Figure 2

Optimization of CO₂ elimination in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Open circles, reduction of arterial partial pressure of CO₂ (PaCO₂) obtained by replacing the heat and moisture exchanger (HME) placed between the Y piece and the proximal tip of the endotracheal tube by a conventional heated humidifier (HH) on the initial part of the inspiratory limb in 11 patients with ARDS (reproduced from [27] with the permission of the publisher); filled circles, reduction of PaCO₂ obtained by combining the increase in respiratory rate (without generating intrinsic end-expiratory pressure) and the replacement of the HME by a conventional HH in six patients with ARDS [16]. ConMV, conventional mechanical ventilation (low respiratory rate with HME); OptiMV, optimized mechanical ventilation (optimized respiratory rate with HH). Published with kind permission of Springer Science and Business Media [27].