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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
12:09
Ex Vivo Porcine Experimental Model for Studying and Teaching Lung Mechanics
Published on: April 19, 2024
Pressure-controlled versus volume-controlled ventilation during one-lung ventilation for thoracic surgery
M Carmen Unzueta1, J Ignacio Casas, M Victoria Moral
1Department of Anesthesiology, Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain. mcunzueta@telefonica.ne
Anesthesia and Analgesia
|April 26, 2007
Summary
Pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) did not improve oxygenation during one-lung ventilation (OLV) compared to volume-controlled ventilation (VCV). However, PCV did reduce peak airway pressures in patients undergoing thoracic surgery.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) is a potential method to enhance oxygenation during one-lung ventilation (OLV).
- Previous studies suggested PCV may offer benefits over volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) in specific patient populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of PCV versus VCV in improving arterial oxygenation during OLV.
- To evaluate the impact of PCV on peak airway pressures in patients undergoing thoracic surgery.
Main Methods:
- Prospective randomized study involving 58 patients with good preoperative pulmonary function undergoing thoracic surgery.
- Patients were assigned to initial VCV followed by PCV, or vice versa, during OLV.
- Arterial blood gases and airway pressures were measured at the end of each ventilation mode.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in arterial oxygenation (Pao2) was observed between VCV and PCV during OLV (P = 0.534).
- Peak airway pressure was significantly lower with PCV (24.43 +/- 3.42 cm H2O) compared to VCV (34.16 +/- 5.21 cm H2O; P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- PCV does not improve oxygenation during OLV in patients with good preoperative pulmonary function.
- PCV effectively reduces peak airway pressures during OLV in this patient group.
- Further research is warranted for patients with severe obstructive or restrictive pulmonary disease.
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