ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we describe how pulmonary fluid-structure interactions,
lining fluid physics, and surfactant biophysical properties interrelate to influence the lung’s micromechanical environment during low-volume ven-
tilation. In conditions such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), the lining fluid and/or surfactant
systems may be abnormal, and the pulmonary tissue is particularly suscep-
tible to mechanical trauma. In these cases, low-volume ventilation strategies
may result in VILI. This chapter describes our present understanding of
the fluid-structure and physicochemical interactions that are related to
low-volume VILI, and potential techniques for reducing the likelihood or severity of this injury. For a more complete description of pulmonary lining
flows and their relationship to pulmonary disease, the reader is referred
to Ref. (1).
