What Is Ventilation Perfusion Matching?

Ventilation-perfusion matching refers to a state of equilibrium within the respiratory system. The term can also refer to an innate mechanism of the body which strives to rebalance the impaired respiratory system.

Lung Function

• How well the lungs fill with air defines ventilation ability. The effectiveness of the circulation through pulmonary blood vessels indicates perfusion ability. Doctors observe these abilities of the lungs by various means to obtain a ventilation-perfusion ratio. Medical professionals utilize this measurement when prescribing interventions that help restore functional ability of the patient and allow for ventilation-perfusion matching.

Significance

• When there is disruption of the oxygenation of the blood via the lungs, the patient's body employs its own mechanisms that attempt to return the respiratory system to adequate functioning ability. Oxygen moves to areas with the best function, thereby utilizing the remaining tissues and vessels optimally. The body attempts to repair itself as best it can and ventilation-perfusion matching occurs along with the decrease in adverse symptoms.

Considerations

• To discern a diagnosis or determine whether interventions are working, doctors often use gas chromatography along with the insertion of a heart catheter to obtain measurements. Among other methods used are echo-cardiograms, CT scans, and MRI. These tests along with assessment of symptoms help to ascertain whether ventilation-perfusion matching is taking place sufficiently.