The Physiological Effect of RCexp on Ventilation/Perfusion Distribution

With the exception of setting the positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), the expiratory phase is commonly overlooked during MV. The expiratory time constant (RCexp) plays an important role in understanding the mechanical properties of the respiratory system in patients receiving mechanical ventilation. However, it is unclear that the effect of expiratory time constant on the ventilation and perfusion distribution.