Left ventricular performance and dimensions in patients with severe emphysema.

Background: Concomitant heart dysfunction during the course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is well recognized. The prevailing view is that mainly the right side of the heart is involved. We evaluated left ventricular (LV) function and dimensions in patients with severe emphysema.

Effects of lung volume reduction surgery on left ventricular diastolic filling and dimensions in patients with severe emphysema.

Study Objectives: Data on the influence of lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) on cardiac function and hemodynamics are scarce and controversial. Previous studies have focused mainly on right ventricular function and pulmonary hemodynamics. Here, we evaluated the effects of LVRS on left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic filling pattern, dimensions, stiffness, and performance, as well as pulmonary and systemic hemodynamics.

Uptake of inhaled nitric oxide in acute lung injury.

Background: Despite the widespread use of inhaled nitric oxide (NO), little is known of its pulmonary uptake in patients with acute respiratory failure.

Methods: Fourteen patients with acute lung injury (ALI) and ongoing NO therapy were studied. Three doses of NO (5, 10 and 40 ppm) were given for 20 min and at each dose level the following parameters were recorded: minute ventilation, inspiratory NO conc.

Nitric oxide administration after the ventilator: evaluation of mixing conditions.

Background: Because of the potential toxicity of nitric oxide (NO) and its oxidising product nitrogen dioxide (NO2), any system for the delivery of inhaled NO must aim at stable and predictable levels of NO and as low concentrations as possible of NO2.

Methods: In a laboratory set-up, we have evaluated mixing conditions in a system where NO is added after the ventilator with continuous flow. Mixing was studied by using carbon dioxide (CO2) as a tracer gas since capnography has a short response time (360 ms) in comparison with measurements of NO with electrochemical fuel cells (response time of 18 s).

Response to nitric oxide inhalation in early acute lung injury.

Objective: To evaluate the dose response of inhaled nitric oxide (NO) on gas exchange and central haemodynamics in patients with early acute lung injury (ALI).

Design: Prospective, multicentre clinical study.

Setting: General ICUs in university and regional hospitals.