Effects of frames of various types on the cardio-pulmonary functions in man during the prone position

Abstract

In fifteen patients, the effects of frames of various types on the lung-thorax compliance and central venous pressure during the prone position were investigated. Lungthorax compliance and central venous pressure were measured in the supine position, next in the prone position without any kinds of frames, successively with the Hall frame, with long pillows, with the Mackay frame and in the jack-knife position with the Mackay frame from the same patient. Lung-thorax compliance decreased significantly (about 20%) and central venous pressure increased when the patients were turned to the prone position from the supine without these frames. During the prone position, the lung-thorax compliance with the Mackay frame and in the jack-knife position with the frame decreased signficantly. Central venous pressure also decreased significantly in the prone position with the Hall frame, with the Mackay frame. From these results we conclude that usage of the Hall frame is preferable for the operation in the prone position in viewpoints of respiratory and cardiovascular effects.