Effect of peep on esophageal catheter optimal calibration volume and esophageal pressure measurements

The use of esophageal balloon catheter to estimate pleural pressure has gained renewed popularity in recent years. Indeed, measurement of transpulmonary pressure may allow a more pathophysiological-based approach to ventilator strategy in ARDS patients. Nevertheless it is well known that esophageal balloon catheter derived parameters can be influenced by several patient-related or technical-related factors.