Low-flow ECMO and CO2 removal

In 1952, the outbreak of poliomyelitis in Copenhagen recalls the first clinical scenario in which positive pressure mechanical ventilation (MV) was extensively applied to patients with acute respiratory failure. MV was able to restore the balance between weak respiratory muscles and inspiratory workload. Paradoxically, depending on the impairment of respiratory system mechanics, the ventilator setting, per se, may cause macroscopic and microscopic lung injury, negatively affecting patient outcome.