Effect of controlled mechanical ventilation without positive end-expiratory pressure on right ventricular function...

To evaluate the changes in right ventricular function during controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) without positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and during spontaneous breathing, we compared right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF), right ventricular end-diastolic volume index (RVEDVI), and right ventricular end-systolic volume index (RVEDVI) using a thermodilution technique after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of changes in RVEDVI from CMV to spontaneous breathing: group U (n = 6) consisted of patients whose RVEDVI increased during spontaneous breathing compared with mechanical ventilation, group D (n = 3) consisted of patients whose RVEDVI decreased during spontaneous breathing compared with mechanical ventilation. PVRI values during CMV in group D were significantly larger than those in group U. Patients in group U showed no increase in RVEDVI, or decrease in RVEF during CMV without PEEP. However, the remaining 3 patients in group D showed an increase in RVEDVI and a decrease in RVEF during CMV. Mean PAP, RAP, RV systolic pressure, RV end-diastolic pressure, PWP, HR, and mean arterial pressure in both groups were comparable, and showed no significant difference at each of the measured points by 24 hrs postoperatively. Then, RVEF, RVEDVI and RVESVI measured by thermodilution technique is useful in evaluating ventricular function at bedside in ICU.