Prone ventilation and acute respiratory distress syndrome

Prone position of patients is adopted for surgical approach of the spine since 1949. Under the position, varieties of physical reactions are noted, especially over increasing oxygenation. Since 1974, prone ventilation has been performed over ventilated patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome for increasing oxygenation. From recent several evidence-based studies, prone ventilation could improve the oxygenation of those patients, but no satisfactory benefits are proved over clinical outcome. Besides, the patient could be hurt due to some complications of prone ventilation. Therefore, we collect reports to contribute clinical staff in understanding the physiological mechanism, indications, practice, and complications of prone ventilation.