European journal of intensive care medicine
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Eur J Intensive Care Med · Sep 1976
ReviewReview: artifical ventilation with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). Historical background, terminology and patho-physiology.
CPPV (continuous positive pressure ventilation) is obviously superior to IPPV (intermittent positive pressure ventilation) for the treatment of patients with acute respiratory insufficiency (ARI) and results within a few minutes in a considerable increase in the oxygen transport. The principle is to add a positive end-expiratory plateau (PEEP) to IPPV, with a subsequent increase in FRC (functional residual capacity) resulting in re-opening in first and foremost the declive alveolae, which can then once again take part in the gas exchange and possibly re-commence the disrupted surfactant production. In this manner the ventilation/perfusion ratio in the diseases lungs is normalized and the intrapulmonary shunting of venous blood (Qs/Qt) will decrease. ⋯ The critical use of CPPV treatment means that the lungs may be safeguarded against high oxygen percents. The mortality of newborn infants with RDS (respiratory distress syndrome) has fallen considerably after the general introduction of CPPV and CPAP (continuous positive airway pressures). The same appears to be the case with adults suffering from ARI (acute respiratory insufficiency).