Advanced
Technical
IVT
permissive hypercarbia
A ventilatory strategy allowing elevated carbon dioxide levels to minimize ventilator-induced lung injury.
Full Definition
Permissive hypercarbia is a lung-protective ventilation strategy that accepts higher than normal arterial carbon dioxide levels (typically PaCO2 45-65 mmHg) to avoid excessive tidal volumes or airway pressures. This approach is particularly important in pediatric ARDS management, where avoiding volutrauma and barotrauma takes precedence over normalizing blood gases. The strategy requires careful monitoring for pH management and contraindications such as increased intracranial pressure.
Usage
Usage note: Note spelling difference from 'hypercapnia' - 'hypercarbia' refers to the strategy, 'hypercapnia' to the physiological state.
In Context
- "The ventilation strategy employed permissive hypercarbia to maintain plateau pressures below 28 cmH2O." — Progress note
- "Permissive hypercarbia was contraindicated due to the patient's elevated intracranial pressure." — Clinical assessment
Also known as
controlled hypoventilation
hypercarbic ventilation
Contrasted with
normocapnia
hypocapnia
Don't confuse with
permissive hypercapnia