Acute lung injury: how to stabilize a broken lung.

Publication/Presentation Date

5-24-2018

Abstract

The pathophysiology of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) results in heterogeneous lung collapse, edema-flooded airways and unstable alveoli. These pathologic alterations in alveolar mechanics (i.e. dynamic change in alveolar size and shape with each breath) predispose the lung to secondary ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). It is our viewpoint that the acutely injured lung can be recruited and stabilized with a mechanical breath until it heals, much like casting a broken bone until it mends. If the lung can be "casted" with a mechanical breath, VILI could be prevented and ARDS incidence significantly reduced.

Volume

22

Issue

1

First Page

136

Last Page

136

ISSN

1466-609X

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

29793554

Department(s)

Fellows and Residents

Document Type

Article

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