Are selective lung recruitment maneuvers hemodynamically safe in severe hypovolemia? An experimental study in hypovolemic pigs with lobar collapse.

Background: We have previously shown, in normovolemic pigs, that a selective lung recruitment maneuver (S-LRM), i.e., insufflation of air-oxygen via a balloon catheter with its tip located in the bronchus of a collapsed lung lobe, effectively improves oxygenation and lung volume without affecting hemodynamics negatively. In this study, we examined the respiratory and circulatory effects of S-LRM during hypovolemia with compromised circulation.

Methods: In eight ventilated (fraction of inspired oxygen, Fio2 1.0) and anesthetized pigs a balloon catheter was inserted in the bronchus of the right lower lung lobe. The lobe was selectively lavaged to create a dense lobar collapse. The pigs were then subjected to S-LRM (40 cm H2O airway pressure for 30 s) at normovolemia, after venesection of 20% and 40% of the blood volume, respectively. Blood gases, compliance of the respiratory system (Crs), vascular pressures, and cardiac output were registered before, during, and after the S-LRM.

Results: Pao2, venous admixture, and Crs improved significantly with S-LRM at all three volume levels. No change in hemodynamics with S-LRM occurred in normovolemia and 20% hypovolemia. For 40% hypovolemia, cardiac output was unchanged by S-LRM, whereas minor decreases in mean arterial blood pressure were seen: 48 (37-52) mm Hg (median, 25th and 75th percentiles) 3 min before S-LRM, 40 (35-44) mm Hg at the end of S-LRM (P = 0.0207), and 47 (39-54) mm Hg 3 min after S-LRM.

Conclusion: A S-LRM effectively improved oxygenation and Crs and had only minor circulatory side effects, even in severe hypovolemia in this animal model of lobar collapse.