It has been proposed that the aortic pressure variation in response to a positive-pressure breath can be used to define, in a nonambiguous fashion, the primary determinants of the existing hemodynamic state.

Several studies have shown that noninvasive positive pressure ventilation can acutely improve gas exchange and sleep quality. However, reports describing the chronic effects of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation on gas exchange, respiratory mechanics, and functional status are limited and contradictory.

The use of nasal positive pressure ventilation has been increasing at a rate that is alarming to third-party payers and particularly to the Health Care Financing Administration, which pays for services provided to Medicare beneficiaries.

Children with subglottic stenosis who undergo laryngotracheal reconstruction may benefit postoperatively from several days of deep sedation and immobilization to optimize the surgical-site healing and to avoid further tracheal damage.