Effects of Heat-Moisture Exchangers and Dead Space Compensation on CO ₂ Clearance and Mechanical Power in Critically Ill Intubated Subjects

The HME impaired CO₂ elimination. Increasing V_T or f to compensate for the HME-associated V_D increased MP. At an equivalent minute ventilation, increasing V_T was more effective for CO₂ clearance but may compromise lung protection. Under iso-CO₂ conditions, the strategies did not differ.