Figure 4
From: Alveolar instability caused by mechanical ventilation initially damages the nondependent normal lung
Alveolar stability at 60 minutes. The degree of alveolar stability (inspiration–expiration percentage change, %I - E) was monitored at 60 minutes in four groups: Group I, dependent + low positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) (n = 5); Group II, nondependent + low PEEP (n = 4); Group III, dependent + high PEEP (n = 5); and Group IV, nondependent + high PEEP (n = 5). Data are the mean ± standard error There is greatest instability in Group II, nondependent + minimal PEEP. Group III and Group IV have a PEEP of 10 cmH2O applied.