BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Alveolar recruitment maneuver (ARM) is the reopening of lung tissue collapsed by increased airway inspiratory pressure, primarily performed in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. This study aimed at evaluating ARM in anesthesia, how to do it and in which clinical situations. METHODS: Literature review using MedLine database in the period 1993 to 2004. RESULTS: Most common approach for recruitment maneuver is sustained inflation by CPAP with pressures varying from 30 to 40 cmH2O for 30 to 90 seconds. ARM was beneficial during laparoscopic procedures, single-lung ventilation surgeries and cardiac surgeries, and for obese and pediatric patients. CONCLUSIONS: Recruitment maneuver may be useful for anesthetic practice, improving postoperative oxygenation and re-expanding atelectasis of anesthetized patients.
ANESTHESIA; COMPLICATIONS; MECHANICAL VENTILATION; PEEP
