Perspectives in respiratory monitoring

Abstract

Current concepts regarding mechanical ventilation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome emerged due to the physiological background based on respiratory mechanics and lung imaging. Over-distension and recruitment are two key physiological concepts involved in the ongoing discussion regarding recommendations on ventilator setting. New technologies have been developed and new perspectives have been offered for non-invasive monitoring tools available at the bedside. Some of these monitoring setups may allow setting tidal volume and positive endexpiratory pressure individually and more accurately. In this article, we discuss different monitoring techniques based on pressure and volume measurements as well as lung imaging.