Dynamic surface tension effects during airway reopening

Pulmonary airways can become occluded by lining fluid that impairs gas-exchange with the alveoli. To reopen these airways, a bubble of air must separate the airway walls, which can introduce large stresses on epithelial cells. In this paper we present modeling studies that aim to identify stress magnitudes on these cells, and the use of pulsatile ventilation strategies to open collapsed airways with minimal damage.