Intermediate
Technical
IVT
barotrauma
Pronunciation: BARE-oh-traw-mah
Lung injury caused by excessive pressure during mechanical ventilation, potentially leading to pneumothorax or air leak syndromes.
Full Definition
Ventilator-induced lung injury resulting from excessive airway pressures that cause alveolar overdistension and rupture. In pediatric patients, barotrauma risk is heightened due to smaller lung volumes and compliant chest walls. Clinical manifestations include pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, subcutaneous emphysema, and air embolism. Prevention strategies focus on lung-protective ventilation with appropriate pressure limits and tidal volumes.
In Context
- "Peak inspiratory pressures were reduced to minimize the risk of barotrauma in this premature infant." — Ventilator management note
- "The sudden deterioration raised concern for barotrauma, prompting immediate chest imaging." — Clinical assessment
Also known as
pressure-induced lung injury
ventilator-induced pneumothorax
Contrasted with
lung protection
gentle ventilation
Don't confuse with
volutrauma
biotrauma