The determination of the pressure exerted in the small airways and alveoli of the lungs during mechanical ventilation, after a short inspiratory pause, is a crucial assessment. It represents the static pressure required to maintain a specific volume of air in the lungs, reflecting the compliance of the respiratory system. The calculation commonly involves using ventilator settings such as inspiratory pause time and displayed pressure readings. By temporarily halting airflow at the end of inspiration, the pressure equilibrates throughout the respiratory system, eliminating the influence of airway resistance. The resulting pressure reading closely approximates alveolar pressure.
Assessment of this pressure is important in preventing ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). Excessive pressure can overdistend alveoli, leading to barotrauma or volutrauma. Monitoring trends allows clinicians to optimize ventilator settings, tailoring them to individual patient needs and minimizing the risk of lung damage. Its use has significantly improved patient outcomes by guiding safer and more effective ventilation strategies. Historically, reliance on peak inspiratory pressure alone led to overestimation of alveolar pressure and increased incidence of VILI. The adoption of plateau pressure assessment marked a significant advancement in respiratory care.
