Hemodynamic and Pulmonary Changes after Drainage of Significant Pleural Effusions in Critically Ill, Mechanically Ventilated Surgical Patients

Abstract

Drainage of pleural effusions results in increased oxygen delivery and oxygen consumption coinciding with a decrease in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure. The pulmonary arteriovenous shunt decreased, implying an increase in functional residual capacity and improved oxygenation. Further study is needed to determine whether these changes lead to an improved patient outcome (i.e., reduction in length of stay, ventilator days, or mortality).