Airway pressure release ventilation and pediatrics: theory and practice.

Airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) facilitates oxygenation and ventilation by maintaining an elevated baseline airway pressure similar to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). APRV differs from CPAP only by the addition of regular, brief release of airway pressure to facilitate carbon dioxide removal. The baseline pressure maintains a near continuous airway pressure to facilitate recruitment, improving ventilation and oxygenation. Pediatric patients who have recruitable lung disease may be well suited to the application of APRV.