Revista española de anestesiología y reanimación
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Rev Esp Anestesiol Reanim · Dec 1997
Clinical Trial[Synchronized independent pulmonary ventilation in the treatment of adult respiratory distress syndrome].
Synchronized independent lung ventilation (SILV) is an effective mode of mechanical ventilation for treating both unilateral and bilateral pulmonary lesions. Oxygenation improves with an increase in the ventilation/perfusion ratio and also diminishes the risk of barotrauma. We describe our broad experience with this technique. Our main objective was to confirm whether SILV is able to improve the alveolar-arterial oxygen difference [P(A-a)O2] of patients with severe adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in whom conventional mechanical ventilation has not brought about improvement after being used for over 48 hours. ⋯ SILV is useful for providing ventilatory support when ARDS fails to improve with conventional mechanical ventilation. Clear improvement in respiratory function was observed, with significant decrease in PA-aO2 and no change in distensibility. SILV is a safe technique with few complications and can be managed by the intensive care unit nursing staff.