Compliance and Dead Space Fraction Indicate an Optimal Level of Positive End-Expiratory Pressure After Recruitment in Anesthetized Patients

Abstract

All variables showed the positive effects of PEEP in conjunction with a recruitment maneuver. Optimal PEEP was 10 cm H2O because at this pressure level the highest compliance value in conjunction with the lowest dead space fraction indicated a maximum amount of effectively expanded alveoli. FRC and Pao2 were insensitive to alveolar over-distension.