Goal-Directed Mechanical Ventilation: Are We Aiming at the Right Goals? A Proposal for an Alternative Approach Aiming at Optimal Lung Compliance, Guided by Esophageal Pressure in Acute Respiratory Failure
Figure 3
The left part of the pressure tracing shows a compliant lung that transmits part of the applied airway pressure to the pleura. The difference in pressure between points A and B represents the actual pressure transmitted to the pleura. The right part of the pressure tracing demonstrates a noncompliant lung that transmits little or no pressure to the pleura. = airway opening pressure, = esophageal pressure, = transpulmonary pressure.
