Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) Clinical Trials

This prospective, randomized crossover physiological study evaluates the effects of lateral positioning (left lateral position and right lateral position) versus the supine position on ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) matching in adult postoperative abdominal surgery participants with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Bedside electrical impedance tomography (EIT) will be used to quantify regional ventilation and perfusion (perfusion derived from an intravenous tracer bolus administered during a brief breath-hold) and to calculate global normal V/Q (normal V/Q, %). Oxygenation, respiratory mechanics (when applicable), and hemodynamics will be recorded concurrently. Feasibility and safety of the positioning protocol will also be assessed.