• Jonah Rubin and Lorenzo Berra.
• Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital.
• Curr Opin Crit Care. 2022 Jun 1; 28 (3): 292-301.

Purpose Of ReviewElectrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a novel, noninvasive, radiation-free, bedside imaging and monitoring tool to assess and visualize regional distribution of lung ventilation and perfusion. Although primarily a research tool, rapidly emerging data are beginning to define its clinical role, and it is poised to become a ubiquitous addition to the arsenal of the intensive care unit (ICU). In this review, we summarize the data supporting clinical use of EIT in adult ICUs, with an emphasis on appropriate application while highlighting future directions.Recent FindingsRecent major studies have primarily focused on the role of EIT in setting correct positive end-expiratory pressure to balance regional overdistention and collapse. Over the last few years, our Lung Rescue Team has demonstrated that incorporating EIT into a multimodal approach to individualizing ventilator management can improve outcomes, particularly in the obese. We also review recent data surrounding EIT use during COVID, as well as other broad potential applications.SummaryAs EIT becomes more common and its clinical role more defined, intensivists will benefit from a clear understanding of its applications and limitations.Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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