“Hypercapnic respiratory failure can be preserved thanks to the use of extracorporeal techniques dedicated to CO2 removal “

Respiratory failure is a condition characterized by an alteration of the respiratory system function. Consequently, gas exchange and O2/CO2 blood levels are altered. The main cause is associated with gas exchange impairment and/or ventilation reduction.

Insufficienza respiratoria

In case of elevated CO2 blood levels, hypercapnic respiratory failure occurs as a consequence of the mechanical ventilation. Invasive lung-protective, based predominantly on low tidal volume, and non-invasive mechanical ventilations, can cause CO2 accumulation and consequent development of severe hypercapnia and respiratory acidosis.

Hypercapnic respiratory failure can therefore be preserved thanks to the use of extracorporeal techniques dedicated to CO2 removal and with the aim to:

  • Facilitate invasive mechanical ventilation based on low tidal volume;
  • Reduce CO2 accumulation, in case of non-invasive mechanical ventilation, and avoid invasive ventilation upgrade.
  • ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome): type of respiratory failure characterized by rapid onset of widespread inflammation in the lungs;

  • ARF (Acute Respiratory Failure): clinical condition characterized by lungs inability to provide correct gas exchanges;

  • VILI (Ventilator Induced Lung Injury): pulmonary injury induced by invasive mechanical ventilation based on high tidal volume and positive pressure;

  • ALI (Acute Lung Injury): acute pulmonary injury characterized by alveolar capillary impairment and severe respiratory failure with arterial hypoxemia refractory to oxygen administration;

  • Pneumonia: pulmonary injury characterized by alveolar inflammation, liquid accumulation and consequent respiratory failure;

  • Trauma or Polytrauma: one or multiple traumatic lesions to different organs, with effective or potential impairment of vital functions;

  • MODS (Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome): systemic syndrome, generally associated with shock, sepsis and systemic inflammatory response, characterized by rapid onset of organs function’s alteration;

  • COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and exacerbations: chronic inflammatory lung disease, that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs.