Visualization of Inspiratory Effort and Respiratory Mechanics to Promote Lung- and Diaphragm Protective Ventilation

Visualization of Inspiratory Effort and Respiratory Mechanics to Promote Lung- and Diaphragm Protective Ventilation

This is a multicentre prospective cohort trial in adult and pediatric ICU patients. The investigators will measure the effect of a patient's inspiratory effort during mechanical ventilation on the lungs and diaphragm. The investigators will daily (for a maximum of 8 days) measure esophageal pressures with a balloon catheter to quantify inspiratory effort and respiratory muscle function, and perform daily ultrasound measurements of the diaphragm and the lungs. The investigators hypothesize that a small inspiratory effort will result in the preservation of diaphragm function and have no adverse effect on lung function.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age > 28 days
• weight > 3kg
• requiring invasive mechanical ventilation
• anticipated length of ventilation > 48h

Exclusion Criteria:

• refusal of consent
• mechanical ventilation ≤ 2 weeks before inclusion
• known anatomical malformation of the diaphragm (including congenital diaphragmatic hernia)
• contra-indication to the placement of a naso-gastric esophageal balloon catheter