Brain perfusion during two patient-triggered ventilation modes in preterm infants

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is greatly influenced by mechanical ventilation. Pressure support ventilation combined with volume guarantee (PSV-VG) is a new patient-triggered ventilation modality that offers the patient greater liberality than the classical synchronized intermittent mechanical ventilation (SIMV); and thus, it might have a different effect on CBF. Aim: To compare, in preterm infants, the influence on CBF of PSV-VG and SIMV. Methods: In a crossover study design, 39 consecutive preterm babies, were switched from SIMV to PSV-VG and back again to SIMV. Doppler and echocardiographic examinations were done…