased sensitivity to anesthetics, higher incidence of perioperative cardiovascular morbidity, increased risks for postoperative ventilatory failure and other physiological derangements. The previously described physiological basis for the increased incidence of postoperative ventilatory failure in hypothyroid patients includes decreased central and peripheral ventilatory responses to hypercarbia and hypoxia, muscle weakness, depressed central respiratory drive, and resultant alveolar hypoventilation. These ventilatory failures are associated most frequently with severe hypoxia and carbon dioxide (CO2) retention. The purpose of this clinical report is to discuss an interesting and unique anesthetic presentation of a patient with severe hypothyroidism. CLINICAL FEATURES: We describe an unique presentation of ventilatory failure in a 58 yr old man with severe hypothyroidism. He had exceedingly low perioperative respiratory rate (3-4 bpm) and minute ventilation volume, and at the same time developed primary acute respiratory alkalosis and associated hypocarbia (P(ET)CO2 approximately 320-22 mmHg). CONCLUSION: Our patient's ventilatory failure was based on unacceptably low minute ventilation and respiratory rate that was unable to sustain adequate oxygenation. His profoundly lowered basal metabolic rate and decreased CO2 production, resulting probably from severe hypothyroidism, may have resulted in development of acute respiratory alkalosis in spite of concurrently diminished minute ventilation.     

Translaryngeal open ventilation to treat acute respiratory failure in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A preliminary report

PURPOSE: To describe a minimally invasive alternative to conventional mechanical ventilation, using a small size uncuffed nasotracheal tube (translaryngeal open ventilation) paired with pressure control ventilation, in acute respiratory failure complicating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Clinical features: Two cooperative COPD patients, who failed noninvasive mechanical ventilation, were intubated nasotracheally. Mechanical ventilation was initiated in pressure control mode via an uncuffed 6 mm tube. RESULTS: Respiratory rate improved after 1 hour (from 44 to 28 breaths*min(-1) in case 1 and from 32 to 25 breaths*min(-1) in case 2); PaC0(2) decreased (from 120 to 62 mmHg in case 1 and from 69 to 51 mmHg in case 2); with pressure control mode levels of 45 cm H(2)O and 55 cm H(2)O respectively. PaO(2) increased from 40 mmHg (with FIO(2) 0.3) to 55 mmHg (with FIO(2) 0.3) in the first patient and from 55 mmHg (with FIO(2) 0.4) to 60 mmHg (with FIO(2) 0.4 ) in the second patient; pH improved from 7.18 to 7.31 in case 1 and from 7.22 to 7.39 in case 2. Patients were able to trigger the ventilator, speak, swallow and to clear secretions spontaneously. Both patients were ventilated for three days in this manner without any adverse effects. Both survived and were discharged home after 20 and 18 days in hospital respectively. CONCLUSION: This very preliminary report suggests that, in carefully selected patients who fail mask ventilation, mechanical support with translaryngeal open ventilation can improve gas exchange, breathing pattern and tachypnea, without hindering glottic function.     

Extracorporeal lung support in patients with spinal cord injury: Single center experience

Objective: Trauma-related spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to a loss of motor, sensory and vegetative functions and is disproportionately associated with respiratory complications. SCI has a significant impact on respiratory muscle function and can lead to respiratory dysfunction or severe lung failure.

Participants: Between 2008 and 2014, 7 patients with severe lung failure following SCI received veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) n?=?5 and interventional lung assist (iLA) n?=?2.

Results: The median duration of extracorporeal lung support was 8 (5.7–17.6) days. All 5 of the ECMO-supported patients were successfully weaned, and one of the two patients treated with iLA was weaned from the device. The median intensive care unit (ICU) stay was 35 (8.5–44.5) days. The mean hospital stay was 81 (8.5–120.7) days, and the average ventilation time was 817 (206–1,225) hours. Five (71.4%) of the 7 patients were discharged from the ICU and hospital.

Conclusions: In patients with SCI, serious complications include microatelectasis, infection, ventilation-perfusion mismatching and aspiration (special case: salt-water aspiration after jumping into shallow water). In patients with SCI with post-traumatic lung failure, ECMO is a feasible and life-saving procedure. After surviving spinal shock, a long rehabilitation period with intensive follow-up in specialized centers is required.     

Prospective analysis of cardiopulmonary responses to laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

This prospective study evaluates the extent and temporal course of the cardiorespiratory effects of CO2 during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in otherwise healthy patients. Sixteen patients (M:F = 3:13, average age = 40.2 +/- 14.1 years) were monitored with capnography, transesophageal cardiac output, continuous blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse oximetry. Arterial blood gases were obtained immediately before insufflation of the abdomen with CO2 and before desufflation. Average operative time was 137 +/- 13 minutes. Patients were paralyzed and mechanically ventilated. Minute ventilation was increased if EtCO2 exceeded 45 mmHg or rose by more than 12 mmHg from baseline. End tidal (EtCO2) and arterial CO2 (PaCO2) increased from 31.4 +/- 0.7 mmHg to 42.1 +/- 1.6 mmHg and 33.3 +/- 0.7 mmHg to 43.7 +/- 1.2 mmHg, respectively, during the course of the procedure. Arterial pH decreased from 7.43 +/- 0.01 to 7.34 +/- 0.01, while bicarbonate concentration remained unchanged. Thirteen of the 16 patients required increased minute ventilation due to hypercarbia detected by capnography. Blood pressure increased from 78 +/- 2 mmHg (mean) at the start to 98 +/- 2 mmHg. This increase was coincidental with the maximal PaCO2. Good agreement was observed between paired EtCO2 and PaCO2 measurements. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with carbon dioxide insufflation causes significant respiratory acidosis and associated cardiovascular changes in otherwise healthy patients. Careful monitoring and cautious application of this technique in patients with pre-existing cardiopulmonary disorders will be required to prevent acute decompensation.     

Use of transcutaneous oxygen sensors to titrate PEEP.

The relationship of transcutaneous oxygen tension (PtcO2) to arterial oxygen tension (PaO2), pulmonary shunt (Qsp/Qt), mixed venous oxygen tension (PVO2), and O2 delivery was determined in patients with respiratory failure in order to explore the possible usefulness of PtcO2 to titrate the level of positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP). Transcutaneous oxygen sensors were applied to the chest of surgical ICU adult patients who were in acute postoperative respiratory failure. The patients had mechanical ventilation with volume ventilators and an intermittent mandatory ventilation (IMV) rate, which allowed normal pH and arterial CO2 tension ventilation (PacO2). Swan-Ganz and arterial catheters were inserted. The blood volume was measured by iodinated I-125-serum albumin and brought into the normal range, before the study began, with appropriate volume therapy. Serial cardiorespiratory data were taken before and after PEEP was increased from zero to 20 cm H2O, in 5 cm increments. PtcO2 correlated well with PaO2 and PV-O2; it was inversely correlated with Qsp/Qt. PtcO2 correlated with O2 delivery in only seven severely ill patients mean alveolar-arterial oxygen tension difference [A-aDO2] was 380 mmHg and the pulmonary shunt was 37%). For the eight other patients, variations in the greatly elevated cardiac output associated with hypoxemia led to poor correlations between PtcO2 and O2 delivery. There was no significant depression of cardiac output in any of the studies. We conclude that the continuous noninvasive nature of PtcO2 monitoring greatly increased the safety and simplicity of PEEP optimization and respiratory management of adult patients with respiratory failure.     

Optimal positive end-expiratory pressure during pumpless extracorporeal lung membrane support

The aim of this study was to determine the optimal positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) required during extracorporeal lung membrane support (interventional lung assist [iLA]; Novalung GmbH, Hechingen, Germany). Twenty healthy pigs were initially (4 h) mechanically ventilated with a tidal volume (V(T)) of 10 mL/Kg, respiratory rate (RR) of 20 breaths/min, PEEP of 5 cm H(2)O, and fraction of inspired O(2) (FiO(2)) of 1.0. Thereafter, the iLAs were placed arteriovenously transfemorally and settings reduced to reach near static ventilation (V(T) < or = 2 mL/Kg, RR 4 breaths/min, PEEP of 5, FiO(2) 1.0). Then, animals were assigned to four study groups evaluating 5 cm H(2)O increasing levels of PEEP for 8 h. Gas exchanges with PEEP < or = 10 cm H(2)O were significantly worse than those with PEEP > 12 cm H(2)O, and this without hemodynamical imbalance. This study suggests that the iLA may provide adequate gas exchange during static ventilation only with PEEP levels > 10 cm H(2)O, and this without pulmonary or systemic hemodynamic imbalance.     

Pumpless extracorporeal lung assist - experience with the first 20 cases.

OBJECTIVE: Long-term extracorporeal lung assist is limited by a significant mechanical blood trauma resulting in bleeding and hemolysis. To reduce the drawbacks of extracorporeal lung assist a new technique has been developed, by which the driving force for the extracorporeal circuit derives from the patients arterio-venous pressure gradient (pumpless extracorporeal lung assist). The aim of this clinical study was to test the feasibilty and effectiveness of pumpless extracorporeal lung assist in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. METHODS: Twenty patients (41+/-16 years) with acute respiratory distress syndrome of various causes and failing respirator therapy were enrolled. The minimum hemodynamic requirements included a cardiac output (CO) >6 l/min and mean arterial pressure (MAP) >70 mmHg. Pumpless extracorporeal lung assist was established using a short circuit arterio-venous shunt including a special designed low-resistance membrane oxygenator which was placed between the patients legs. RESULTS: At the time of inclusion FiO(2) in all patients was 1.0 (paO(2) 45.9+/-7 mmHg, paCO(2) 58.9+/-17 mmHg). After 24 h of pumpless extracorporeal lung assist FiO(2) was reduced to 0.8+/-0.1. A significant improvement in oxygenation (paO(2) 84.1+/-21 mmHg, P<0.05) and CO(2) removal (paCO(2) 32.7+/-5 mmHg, P<0.05) was notable. The mean extracorporeal flow was 2.6+/-0.6 l/min, which represented approximately 25% of the patients mean CO (10.8+/-2 l/min). The median assist time was 12+/-8 (1-32) days. Fifteen out of twenty patients were weaned off pumpless extracorporeal lung assist. Five out of twenty patients died while on the system (four sepsis, one ventricular fibrillation). Three out of twenty patients died after successful weaning on day 8, 30, and 50, respectively. Twelve out of twenty patients were discharged in a healthy state (overall survival 60%). Technical problems included thrombosis of the venous cannula (n=5), thrombus formation within the membrane oxygenator (n=2), membrane oxygenator plasma leakage (n=2), and membrane oxygenator contamination with Candida albicans. No bleeding complication was observed. CONCLUSION: Pumpless extracorporeal lung assist is feasible and effective in a selected group of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome but preserved hemodynamic function. By eliminating the pump and reducing the tubing length blood trauma can be minimized. Being very simple the system entails fewer risks of technical complications and also facilitates nursing care.     

Interhospital transportation of patients with severe lung failure on pumpless extracorporeal lung assist

Background. To describe the use of pumpless extracorporeal interventionallung assist (iLA) for transportation of patients with severelife-threatening acute lung failure from tertiary hospitalsto a specialized centre. Methods. Retrospective analysis in eight patients with severelung failure requiring interhospital transport, in whom implementationof an iLA system at a tertiary hospital for air/ground transportationwas performed. Results. After implementation of iLA, a rapid increase in CO₂-elimination(     

双水平正压通气对急性肺损伤患者血气及血流动力学指标的影响

目的探讨应用脉搏指数连续心排血量（PiCCO）容量监测仪技术研究双水平正压通气模式对急性肺损伤（ALI）患者血气及血流动力学的影响,探讨这种新型呼吸模式应用于ALI患者的临床疗效,对循环系统的影响程度,以提高ALI的治愈率。方法42例ALI患者,男27例,女15例;年龄15～75岁。按患者的入院先后顺序将40例患者（2例未完成研究）分为两组,每组20例。双水平正压通气组：入院的第1～20例患者,给予双水平正压通气呼吸支持,采用支持/时间（S/T）模式,吸气末压初始设为8～10cmH2O,逐渐增加至14～20cmH2O,以患者舒适为宜;呼气末压初设为3～5cmH2O,逐渐增加至8～12cmH2O,吸入氧浓度（FiO2）保持不变。对照组：入院的第21～40例患者,采用辅助/控制（A/C）通气模式,并依次按5cmH2O,10cmH2O,15cmH2O,20cmH2O增加呼气末正压（PEEP）,每种压力持续30min,通气支持过程中FiO2保持不变。观察两组患者的心排血量（CO）、体循环血管阻力（SVR）等血流动力学和血气指标改变。结果两组死亡13例,其中双水平正压通气组死亡5例,对照组死亡8例。死于多器官功能衰竭7例,感染性休克3例,循环衰竭3例。双水平正压通气组气管内插管时间（2.9±0.8dvs.4.2±0.9d,t=7.737,P=0.006）和住院时间（17.2±4.5dvs.18.5±3.6d,t=2.558,P=0.039）明显短于对照组。对照组：当PEEP在5～15cmH2O范围内,患者动脉血氧分压（PaO2）、氧合指数（PaO2/FiO2）随着PEEP的增高而逐渐增加（P〈0.05）;当PEEP增加至20cmH2O时CO降低,SVR、肺循环阻力（PVR）和气道峰值压（PIP）较5～15cmH2O范围时增加（P〈0.05）。双水平正压通气组：PaO2、PaO2/FiO2随着EPAP的增高而逐渐增加,当EPAP增加至10cmH2O时PaO2、PaO2/FiO2达最大值（P〈0.05）;与对照组比较PIP明显降低（t=7.831,P=0.000）。结论对ALI/急性呼吸窘迫综合征（ARDS）患者给予双水平正压通气治疗可减少对呼吸和血     

Comparison of Coagulation Parameters,Anticoagulation, and Need for Transfusion in Patients on Interventional Lung Assist or Veno‐Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Clinical data on anticoagulation needs of modern extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and its impact on coagulation are scarce. Therefore, we analyzed coagulation‐related parameters, need for transfusion, and management of anticoagulation in adult patients with severe acute respiratory failure during treatment with either pumpless interventional lung assist (iLA) or veno‐venous ECMO (vv‐ECMO). Sixty‐three patients treated with iLA and 192 patients treated with vv‐ECMO at Regensburg University Hospital between January 2005 and May 2011 were analyzed. Data related to anticoagulation, transfusion, and coagulation parameters were collected prospectively by the Regensburg ECMO registry. Except for a higher, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score in the ECMO group (12 [9–15] vs. 11 [7–14], P = 0.007), a better oxygenation, and a lower dosage of vasopressors in the iLA patients, both groups had similar baseline characteristics. No difference was noted in terms of outcome and overall transfusion requirements. Factors of the plasmatic coagulation system were only marginally altered over time and did not differ between groups. Platelet counts in ECMO‐treated patients, but not in those treated with iLA, dropped significantly during extracorporeal support. A more intense systemic anticoagulation with a mean activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) > 53 s led to a higher need for transfusions compared with the group with a mean aPTT < 53 s, whereas the average durability of membrane oxygenators was not affected. Need for red blood cell (RBC) transfusion was highest in patients with extrapulmonary sepsis (257 mL/day), and was significantly lower in primary pulmonary adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (102 mL/day). Overall, 110 (0–274) mL RBC was transfused in the ECMO group versus 146 (41–227) mL in the iLA group per day on support. The impact of modern iLA and ECMO systems on coagulation allows comparatively safe long‐term treatment of adult patients with acute respiratory failure. A moderate systemic anticoagulation seems to be sufficient. Importantly, platelets are more affected by vv‐ECMO compared with pumpless iLA.     

Sigh improves gas exchange and lung volume in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome undergoing pressure support ventilation

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to assess the effect of periodic hyperinflations (sighs) during pressure support ventilation (PSV) on lung volume, gas exchange, and respiratory pattern in patients with early acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). METHODS: Thirteen patients undergoing PSV were enrolled. The study comprised 3 steps: baseline 1, sigh, and baseline 2, of 1 h each. During baseline 1 and baseline 2, patients underwent PSV. Sighs were administered once per minute by adding to baseline PSV a 3- to 5-s continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) period, set at a level 20% higher than the peak airway pressure of the PSV breaths or at least 35 cm H2O. Mean airway pressure was kept constant by reducing the positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) during the sigh period as required. At the end of each study period, arterial blood gas tensions, air flow and pressures traces, end-expiratory lung volume (EELV), compliance of respiratory system (Crs), and ventilatory parameters were recorded. RESULTS: Pao2 improved (P < 0.001) from baseline 1 (91.4 +/- 27.4 mmHg) to sigh (133 +/- 42.5 mmHg), without changes of Paco2. EELV increased (P < 0.01) from baseline 1 (1,242 +/- 507 ml) to sigh (1,377 +/- 484 ml). Crs improved (P < 0.01) from baseline 1 (40.2 +/- 12.5 ml/cm H2O) to sigh (45.1 +/- 15.3 ml/cm H2O). Tidal volume of pressure-supported breaths and the airway occlusion pressure (P0.1) decreased (P < 0.01) during the sigh period. There were no significant differences between baselines 1 and 2 for all parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of 1 sigh per minute during PSV in patients with early ARDS improved gas exchange and lung volume and decreased the respiratory drive.     

Early application of the lung protective ventilation strategy at different stages in two ARDS patients

We experienced 2 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) from pneumonia after intervention for subarachnoidal hemorrhage. We applied lung protective ventilation strategy (LPVS) on both cases: a tidal volume less than 6 ml x kg(-1) ideal body weight and PEEP at 10-15 cmH2O. Although etiology and degree of hypoxia were very similar in two patients when ARDS was diagnosed, clinical course was quite different. The patient in whom LPVS had been started on the 5th day of ARDS required mechanical ventilation of 23 days. In contrast, another patient in whom LPVS had been started on the 16th day of ARDS required mechanical ventilation of 219 days. PaCO2 during LPVS with permissive hypercapnia in the latter patient increased up to 161 mmHg but no adverse effect was observed. These cases suggest that early application of the LPVS may be important to improve respiratory outcomes of ARDS patients.     

Extracorporeal lung support for patients who had severe respiratory failure secondary to influenza A (H1N1) 2009 infection in Canada

Background

From March to July 2009, influenza A (H1N1) 2009 (H1N1-2009) virus emerged as a major cause of respiratory failure that required mechanical ventilation. A small proportion of patients who had this condition developed severe respiratory failure that was unresponsive to conventional therapeutic interventions. In this report, we describe characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of critically ill patients in Canada who had H1N1-2009 infection and were treated with extracorporeal lung support (ECLS).

Methods

We report the findings of a case series of six patients supported with ECLS who were included in a cohort study of critically ill patients with confirmed H1N1-2009 infection. The patients were treated in Canadian adult and pediatric intensive care units (ICUs) from April 16, 2009 to August 12, 2009. We describe the nested sample treated with ECLS and compare it with the larger sample.

Results

During the study period, 168 patients in Canada were admitted to ICUs for severe respiratory failure due to confirmed H1N1-2009 infection. Due to profound hypoxemia unresponsive to conventional therapeutic interventions, six (3.6%) of these patients were treated with ECLS in four ICUs. Four patients were treated with veno-venous pump-driven extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vv-ECMO), and two patients were treated with pumpless lung assist (NovaLung iLA). The mean duration of support was 15 days. Four of the six patients survived (66.6%), one of the surviving patients was supported with iLA and the other three surviving patients were supported with ECMO. The two deaths were due to multiorgan failure, which occurred while the patients were on ECLS.

Interpretation

Extracorporeal lung support may be an effective treatment for patients who have H1N1-2009 infection and refractory hypoxemia. Survival of these patients treated with ECLS is similar to that reported for patients who have acute respiratory distress syndrome of other etiologies and are treated with ECMO.     

Relation of the Static Compliance Curve and Positive End-expiratory Pressure to Oxygenation during One-lung Ventilation

Background : Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is commonly applied to the ventilated lung to try to improve oxygenation during one-lung ventilation but is an unreliable therapy and occasionally causes arterial oxygen partial pressure (Pao2) to decrease further. The current study examined whether the effects of PEEP on oxygenation depend on the static compliance curve of the lung to which it is applied.

Methods : Forty-two adults undergoing thoracic surgery were studied during stable, open-chest, one-lung ventilation. Arterial blood gasses were measured during two-lung ventilation and one-lung ventilation before, during, and after the application of 5 cm H2O PEEP to the ventilated lung. The plateau end-expiratory pressure and static compliance curve of the ventilated lung were measured with and without applied PEEP, and the lower inflection point was determined from the compliance curve.

Results : Mean (+/- SD) Pao2 values, with a fraction of inspired oxygen of 1.0, were not different during one-lung ventilation before (192 +/- 91 mmHg), during (190 +/- 90), or after ( 205 +/- 79) the addition of 5 cm H2O PEEP. The mean plateau end-expiratory pressure increased from 4.2 to 6.8 cm H2O with the application of 5 cm H2O PEEP and decreased to 4.5 cm H2O when 5 cm H2O PEEP was removed. Six patients showed a clinically useful (> 20%) increase in Pao2 with 5 cm H2O PEEP, and nine patients had a greater than 20% decrease in Pao2. The change in Pao2 with the application of 5 cm H2O PEEP correlated in an inverse fashion with the change in the gradient between the end-expiratory pressure and the pressure at the lower inflection point (r = 0.76). The subgroup of patients with a Pao2 during two-lung ventilation that was less than the mean (365 mmHg) and an end-expiratory pressure during one-lung ventilation without applied PEEP less than the mean were more likely to have an increase in Pao2 when 5 cm H2O PEEP was applied.     

Relation of the static compliance curve and positive end-expiratory pressure to oxygenation during one-lung ventilation.

BACKGROUND: Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is commonly applied to the ventilated lung to try to improve oxygenation during one-lung ventilation but is an unreliable therapy and occasionally causes arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO(2)) to decrease further. The current study examined whether the effects of PEEP on oxygenation depend on the static compliance curve of the lung to which it is applied. METHODS: Forty-two adults undergoing thoracic surgery were studied during stable, open-chest, one-lung ventilation. Arterial blood gases were measured during two-lung ventilation and one-lung ventilation before, during, and after the application of 5 cm H(2)O PEEP to the ventilated lung. The plateau end-expiratory pressure and static compliance curve of the ventilated lung were measured with and without applied PEEP, and the lower inflection point was determined from the compliance curve. RESULTS: Mean (+/- SD) PaO(2) values, with a fraction of inspired oxygen of 1.0, were not different during one-lung ventilation before (192 +/- 91 mmHg), during (190 +/- 90), or after ( 205 +/- 79) the addition of 5 cm H(2)O PEEP. The mean plateau end-expiratory pressure increased from 4.2 to 6.8 cm H(2)O with the application of 5 cm H(2)O PEEP and decreased to 4.5 cm H(2)O when 5 cm H(2)O PEEP was removed. Six patients showed a clinically useful (> 20%) increase in PaO(2) with 5 cm H(2)O PEEP, and nine patients had a greater than 20% decrease in PaO(2). The change in PaO(2) with the application of 5 cm H(2)O PEEP correlated in an inverse fashion with the change in the gradient between the end-expiratory pressure and the pressure at the lower inflection point (r = 0.76). The subgroup of patients with a PaO(2) during two-lung ventilation that was less than the mean (365 mmHg) and an end-expiratory pressure during one-lung ventilation without applied PEEP less than the mean were more likely to have an increase in PaO(2) when 5 cm H(2)O PEEP was applied. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of the application of external 5 cm H(2)O PEEP on oxygenation during one-lung ventilation correspond to individual changes in the relation between the plateau end-expiratory pressure and the inflection point of the static compliance curve. When the application of PEEP causes the end-expiratory pressure to increase from a low level toward the inflection point, oxygenation is likely to improve. Conversely, if the addition of PEEP causes an increased inflation of the ventilated lung that raises the equilibrium end-expiratory pressure beyond the inflection point, oxygenation is likely to deteriorate.     

Extrakorporale Membranoxygenierung

Altough the concept of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy has been established and used for over 30 years, in recent years the number of implanted ECMO systems has increased and it has developed into an integral component of the clinical routine. All forms of ECMO therapy can be summarized under the term extracorporeal life support (ECLS). The latest developments are surface-coated and miniaturized ECMO systems which allow the long-term support of critically ill patients. Severe lung failure with a normal cardiac index is treated by venovenous ECMO (vv-ECMO). The interventional lung assist/pumpless extracorporeal lung assist (iLA/PECLA) systems are mostly indicated for hypercapnic respiratory acidosis as is frequent with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The support of ARDS patients with ECMO seems to improve outcome by allowing further protective lung ventilation. Cardiopulmonary failure is treated by venoarterial ECMO (va-ECMO) and is often used in an interdisciplinary setting in emergency rooms where survival of these patients is increased by up to 40%. Although clear indications are defined only a few risk analyses have been carried to show which patients benefit most from va-ECMO. The decision whether to implant a va-ECMO or not is still based on center and physician experience. To guarantee safe and high quality treatment for patients interdisciplinary ECMO therapy has to be regulated in the near future. New concepts for ECMO therapy, e.g. the total artificial lung concept or the long-term treatment of patients with pulmonary hypertension with ECMO need further clinical observation and testing.     

Traumatic lung injury treated by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)

BACKGROUND: Conventional mechanical ventilation is the mainstay of treatment for severe respiratory failure associated with trauma. However, when extensive lung injury is present, this technique may not be sufficient to prevent hypoxia, and furthermore, may exacerbate pulmonary damage by barotrauma. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used successfully in critically ill adult trauma patients and can offer an additional treatment modality. This study reports the use of ECMO in a cohort of adults referred with severe respiratory failure following trauma. METHODS: Retrospective analysis over an 8-year period of all 28 adult patients referred to a single tertiary unit for ECMO support. Survival relative to Injury severity score (ISS), lung injury score (Murray grade), duration of treatment and patient age was evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty of 28 patients who received ECMO with severe trauma related respiratory failure (mean PaO2/FiO2 of 62 mmHg) survived. Most patients had long bone fractures, blunt chest trauma, or combined injuries. Lung injury and injury severity scores, patient age, ECMO duration and oxygenation indices pre-ECMO (PaO2/FiO2) were similar in both the survivor and non-survivor groups. CONCLUSION: A high proportion of trauma patients treated with ECMO for severe lung injury survived. This outcome appears to compare favourably to conventional ventilation techniques and may have a role in patients who develop acute severe respiratory distress associated with trauma.