The effectiveness of positive end-expiratory pressure after coronary artery bypass grafting

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of conventional respiratory physical therapy (CRP) associated with positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) on pulmonary function, inspiratory muscle strength (IMS) and radiological alterations in patients undergoing myocardial revascularization. A total of 15 patients were selected and divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (n=7) underwent CRP and Group 2 (n=8) underwent PEEP associated with CRP. Pulmonary function was evaluated by spirometry, the IMS, using a manovacuometer and the presence of pulmonary abnormalities was observed using chest radiographs, in the preoperative (Pre) and third postoperative (PO3) periods. Significant reductions were observed in the spirometric values and maximal inspiratory pressure between Pre and PO3 in the 2 groups, and there was no difference in the comparison between groups. In conclusion, the patients suffered impairments in the IMS and pulmonary function after surgery and, even having undergone respiratory therapy protocols, there was no restoration of the values by PO3 or differences between groups, despite the inclusion of PEEP. However, no patients presented radiological changes as a result of the heart surgery.