Energy dissipation during expiration and ventilator-induced lung injury: an experimental animal study

Abstract

Energy dissipation within the respiratory system is a factor promoting ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). In this animal study, we modulated the expiratory flow, reducing the energy dissipated in the system. However, this reduction happened mostly across the endotracheal tube, and only partly in the respiratory system. Therefore, in healthy lungs, the advantage in energy dissipation does not reduce VILI, but the advantages might be more relevant in diseased lungs under injurious ventilation.