Introduction to Airway Closure

Airway closure refers to the phenomenon where certain airways lose communication, impacting ventilation. This can occur particularly in patients requiring mechanical ventilation, leading to significant clinical implications. For example, while alveoli may still remain inflated, they may not communicate effectively with proximal airways, which complicates the interpretation of driving pressure readings. Understanding airway closure is crucial for clinicians managing patients in critical care, as it affects ventilator settings and patient outcomes.