During controlled mechanical ventilation as compared to spontaneous breathing, less gradient of pressure in the system exists helping with repetitively opening and closing of the alveoli. When lungs are ventilated e.g. using the positive pressure mode, by application of positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) it prevents alveolar over distension during cycles by avoiding its repetitive opening and closing. The systemic venous blood return still depends on a pressure gradient between the extrathoracic veins and the RA (the right pressure gradient) to create adequate RV preload, but with lesser amount....(can this be quantified, and how?). AM I COMPLETELY WRONG by saying that: during controlled mechanical ventilation the inspiration does not significantly increase this gradient to the level as observed in case of spontaneous breathing to accelerate venous return while enhancing the preload? 

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