Ventilation in prone decubitus in a patient with respiratory distress during heart surgery
Rama-Maceiras, P.; Duro, J.; Figueira-Moure, A.; Rey-Rilo, T.; Toral, A.; Rodríguez-Rodríguez, A.
Revista Espanola de Anestesiologia y Reanimacion 46(2): 81-84
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0034-9356 PMID: 10100443 Document Number: 503585
Acute respiratory failure and adult respiratory distress syndrome are serious complications after heart surgery and are associated with a high mortality rate. We report the case of a 50-year-old man who developed severe respiratory distress after heart surgery with extracorporeal circulation and for whom oxygenation was possible with ventilation in prone decubitus position only after other therapeutic measured had failed. The physiological bases of ventilation in prone decubitus position, as well as the indications and contraindications of the technique are discussed. Early treatment, which is fundamental for managing these patients, facilitates a favorable outcome as is illustrated by the case we report.