Partitioning of respiratory mechanics after cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Methods The study was conducted in general intensive care of two tertiary hospitals. 15 patients were studied after hypothermia in clinically stable situation. During volume assist control mechanical ventilation, with constant flow. Esophageal pressure were measured using balloon catheter, positioned by gastric compression procedure. Airways pressure, respiratory flow and esophageal pressure were registered at 100 Hz, and posterior analysis was performed by Anadat software. The passive respiratory mechanics analysis were measured without external PEEP and the other respiratory parameters of mechanical ventilation were unchanged. Multiple linear regression techniques were used to calculate respiratory mechanics and his components, without interruption of mechanical ventilation. Data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation and range.