The "mechanical paradox" unveiled: a physiological study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Recent studies report that chest wall loading may reduce airway pressures and increase respiratory system compliance, contrary to the anticipated effect of this maneuver ("mechanical paradox"). Aim of this physiological study is to clarify the mechanism underlying this phenomenon.

Methods

Twenty patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure were studied during a decremental PEEP trial. Variable weights were placed on the patients' abdomen to achieve a 5-mmHg increase in intra-abdominal pressure. Three consecutive phases for each PEEP level were performed: weight-off, weight-on, and weight-off. Esophageal pressure measurement and electrical impedance tomography (EIT) were used.

Results

The abdominal weight decreas

SUBMITTER: Pacchiarini G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12082864 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature