Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Air-Inflation of Murine Lungs with Vascular Perfusion-Fixation
Published on: February 2, 2021
Factors associated with pulmonary air leak in premature infants receiving mechanical ventilation
Abstract:
Review of the case notes of 373 admissions to a neonatal intensive care unit during one year revealed 30 babies with pulmonary air leak. These babies had the uniform characteristics of being between 26 and 34 weeks' gestation and receiving intermittent positive pressure ventilation during the course of respiratory distress. A control group was formed of the remaining 27 infants with these characteristics who did not sustain an air leak. No significant difference was found between the groups in any clinical factor, nor in any maximum ventilator setting other than a longer maximum inspiratory time in the study group. A more dynamic evaluation of variables was performed using standard deviation scoring, and the findings of slightly elevated peak inspiratory pressure and mean airway pressure in the study group prior to air leak were overshadowed by much greater prolongations of inspiratory time. Excessive prolongation of inspiratory time may be a major risk factor in the pathogenesis of pulmonary air leak.
Related Concept Videos
Pressure Relationships in Thoracic Cavity
Breathing Mechanisms
Both intra-alveolar and intrapleural pressures rely on specific lung properties. The ability to breathe—allowing air to enter the lungs during...
Pulmonary Ventilation: Inhalation
Boyle's law becomes particularly pertinent when examining respiratory...
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
Acute Respiratory Failure-II
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings

