Low respiratory rate plus minimally invasive extracorporeal Co2 removal decreases systemic and pulmonary inflammatory mediators in experimental Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

Objective: The Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Network protocol recommends limiting tidal volume and plateau pressure; it also recommends increasing respiratory rate to prevent hypercapnia. We tested a strategy that combines the low tidal volume with lower respiratory rates and minimally invasive CO2 removal.

Subjects: Ten lung-damaged pigs (instilled hydrochloride).