Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 15, 2026
Monitoring Lung Function with Electrical Impedance Tomography in the Intensive Care Unit
Published on: September 6, 2024
Monitoring multiple rib fractures using pulmonary electrical impedance tomography technology: correlation analysis of
Liming Wang1, Lingqing Zhou1, Picong You1
1Department of Critical Care Medicine, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, China.
Background:
Multiple rib fractures are a common and severe form of chest trauma, which can lead to pulmonary ventilation disorders. Assessment primarily relies on imaging examinations and conventional pulmonary function tests. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) technology can detect ventilation dysfunctions that are difficult to identify through conventional means. This study utilizes EIT technology to quantify global and regional pulmonary ventilation inhomogeneity and to analyze the correlation between these ventilation characteristics and various factors associated with multiple rib fractures, thereby providing preliminary support for subsequent of intervention and prognosis assessment of rib fractures in EIT.
Methods:
A cross-sectional exploratory study was conducted. A total of 115 patients with multiple rib fractures admitted to the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Tianjin Hospital in Tianjin City from October 2020 to May 2023 were selected. EIT examinations were performed 24-72 hours after injury, and trauma and EIT data were collected and organized. Whole chest/lung indicators included: pain score [numerical rating scale (NRS)], total number of rib fractures, total number of displaced rib fractures, number of lung contusion lobes, global inhomogeneity index (GI), ventral-to-dorsal ventilation center (CoVv-d), pendelluft (Ap), inspiration delay time (Tins-i), expiration delay time (Texp-i). Regional chest/lung indicators included: total number of (left lateral + left posterior) displaced rib fractures, total number of (right lateral + right posterior) displaced rib fractures, number of left/right lung contusion lobes, left dorsal lung impedance proportion (TIVD-L%), right dorsal lung impedance proportion (TIVD-R%), left dorsal lung Ap (ApD-L), and right dorsal lung Ap (ApD-R). Spearman correlation analysis was used for the data.
Results:
The number of lung contusion lobes and EIT global-lung parameters (CoVv-d, Ap, Texp-i) all showed a good correlation with the number of rib fractures (P<0.05), especially with the number of displaced rib fractures (P<0.01). The greater the number of rib fractures, the most severe the pain (P<0.01). Changes in EIT parameters were significantly correlated with the degree of pain (P<0.05/0.01). Multiple rib fractures can exacerbate pulmonary injury in the trauma area (P<0.05/0.01), resulting in a reduction of tidal impedance variation in region of interest percentage (TIVROI%) (P<0.05/0.01), with Ap in this region being more pronounced than in other regions (P<0.05/0.01). Regional Ap was significantly correlated with the local number of displaced rib fractures (P<0.01).
Conclusions:
EIT can provide dynamic ventilation images for patients with rib fractures, quantifying regional ventilation disorders and overall pulmonary ventilation heterogeneity. Current studies have not yet verified the predictive value of EIT for long-term respiratory outcomes. Still, it can provide a basis for future large-sample, interventional, and outcome-oriented research.
Related Concept Videos
01:13Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
01:30Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
01:29Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
01:20Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
01:29Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:
01:25Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...