Electrical Impedance Tomography for Optimization of Positive End-Expiratory Pressure: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Use of Electrical Impedance Tomography for Optimization of Positive End-Expiratory Pressure in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Doctors follow a standard ventilator management strategy when making adjustments to the breathing machine to optimize the amount of oxygen into the lungs. The purpose of this study is to assess whether the EIT (electrical impedance tomography) device can be an additional useful tool for ventilator management and identifying the ideal positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Endotracheal ventilation for < 1 week (168 hours)
• Presence of all of the following conditions for < 48 hours i. Partial pressure of oxygen to percentage of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) < 150 with PEEP > 5 cm water for > 30 min.

ii. bilateral opacities not fully explained by effusions, lobar/lung collapse, or nodules iii. respiratory failure not fully explained by cardiac failure or fluid overload

-All criteria listed in (3) developed within 1 week of a known clinical insult or new or worsening respiratory symptoms

Exclusion Criteria:

• Lack of informed consent
• Known pregnancy
• Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) use
• Severe chronic respiratory disease requiring home oxygen therapy or ventilation
• Calculated BMI of greater than 50