Conventional mechanical ventilation in unilateral pulmonary contusion following blunt chest trauma

Abstract

Twelve patients with unilateral pulmonary contusion following blunt chest trauma received conventional mechanical ventilation for hypoxae respiratory distress syndrome developd in all patient resulting in prolonged ventilator therapy. Conventional ventilatory supprot was not successful in reducing mobidity. The optimum pattern of mechanical ventilation in pulmonary contusion remains controversial. Split lung ventilation with selective seperate tidal volumes and positive end expiratory pressure has shown encouraging results in some studies. Alternative treatment modalities are necessary to salvage oxygenation and reduce morbility in these patients.