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Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Monitoring Lung Function with Electrical Impedance Tomography in the Intensive Care Unit
Published on: September 6, 2024
Lung Ultrasound and Electrical Impedance Tomography for Monitoring Lung Injury
Paolo Formenti1, Giovanni Bruno2
1Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, SC Anestesia, Rianimazione e Terapia Intensiva, ASST Nord Milano - Ospedale Bassini, Cinisello Balsamo, Milan 20097, Italy.
Abstract:
Individualizing mechanical ventilation requires monitoring tools able of describing lung morphology and function in real time, without exposing the patient to interrupting treatment. Lung ultrasound (LUS) and electrical impedance tomography (EIT) address this need with complementary approaches: LUS provides a morphological reading based on artifacts and direct signs, while EIT provides dynamic functional maps of ventilatory distribution and response to changes in PEEP, tidal volume, or decubitus position. This article summarizes physical principles, operating protocols, and clinically useful indices discussing applications in ARDS/ventilator-induced lung injury, protonation, PEEP optimization, and weaning.
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