Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) to Optimize Ventilatory Management in Critically Ill Patients: A Report of Two Cases

Abstract

Background: Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a non-invasive, radiation-free imaging method that enables the continuous bedside monitoring of regional ventilation and lung volume changes. The technique is based on the estimation of the resistivity changes that occur across the lungs with breathing. Methods: We present two case reports of patients affected by acute respiratory distress syndrome successfully managed with prone-positioning-based regional ventilation shown on EIT. Results: Both patients were submitted to cycles of prone-positioning-guided EIT and were successfully extubated and discharged from intensive care unit. Conclusions: EIT is a functional imaging method that has the potential to improve respiratory care by providing real-time, continuous monitoring of regional ventilation and lung volume changes at the bedside. Further research is needed to evaluate its efficacy in different clinical scenarios and to optimize its use in respiratory care.