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Updated: May 17, 2026

Monitoring Lung Function with Electrical Impedance Tomography in the Intensive Care Unit
Published on: September 6, 2024
Electrical impedance tomography may optimize ventilation in a postpartum woman with respiratory failure
J Karsten1, M K Bohlmann, B Sedemund-Adib
1Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany. j.karsten@gmx.net
Abstract:
Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare peripartum complication with the sudden onset of haemodynamic instability, respiratory failure and coagulopathy during labour or soon after delivery. A 31-year-old woman with amniotic fluid embolism was treated with vasopressors, inotropes, intravenous fluid, tranexamic acid and ventilatory support. Assessment of respiratory impairment was made using conventional chest X-ray, computed tomography and electrical impedance tomography. The potential for electrical impedance tomography to improve monitoring and guide respiratory therapy is explored.
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