On-line expiratory flow-volume curves during thoracic surgery: occurrence of auto-PEEP.

Bardoczky, G; d'Hollander, A; Yernault, J C; Van Meuylem, A; Moures, J M; Rocmans, P · Br J Anaesth · 1994

case_series · Level IV

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Abstract

Flow-volume loops were monitored continuously in 39 patients undergoing thoracic surgery requiring one-lung ventilation. In 26 of the 39 patients (67%), auto-positive end-expiratory pressure (auto-PEEP) was seen on the flow-volume curves during both two-lung and one-lung ventilation. Eighty-seven percent of the patients whose trachea was intubated with a smaller size (35- and 37-French gauge) double-lumen tracheal tube exhibited auto-PEEP, compared with patients in whom the tube used was larger (39- or 41-French gauge: 54% and 50%, respectively). Before operation, mean airway resistance was significantly greater in patients who exhibited auto-PEEP during anaesthesia (2.4 cm H2O litre-1 s) than in patients without auto-PEEP (1.7 cm H2O litre-1 s).

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