%0 Journal Article %A Talitha Comaru %A Humberto Holmer Fiori %A Renato Machado Fiori %A Priscila Padoim %A Jaqueline Basso Stivanin %A Vinicius Duval da Silva %T Experimental Model of Atelectasis in Newborn Piglets %D 2014 %R 10.4187/respcare.02352 %J Respiratory Care %P 121-126 %V 59 %N 1 %X BACKGROUND: There are few studies using animal models in chest physical therapy. However, there are no models to assess these effects in newborns. This study aimed to develop a model of obstructive atelectasis induced by artificial mucus injection in the lungs of newborn piglets, for the study of neonatal physiotherapy. METHODS: Thirteen newborn piglets received artificial mucus injection via the endotracheal tube. X-rays and blood gas analysis confirmed the atelectasis. RESULTS: The model showed consistent results between oxygenation parameters and radiological findings. Ten (76.9%) of the 13 piglets responded to the intervention. This did not significantly differ from the expected percentage of 50% by the binomial test (95% CI 46.2–95%, P = .09). CONCLUSIONS: Our model of atelectasis in newborn piglets is both feasible and appropriate to evaluate the impact of physical therapies on atelectasis in newborns. %U https://rc.rcjournal.com/content/respcare/59/1/121.full.pdf