Influence of Gas Composition on Recurrence of Atelectasis after a Reexpansion Maneuver during General Anesthesia

Abstract

The composition of inspiratory gas plays an important role in the recurrence of collapse of previously reexpanded atelectatic lung tissue during general anesthesia in patients with healthy lungs. The reason for the instability of these lung units remains to be established. The change in the amount of atelectasis and shunt appears to be independent of the change in the compliance of the respiratory system.