Using liquid ventilation to treat patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: a guide to a breath of fresh liquid.

Research with liquid ventilation indicates that this technology may benefit patients with acute lung diseases such as ARDS. In addition to improving gas exchange, this novel therapy may enhance the delivery of antibiotics and other drugs and thus hasten the recovery from other serious diseases. Additional research on using perflubron in combination with other developing therapies is under way. Clearly, liquid ventilation is not a cure for ARDS. However, it may be helpful in the supportive management of patients with ARDS. As the phase 3 clinical trials are completed, liquid ventilation may become a part of treatment in the intensive care unit. Understanding how liquid ventilation works and knowing what to look for in patients treated with PLV will help ensure better outcomes for patients when this therapy becomes part of clinical practice.