Clinical study on sixteen cases of flail chest complicated with respiratory failure with ventilation

ve To discuss the pathogenesis of flail chest complicated with respiratory failure and the indication of mechanical ventilation,the regulation of mode and parameter, weaning from mechanical ventilation. Methods Sixteen cases of flail chest complicated with respiratory failure with ventilation were reviewed. Results thirteen patients were weaned from ventilation after 4 to 14 days and removed to common wards in 5 to 13 days. 3 patients died of severe craniocerebral injury and hemorrhagic shock. Conclusions Mechanical ventilation should be used as early as possible if there are indications. The mode mechanical ventilation should be as of synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) combined with pressure support ventilation(PSV). Tidal volume (TV)should be as large as (10-12ml/kg). Positive end expiratory pressure(PEEP) is helpful for the recovery from illness. The shallow rapid spiro-index(f/VT ratio)is the most valuable predictor of success in weaning patient from mechanical ventilation at present.