When to promote spontaneous respiratory activity in acute respiratory distress patients?

摘要

IN this issue of Anesthesiology, Dr. Xia et al investigated the potential beneficial effects of a ventilator mode allowing spontaneous ventilation in an animal model. Preventing ventilator-induced lung injuries and achieving adequate gas exchange are the main objectives during the early phase of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This may be done by maintaining a reduced tidal volume, by using prone ventilation and by eliminating spontaneous inspiratory efforts (during the early phase) in patients with severe ARDS.