Fig. 3

Ventilation-induced deviation from lavage-induced impairment of respiratory mechanics and function. Dynamic compliance of the respiratory system (C_rs) and arterial partial pressure of oxygenation (P_aO₂) were assessed in anesthetized pigs after lavage-induced surfactant depletion, and after consecutive recruitment maneuvers (RM) at 3 h intervals. Figure depicts the relative deviation of C_rs and P_aO₂ (obtained after RM) from the respective values after initial lavage. Group A, N = 6: continuous automated protective low tidal volume ventilation (LV_T). Group B, N = 6: 3 h of injurious high tidal volume ventilation (HV_T) prior to RM 2, resumption of protective low tidal volume ventilation for 3 h prior to RM 3. Two animals died after injurious HV_T and RM 2, i.e., Group B, N = 4 at RM 3. For experimental protocol, see Fig. 1. Scatter/bar plots with horizontal (means) and error bars (SD). **p < 0.01, Mann–Whitney U test