A method of mechanical ventilation in which pressure is maintained to increase the volume of gas remaining in the lungs at the end of expiration, thus reducing the shunting of blood through the lungs and improving gas exchange.
Entry Term(s)
Positive End-Expiratory Pressure
Positive-Pressure Ventilation
NLM Classification #
WF 146
Public MeSH Note
91; was POSITIVE PRESSURE RESPIRATION 1979-90; was heading 1963-78
Online Note
use POSITIVE-PRESSURE RESPIRATION to search POSITIVE PRESSURE RESPIRATION 1979-90
History Note
91; was POSITIVE PRESSURE RESPIRATION 1979-90; was heading 1963-78
A method of mechanical ventilation in which pressure is maintained to increase the volume of gas remaining in the lungs at the end of expiration, thus reducing the shunting of blood through the lungs and improving gas exchange.