Failure of large tidal volumes to improve oxygen availability during anaesthesia

Eight patients undergoing peripheral vascular surgery were ventilated with small (5.3 ml/kg) and large (16.3 ml/kg) tidal volumes at a constant respiratory rate. Carbon dioxide was added to the inspired gases to maintain normal end-tidal levels. The use of large tidal volumes resulted in a significant increase in arterial oxygen tension and content, but, due to a reduction in cardiac output, failed to improve oxygen availability.