Impact of Stepwise Recruitment Maneuvers on Cerebral Hemodynamics: Experimental Study in Neonatal Model

Background: Lung recruitment maneuvers (LRMs) have been demonstrated to be effective in avoiding atelectasis during general anesthesia in the pediatric population. Performing these maneuvers is safe at the systemic hemodynamic and respiratory levels.

Aims: We aimed to evaluate the impact of a stepwise LRM and individualized positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on cerebral hemodynamics in an experimental neonatal model.

Methods: Eleven newborn pigs (less than 72 h old, 2.56 ± 0.18 kg in weight) were included in the study. The LRM was performed under pressure-controlled ventilation with a constant driving pressure (15 cmH₂O) in a stepwise increasing PEEP model. The target peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) was 30 cmH₂O and the PEEP was 15 cmH₂O. The following hemodynamic variables were monitored using the PICCO^® system: mean arterial pressure (MAP), central venous pressure (CVP), and cardiac output (CO). The cerebral hemodynamics variables monitored were intracranial pressure (ICP) (with an intraparenchymal Camino^® catheter) and cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO₂) (with the oximetry monitor INVOS 5100^® system). The following respiratory parameters were monitored: oxygen saturation, fraction of inspired oxygen, partial pressure of oxygen, end-tidal carbon dioxide pressure, Pmean, PEEP, static compliance (Cstat), and dynamic compliance (Cdyn).

Results: All LRMs were safely performed as scheduled without any interruptions. Systemic hemodynamic stability was maintained during the lung recruitment maneuver. No changes in ICP occurred. We observed an improvement in rSO₂ after the maneuver (+5.8%).

Conclusions: Stepwise LRMs are a safe tool to avoid atelectasis. We did not observe an impairment in cerebral hemodynamics but an improvement in cerebral oxygenation.