Prone position improves mechanics and alveolar ventilation in acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Objective: We tested the hypothesis that ventilation in the prone position might improve homogenization of tidal ventilation by reducing time-constant inequalities, and thus improving alveolar ventilation. We have recently reported in ARDS patients that these inequalities are responsible for the presence of a "slow compartment," excluded from tidal ventilation at supportive respiratory rate.

Design: In 11 ARDS patients treated by ventilation in the prone position because of a major oxygenation impairment (PaO(2)/FIO(2) View Article and Find Full Text PDF