Wittenstein J et al. Comparative effects of flow vs. volume-controlled one-lung ventilation on gas exchange and respiratory system mechanics in pigs. Intensive Care Med Exp. 2020 Dec 18;8(Suppl 1):24. doi: 10.1186/s40635-020-00308-0

This is the first study reporting the use of FCV during one lung ventilation (OLV) in a clinically relevant model of thoracic surgery. The authors compared the effects of FCV versus conventional VCV during OLV in normo- and hypovolemic pigs. While there was no measurable effect on oxygenation, FCV allowed ventilation with higher efficiency during normovolemia, as a significantly lower minute volume could be applied. Furthermore, during FCV the mechanical power applied to the porcine lungs was reduced, which might potentially lower the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications.