Effect of endotracheal air leakages on the monitoring of ventilation and respiratory mechanics in ventilated newborns

The prevention of lung over-distension and ventilator induced lung injury (VILI) requires a lung protective mechanical ventilation with careful monitoring of ventilation and lung mechanics. However, this will be impaired by endotracheal tube (ET) leakages. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ET leakages on the monitoring of tidal volume (VT) and respiratory mechanics using an in-vitro model. Methods: A neonatal lung model was ventilated via a 3mm ET using 3 ventilators: Babylog 8000 (BL), Leoni (LE), Stephanie (SE). VT and lung mechanics were measured by the pneumotach of the ventilator at the…