Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026

A Model to Simulate Clinically Relevant Hypoxia in Humans
Published on: December 22, 2016
Approaches to refractory hypoxemia in acute respiratory distress syndrome: current understanding, evidence, and
Stephen R Collins1, Randal S Blank
1Department of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA. src2f@virginia.edu
Abstract:
Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) cause substantial morbidity and mortality despite our improved understanding of lung injury, advancements in the application of lung-protective ventilation, and strategies to prevent ventilator-induced lung injury. Severe refractory hypoxemia may develop in a subset of patients with severe ARDS. We review several approaches referred to as "rescue" therapies for severe hypoxemia, including lung-recruitment maneuvers, ventilation modes, prone positioning, inhaled vasodilator therapy, and the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Each shows evidence for improving oxygenation, though each has associated risks, and no single therapy has proven superior in the management of severe hypoxemia. Importantly, increased survival with these strategies has not been clearly established.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Respiratory Failure-II
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
Acute Respiratory Failure-IV
Acute Respiratory Failure-I
Definition: It is defined by specific criteria based on blood gas measurements. Hypoxemia happens when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) falls below 60 mmHg. At the same time,...
Acute Respiratory Failure-V
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...
Acute Respiratory Failure-III
Respiratory Assessment: Purpose and Indications
Objectives and Importance:
The primary goal of respiratory assessment is to evaluate patients at early risk of clinical deterioration. Since respiratory distress often precedes other signs of declining health, breathing patterns and sounds become a...
