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Atelectasis and overdistension are detected by heartbeat-induced disturbances in the pressure-volume loop
Critical Care volume 14, Article number: P177 (2010)
Introduction
Heartbeats transfer mechanical energy to the lungs causing flow and pressure disturbances that appear as cardiogenic oscillations (COS) at the airway opening. Here we adopt a new approach for analyzing respiratory system mechanics. We consider the beating heart as a natural intrathoracic mechanical oscillator transferring mechanical energy to the lungs that travels across the lung parenchyma. COS therefore convey information on the mechanical conditions of the lung parenchyma that they cross.
Methods
In 25 piglets with either healthy or atelectatic lungs, the pressure-volume relationship and the ECG signal were recorded during mechanical ventilation at different levels of end-expiratory pressure (PEEP: 0, 5, 10 and 15 cmH2O). The heartbeat-related disturbance of the PV loop was quantified as the maximal compliance following an R-wave in the ECG signal, as determined by the gliding-SLICE method. Atelectasis was assessed by CT.
Results
The intratidal pattern of heartbeat-induced CCOS changed with PEEP and atelectasis in a characteristic way. With PEEP and tidal volume levels assumed to be lung protective CCOS was high with little intratidal changes, compared with atelectasis and overdistension that were signaled by low CCOS that either increased (atelectasis) or decreased (overdistension) intratidally. The systolic pressure variations did not parallel the CCOS pattern, hinting at a negligible impact of hemodynamics on the inspiratory CCOS pattern.
Conclusions
Heartbeats induce fluctuations in the PV loop and, as a consequence, peaks in compliance, which show characteristic patterns depending on the presence of atelectasis or overdistension. The gliding-SLICE method has the potential to detect those intratidal nonlinearities without requiring additional technical equipment making use of the ECG signal and the pressure and flow signals already required for controlling the ventilator.
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Schumann, S., Vimlati, L., Moeller, K. et al. Atelectasis and overdistension are detected by heartbeat-induced disturbances in the pressure-volume loop. Crit Care 14 (Suppl 1), P177 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1186/cc8409
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/cc8409