ABSTRACT
We describe a novel approach to the mechanical ventilation of two neonates with life-threatening
unilateral pulmonary emphysema (UPE). Using a standard time-cycled, pressure-limited
ventilator, we achieved resolution of UPE with shorter inspiratory times than previously
reported effective in human newborns (0.10-0.15 sec). We elected this ventilatory
strategy in order to direct tidal volume preferentially toward units of lung with
relatively normal time constants, while avoiding inflation of longer time-constant
emphysematous areas.
