Independent ventilation of each lung with synchronized ventilators in unilateral pulmonary hyperinflation

A case in which unilateral lung hyperinflation developed as a complication of positive pressure ventilation is presented. Conservative treatment did not prevent the progressive collapse of the contralateral lung. A Carlens double-lumen tube was inserted and each lung was separately ventilated using two synchronized volume ventilators. This mode of ventilation, with application of low PEEP to the collapsed lung only, expanded the collapsed lung and reduced the hyperinflation of the other lung, with a simultaneous improvement in blood gases. This method is recommended for the management of unilateral hyperinflation of the lung when more conservative management fails.