Chest
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Retracted Publication
Influence of PEEP ventilation immediately after cardiopulmonary bypass on right ventricular function.
Ventilation with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is often the appropriate therapy for treating patients with impaired pulmonary function after cardiac surgery procedures. Circulatory depression, however, sometimes limits the level of PEEP. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of PEEP ventilation (+15 cmH2O) immediately after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass 1) period of PEEP application and 45 min thereafter; 2) period of PEEP application on right ventricular hemodynamics using a new thermodilution technique for measuring right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF), right ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes (RVEDV, RVESV). ⋯ We conclude that hemodynamic changes related to PEEP ventilation are minimal in the intact right ventricle. Abnormalities in right ventricular function due to stenosis of the RCA, however, have had marked clinical influence on the circulatory response. Monitoring of right ventricular function seems to be of benefit for cardiac surgery patients in this situation.