Strategies to Optimize Positive End-expiratory Pressure (PEEP) in Patients With Acute Lung Injury

Influence of Different Strategies to Optimize Positive End-expiratory Pressure on Pulmonary Gas Exchange, Perfusion/Ventilation Matching and Homogeneity of Ventilation in Patients With Acute Lung Injury

The purpose of this study in patients suffering from acute lung injury is to determine whether positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) setting guided by electrical impedance tomography (EIT) influences pulmonary gas exchange, lung mechanics, ventilation/perfusion matching and homogeneity of regional ventilation when compared to other PEEP setting strategies such as the open lung concept or the ARDSnet protocol.

Inclusion Criteria:

• acute lung injury, need for optimization of ventilatory settings

Exclusion Criteria:

• preexisting chronical lung disease, pneumothorax, pace maker, hemodynamical instability, increased intracranial pressure