internal recruitment difficulties and reorganization of the Intensive Care Units

The great majority of cardiac surgery patients develop a degree of post-operatory respiratory failure. This is due to several factors. The predominant element in the onset of this respiratory impairment is the constitution of foci of pulmonary atelectasis, caused by peroperative hypoventilation (in the presence or absence of ECC). The incidence has been evaluated at between 54% and 92%, depending on the study. The use of NIV (non-invasive ventilation) might (through the application of continuous positive expiratory pressure) help to counter the development of these atelectasic foci.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥18
• in the post-operative phase after elective cardiac surgery for aortic or mitral valve replacement, coronary revascularization or mixed surgery, hypoxemia or hypercapnia, with an indication for NIV,
• hemodynamic stability
• prior consent
• spontaneous ventilation
• social security coverage.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Under-18 patients
• complex cardiac surgery
• pregnancy
• pre-existing chronic obstructive respiratory disease (COPD > stage II)
• legal guardianship
• incarceration

patients in the post-operative phase after elective cardiac surgery for aortic or mitral valve replacement, coronary revascularization or mixed surgery, hypoxemia or hypercapnia, with an indication for NIV, hemodynamic stability, prior consent, spontaneous ventilation, social security coverage