Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
07:15
Preoxygenation Techniques for Tracheal Intubation in Critically Ill Adults Utilizing Oxygen Mask and Noninvasive Ventilation
Published on: December 5, 2025
Pressure-controlled ventilation and intrabronchial pressure during one-lung ventilation
1Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Bordeaux, Groupe Sud, Pessac, Bordeaux, France. hadrien.roze@chu-bordeaux.fr
British Journal of Anaesthesia
|June 18, 2010
Summary
Pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) significantly lowers peak airway pressure (P(peak)) in the breathing circuit during one-lung ventilation (OLV). However, this reduction is less pronounced in the dependent lung bronchus, challenging the perceived benefit of PCV over volume-controlled ventilation (VCV).
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Respiratory Physiology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) and pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) are used for one-lung ventilation (OLV).
- PCV is hypothesized to reduce peak airway pressure (P(peak)) and intrapulmonary shunt during OLV compared to VCV.
- The presence of a double-lumen tracheal tube may influence P(peak) measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test if the decrease in P(peak) in the breathing circuit during PCV for OLV is also observed in the dependent lung bronchus.
- To compare the effectiveness of PCV versus VCV in reducing bronchial P(peak) during OLV.
Main Methods:
- Observational study involving 15 subjects undergoing OLV.
- Ventilation was switched from VCV to PCV at a constant tidal volume (V(T)).
- Airway pressure was measured simultaneously in the breathing circuit and the main bronchus of the dependent lung.
Main Results:
- PCV significantly decreased P(peak) in both the breathing circuit and the bronchus.
- The reduction in P(peak) was significantly greater in the breathing circuit (29%) compared to the bronchus (5%).
- The decrease in bronchial P(peak) during PCV was statistically significant but clinically small.
Conclusions:
- The observed decrease in P(peak) with PCV during OLV is primarily in the respiratory circuit.
- This reduction in bronchial P(peak) may not be clinically significant, questioning the advantage of PCV over VCV for this parameter.
- Clinical perception of PCV's benefit in reducing bronchial P(peak) during OLV may need re-evaluation.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation
Ventilators are essential medical equipment used to aid patients with respiratory difficulties. Their primary function is to assist or replace spontaneous breathing by providing mechanical ventilation. There are two general classes of mechanical ventilators: negative-pressure and positive-pressure ventilators.
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
01:23Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation
Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) are essential methods in respiratory care. These ventilation techniques offer unique benefits for patients with various respiratory conditions, providing adequate support without requiring intubation. Let's explore how each method is crucial in improving patient outcomes and enhancing respiratory therapy.
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV)
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV)
01:14Ventilatory Modes
Mechanical ventilators are life-saving devices that support or replace spontaneous breathing. They deliver breaths to patients through varying methods known as ventilator modes. Understanding these modes is critical for healthcare providers managing patients with respiratory failure.
There are three ventilatory modes: full support, partial support, and spontaneous. These are described below.
Full Support Modes
Full support modes include controlled mechanical ventilation, continuous mandatory...
There are three ventilatory modes: full support, partial support, and spontaneous. These are described below.
Full Support Modes
Full support modes include controlled mechanical ventilation, continuous mandatory...
01:24Pressure Relationships in Thoracic Cavity
Breathing, otherwise known as pulmonary ventilation, is the process of air movement into and out of the lungs. The main mechanisms propelling pulmonary ventilation are atmospheric pressure (Patm), intra-pulmonary (Ppul ) or intra-alveolar pressure (Palv) within the alveoli, and intrapleural pressure (Pip) within the pleural cavity.
Breathing Mechanisms
Both intra-alveolar and intrapleural pressures rely on specific lung properties. The ability to breathe—allowing air to enter the lungs during...
Breathing Mechanisms
Both intra-alveolar and intrapleural pressures rely on specific lung properties. The ability to breathe—allowing air to enter the lungs during...
01:24Pulmonary Ventilation: Inhalation
Pulmonary ventilation is a vital process that ensures the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. It refers to the movement of air into and out of the lungs, enabling the body to obtain oxygen and remove waste carbon dioxide. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of pulmonary ventilation, including its underlying principles, mechanisms, and the interplay of pressures within the respiratory system.
Boyle's law becomes particularly pertinent when examining respiratory...
Boyle's law becomes particularly pertinent when examining respiratory...
01:29Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings
Mechanical ventilation is a life-saving technique for managing acute respiratory failure and other respiratory complications. The process involves using a machine known as a ventilator to supply oxygen to the lungs and assist in removing carbon dioxide. It serves as a bridge to long-term mechanical ventilation or a temporary measure until ventilatory support is discontinued. The ventilator can maintain this function for a prolonged period, providing critical support for patients until they can...