Ventilator Induced Diaphragm Dysfunction

The diaphragm is the primary muscle of respiration and its function is critical to recovery from respiratory failure. Diaphragm function is impaired in many mechanically ventilated patients, in part because of injury to the muscle related to mechanical ventilation. Dr. Ewan Goligher will review the mechanisms and impact of ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction and identifies potential therapeutic strategies. Dr. Goligher is Assistant Professor of Medicine and Physiology at the University of Toronto, and clinician-scientist at University Health Network. His program of research is aimed at developing and testing lung- and diaphragm-protective strategies for patients with acute respiratory failure.