Airway Pressure Release Ventilation during Adult Donor Care

Abstract

Airway pressure release ventilation is most commonly used during donor care to treat hypoxemia and to avoid high peak airway pressure. The traditional concept of cyclic inhalation/exhalation is replaced by a continuous positive airway inflation interspersed by brief episodes in which the positive pressure is reduced. The variables, Pressure-high, Pressure-low, Time-high, and Time-low, are manipulated to ensure adequate donor oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal. Organ procurement coordinators may find this method of mechanical ventilation in place when donor care is assumed or initiate it as a useful tool in providing donor support.