The Hazardous Effects of Alveolar Hypocapnia on Lung Mechanics During Weaning From Cardiopulmonary Bypass

(perfusion - 2000, 15: 27-31)

Abstract: The bronchoconstrictive effects of alveolar hypocapnia during weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were investigated in patients undergoing elective coronary artery revascularization. Thirty patients were randomly assigned into two equal groups. In both groups, mechanical ventilation was initiated for 3 min prior to weaning from CPB with the venous pressure low. This kept the pulmonary vascular bed empty, resulting in alveolar hypocapnia (ETCO2)3.3kPa). the ventilation pressure measurements were recorded again after 3 min stabilization. In group 2, the venous pressure was increased to allow the pulmonary venous bed to fill and the ventilation pressures recorded after a 3 min period of stabilization. In group 1, the ventilatory pressures dropped significantly (p