Effect of Low Tidal Volume Ventilation in Improving Oxygenation and Thus Reducing Acute Lung Injury in the Cardiac Surgical Patient

We propose that as low tidal volume ventilation has proven to be beneficial in patients with established ARDS it may have a role in preventing the onset of acute lung injury in the cardiac surgical population. Institution of low tidal volume ventilation in the operating room may reduce the release of the cytokines and interleukins that have been known to contribute to the development of acute lung injury. In this study, we propose that the institution of low tidal volume ventilation in the operating room will reduce the incidence of acute lung injury. Measurement of PaO2 to FiO2 ratio twenty four and forty eight hours post operatively will help determine if there is a difference in oxygenation between the two groups. Chest X-ray findings, time to extubation and length of ICU stay will also determine if there is a role for low tidal volume ventilation in the operating room. We will also attempt to establish a causative mechanism by measuring plasma levels of cytokines known to be associated with the development of ARDS.