Airway patency via positive end-expiratory pressure

Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is a mechanical ventilation strategy that involves maintaining a positive pressure in the airways at the end of expiration, which prevents alveolar collapse, improves oxygenation, increases functional residual capacity, and helps reduce ventilator-induced lung injury, particularly in diseases such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other forms of hypoxemic respiratory failure. PEEP can have significant hemodynamic and pulmonary side effects if not titrated appropriately, including barotrauma, hypotension, and decreased cardiac output.

Other names

PEEPPositive end-expiratory pressure

Mechanical prevention of alveolar collapse by maintaining positive pressure in the airways at end-expiration, leading to alveolar recruitment and improved ventilation/perfusion matching.