Effects of continuous positive airway pressure/positive end-expiratory pressure and pressure-support ventilation on work of breathing, using an animal model.

Objective: Evaluate the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)/positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and pressure support ventilation (PSV) on work of breathing (WOB).

Methods: With 13 anesthetized lambs we measured WOB with an esophageal balloon and flow signals. All the animals were sedated, intubated, and ventilated, using 2 pediatric ventilators (Servo 300 and VIP Bird).

Evaluation of work of breathing in spontaneously breathing animals during partial liquid ventilation.

Background: Partial liquid ventilation improves lung mechanics and gas exchange in paralyzed mechanically ventilated animals.

Objective: Examine the work of breathing (WOB) in a spontaneously breathing animal model during partial liquid ventilation with and without the use of pressure-support ventilation (PSV).

Methods: This was a prospective study including 6 lambs (mean weight 10.