Guide to Lung-Protective Ventilation in Cardiac Patients

Incidence of acute respiratory insufficiency has continued to increase amongst patients admitted to modern day cardiovascular intensive care units. Positive pressure ventilation (PPV) remains the mainstay of treatment for these patients. Alterations in intrathoracic pressure during PPV has distinct effects on both the right and left ventricle affecting cardiovascular performance. Lung protective ventilation (LPV) minimizes the risk of further lung injury through ventilator induced lung injury and hence an understanding of LPV and its cardiopulmonary interactions is beneficial for cardiologists.