Monitoring mechanics during mechanical ventilation

Patients with acute respiratory failure necessitating mechanical ventilatio n have significant abnormalities in pulmonary mechanics, yet formal assessm ent of their nature is rarely included in clinical decision making, Because of our increased understanding of the pathophysiology, together with the r apid, technological advances, assessment of respiratory mechanics-resistanc e, compliance, and work of breathing-can be safely and rapidly performed in the intensive care unit (ICU), This chapter provides a review of abnormali ties in respiratory mechanics that can be monitored during passive and spon taneous breathing, a description of the methods and techniques, and a summa ry of clinical observations and applications in critically ill patients.