Experimental lung research
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Several strategies have been developed to treat atelectasis, including positive end-expiratory pressure and deep inspirations. However, in some patients these recruitment strategies fail to improve lung function. Therefore, the authors studied whether recruitment maneuvers could resolve atelectasis following either passive airway closure or active bronchconstriction. ⋯ Following methacholine, aerated lung areas were also significantly reduced; however, deep inspirations had no significant effect. Passive atelectasis was easily resolved by deep inspirations. In contrast, active airway constriction that leads to atelectasis could not be overcome with recruitment maneuvers.