Positive end-expiratory pressure

Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is a term used in mechanical ventilationto denote the amount of pressure above atmospheric pressure present in the airway at the end of the expiratory cycle. The equivalent in a spontaneously breathing patient is CPAP. PEEP is set on the ventilator.

Physiology

PEEP improves gas exchange by preventing alveolar collapse, recruiting more lung units, increasing functional residual capacity, and redistributing fluid in the alveoli.

Indications

Hypoxemiadue to the following:

• ARDS
• Pneumonia
• Pulmonary edema
• Atelectasis

Contraindications

• Increased Intracranial Pressure
• Pneumothoraxthat has not been treated
• Bronchopleural fistula
• Recent lung resection

Types

References

• Chapter 225 Positive End-Expiratory Pressure

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It uses material from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Positive+end-expiratory+pressure Wikipedia article Positive end-expiratory pressure.