In critical care, a recruitment maneuver is a transient increase in airway pressure designed to open collapsed alveoli in the lungs, improving oxygenation and lung compliance, especially in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This therapeutic intervention aims to restore functional residual capacity and reduce intrapulmonary shunting.
Ultrasound plays a crucial role in assessing the effectiveness of recruitment maneuvers by visualizing lung re-aeration and guiding titration of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). Lung ultrasound helps clinicians optimize ventilation strategies and prevent ventilator-induced lung injury.
