Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 7, 2025

A Novel Rescue Technique for Difficult Intubation and Difficult Ventilation
Published on: January 17, 2011
A Novel Maneuver to Treat Refractory Atelectasis in Mechanically Ventilated Children
Alejandro J Martinez Herrada1, Michael A Wien2, Steven L Shein1
1Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio, United States.
Insights
A new lung maneuver significantly improved atelectasis and lung compliance in children with refractory unilateral lung collapse on mechanical ventilation. This simple technique offers a promising non-invasive approach for pediatric respiratory care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
- Respiratory Physiology
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Refractory unilateral atelectasis in children on mechanical ventilation presents a significant clinical challenge.
- Current treatment options may be invasive or have limited efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel airway clearance and lung recruitment maneuver.
- To evaluate the maneuver's effectiveness in improving atelectasis and respiratory mechanics in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, single-center, proof-of-concept study.
- Involved 15 pediatric patients with refractory unilateral atelectasis.
- Assessed changes in Modified Radiology Atelectasis Score and dynamic compliance.
Main Results:
- Significant improvement in the median atelectasis score (9 to 1, p < 0.01).
- Significant increase in dynamic compliance (0.3 to 0.61 mL/kg/cm H2O, p < 0.01).
- No patients required bronchoscopy.
Conclusions:
- The novel maneuver is simple, effective, and safe for children with refractory unilateral atelectasis.
- It leads to significant improvements in lung aeration and respiratory system compliance.
- This technique provides a valuable non-invasive option for managing pediatric atelectasis during mechanical ventilation.
Abstract:
We developed a novel airway clearance and lung recruitment maneuver for children with refractory unilateral atelectasis undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation. In this retrospective, single-center, proof of concept study, we describe the steps involved in this novel maneuver and evaluate its effectiveness in 15 patients through objective quantitation of changes in respiratory system compliance and in the degree of atelectasis assessed by a validated Modified Radiology Atelectasis Score. Compared with the premaneuver baseline, the median atelectasis score improved significantly following the maneuver (9 [7.5-10] vs. 1 [0-3.3], respectively, p < 0.01). Likewise, dynamic compliance was significantly higher following the maneuver (0.3 [0.32-0.44] vs. 0.61 [0.53-0.69] mL/kg/cm H 2 O, respectively, p < 0.01). No patients required a bronchoscopy. This simple and effective maneuver resulted in a significant improvement in the degree of atelectasis and dynamic compliance in this cohort of mechanically ventilated children with refractory unilateral atelectasis.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation...
Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation
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...
Ventilatory Modes
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...
Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques

