The Impact of Spontaneous Ventilation on Distribution of Lung Aeration in Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Airway Pressure Release Ventilation Versus Pressure Support Ventilation

Abstract

Spontaneous ventilation during APRV improves lung aeration by decreasing atelectasis. PSV for gas exchange is effective but not sufficient to improve lung aeration. These results indicate that APRV is more efficient than PSV as a mode of primary ventilatory support to decrease atelectasis in patients with ARDS.