" Mediastinal mass excision is typically performed via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). To secure a clear surgical field, the ipsilateral lung must be deflated, achieved through one-lung ventilation (OLV) and intrathoracic CO₂ insufflation. However, OLV increases intrapulmonary shunt due to continued perfusion of the non-ventilated lung, potentially leading to hypoxemia and hypercapnia.
When performed in the supine position, gas exchange becomes more challenging compared to lateral decubitus due to limited gravitational redistribution of blood flow. Although CO₂ insufflation aids surgical exposure through passive lung deflation, it may also increase CVP and PCWP, reduce cardiac output, and raise PaCO₂, contributing to respiratory acidosis.
End-inspiratory pause (EIP), a ventilatory setting that pauses airflow at end-inspiration, prolongs alveolar gas exchange and improves ventilation-perfusion matching. Prior studies show EIP can enhance gas exchange, reduce microatelectasis, and improve CO₂ clearance in patients with acute lung injury. We therefore aimed to assess the effect of EIP application during VATS mediastinal mass excicion.