Pressure-support improves lung protection and reduces cardiovascular dysfunction compared to pressure-controlled ventilation in experimental emphysema

Acute exacerbations of pulmonary emphysema lead to increased morbidity, mortality and, in some cases, requirement of invasive mechanical ventilation (MV) [1]. So far, no study has compared the biological impact of pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) versus pressure-support ventilation (PSV) in experimental emphysema. Our aims were to develop an elastase-induced emphysema model in rats, and to compare the effects of PCV and PSV on the lung and heart.