Echocardiographic analysis of cardiac function during high PEEP ventilation

Intensive Care Med. 1994;20(3):174-80. doi: 10.1007/BF01704696.

Abstract

Objective: Does positive end-expiratory pressure ventilation (PEEP) deteriorate cardiac contractility?

Design: By means of echocardiography nine piglets were studies during ventilation with 0, 15 and 25 cmH2O (PEEP). Recordings were made before and after 500 ml of 6% dextran 70.

Measurement and results: Right and left ventricular end-diastolic diameters were plotted against the stroke volume determined by the thermodilution technique. By combining observations made before and after volume expansion during the different ventilation modes, a ventricular function curve was obtained. The slopes of the curves were similar during all three ventilation modes, both on the left and on the right side.

Conclusion: This study indicates undisturbed myocardial contractility during PEEP ventilation. We infer that the cardiac output deterioration in the intact animal is caused entirely by impairment of venous return.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Echocardiography*
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Female
  • Hemodynamics*
  • Male
  • Myocardial Contraction*
  • Positive-Pressure Respiration / adverse effects*
  • Positive-Pressure Respiration / methods*
  • Swine
  • Thermodilution