The Human Fish Challenges of the Management of a Massive Air Leak after Pleurectomy

Authors:

Ricardo MR¹*, Christina MM¹ and Nestor VO²

DOI: 10.23880/oajprs-16000106

Volume 1, Issue 1

Abstract

The human respiratory system is usually our “gold standard” when we compare other species’ respiratory systems. However, human lungs happen to be very inefficient compared to the gills in fish or the avian respiratory system; Try transferring Oxygen from low Oxygen water content or flying above Everest without supplemental Oxygen! One of the reasons for the apparent inefficiency stems from the fact that the human respiratory system (like any other mammal) has dead space: a common airway for the entry and exhaust of gases. This dilutes the inspired O2 as it get to the alveoli. Respiratory systems that can minimize dead space have the ability to increase the O2 concentration reaching the gas exchange area. We describe here the management of a massive air leak after Right pleurectomy. The massive air leak that ensued made the patient’s respiratory system behave more like fish gills, enhancing CO2 elimination in a highly “non-mammalian” manner.

Keywords:

Lung protection; Hypostomus plecostomus; Pleurectomy

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