Lung Mechanics and Respiratory Gas Exchange during Pulmonary Air Embolization in the Dog

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Abstract
Lung mechanics and blood gases were studied in 7 open-chest dogs and one whose chest was intact. Balloon occlusion of one pulmonary artery induced inconsistent changes except for a 3–13% decrease in compliance. After air embolization, on the other hand, pulmonary compliance fell on an average 30%, pulmonary airflow resistance increased 19%, arterial oxygen pressure decreased markedly, and mean pulmonary arterial pressure doubled. The fall in compliance and the rise in PA pressure were not significantly correlated. Compliance and arterial oxygen values were restored, at least temporarily, by hyperinflation of the lungs. It is concluded that the changes in pulmonary ventilatory mechanics and arterial blood gases acutely after embolization are probably caused by constriction in peripheral bronchioles.

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