Pressure-control ventilation and APRV, a form of PCV, have similar breath delivery patterns (square wave) that allow early and sustained achievement of the set inspiratory pressure until exhalation. This breath pattern combined with inverse ratio (short expiratory time) can reexpand the collapsed lung areas associated with ARDS.

Yes. Continuous lateral rotation using rotational sleep surfaces supports expansion of collapsed alveoli. We also use prone positioning for patients with refractory hypoxemia resulting from alveolar collapse to expand alveoli in the posterior regions, often in conjunction with inhaled pulmonary vasodilators. This combination improves the ventilation-perfusion matching; even in the prone position, the majority of pulmonary perfusion tends to be in the posterior lung. The perfusion now aligns better with recruited alveoli in the posterior region.

Placing the patient in the prone position helps to recruit collapsed alveoli in the posterior segments, improving ventilation to these regions. In the prone position, pressure on...

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