Perfusion of the interventricular septum during ventilation with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP)

Objective: To determine whether regional hypoperfusion of the
interventricular septum occurs during ventilation with positive
end-expiratory pressure. Design: Animal study. Animals:
Anesthetized, closed chest dogs (n = 8). Interventions: Induction
of experimental adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and then
ventilation with 10,15, and 20 cm H2O of positive end-expiratory
pressure. Measurements and Main Results: Cardiac output and
regional interventricular septum blood flow 'were assessed at
control, at induction of experimental ARDS, and at each level of
positive end-expiratory pressure. Ventilation with 20 cm H2O of
positive end-expiratory pressure decreased cardiac output (-32% vs.
control, p