recruitment maneuver
A ventilation technique using sustained high airway pressures to reopen collapsed alveoli and improve oxygenation.
Full Definition
A recruitment maneuver is a temporary increase in transpulmonary pressure designed to open collapsed or recruitable alveoli, particularly in patients with ARDS or atelectasis. Common techniques include sustained inflation at 30-40 cmH2O for 30-40 seconds, or incremental PEEP increases. The goal is to improve oxygenation and lung compliance by recruiting previously non-ventilated lung units. Following recruitment, appropriate PEEP levels must be maintained to prevent de-recruitment. Recruitment maneuvers carry risks including barotrauma, hemodynamic compromise, and should be used judiciously with careful monitoring of vital signs, oxygen saturation, and ventilator pressures.
Usage
Usage note: Often written as two words; requires careful monitoring for complications during execution.
In Context
- "A recruitment maneuver improved the patient's PaO2 from 65 to 85 mmHg." — ARDS management protocol
- "The recruitment maneuver was discontinued due to hemodynamic instability." — Ventilator therapy complication note