Display Settings:

Format

Send to:

Choose Destination
    Scand Cardiovasc J. 2003 Dec;37(6):363-7.

    The immediate effects of deep breathing exercises on atelectasis and oxygenation after cardiac surgery.

    Source

    Department of Medical Sciences, Clinical Physiology, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden. elisabeth.westerdahl@orebroll.se

    Abstract

    Objective--To investigate the effects of deep breathing performed on the second postoperative day after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Design--The immediate effects of 30 deep breaths performed without a mechanical device (n = 21), with a blow bottle device (n = 20) and with an inspiratory resistance-positive expiratory pressure mask (n = 20) were studied. Spiral computed tomography and arterial blood gas analyses were performed immediately before and after the intervention. Results--Deep breathing caused a significant decrease in atelectatic area from 12.3 +/- 7.3% to 10.2 +/- 6.7% (p < 0.0001) of total lung area 1 cm above the diaphragm and from 3.9 +/- 3.5% to 3.3 +/- 3.1% (p < 0.05) 5 cm above the diaphragm. No difference between the breathing techniques was found. The aerated lung area increased by 5% (p < 0.001). The PaO (2) increased by 0.2 kPa (p < 0.05), while PaCO (2) was unchanged in the three groups. Conclusion--A significant decrease of atelectatic area, increase in aerated lung area and a small increase in PaO (2) were found after performance of 30 deep breaths. No difference between the three breathing techniques was found.

    PMID:
    14668188
    [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

      Supplemental Content

      Icon for Informa Healthcare

      Save items

      loading

      Recent activity

      Your browsing activity is empty.

      Activity recording is turned off.

      Turn recording back on

      See more...
      Write to the Help Desk