Computer simulation allows goal-oriented mechanical ventilation in acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Introduction: To prevent further lung damage in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), it is important to avoid overdistension and cyclic opening and closing of atelectatic alveoli. Previous studies have demonstrated protective effects of using low tidal volume (VT), moderate positive end-expiratory pressure and low airway pressure. Aspiration of dead space (ASPIDS) allows a reduction in VT by eliminating dead space in the tracheal tube and tubing.

Dynamic elastic pressure-volume loops in healthy pigs recorded with inspiratory and expiratory sinusoidal flow modulation. Relationship to static pressure-volume loops.

Objective: The objective was to analyse relationships between inspiratory and expiratory static and dynamic elastic pressure-volume (P(el)/V) curves in healthy pigs.

Design: The modulated low flow method was developed to allow studies also of the expiratory P(el)/V curves. Static P(el)/V (P(el,st)/V) and dynamic P(el)/V (P(el,dyn)/V) loops were studied in healthy pigs.

A single computer-controlled mechanical insufflation allows determination of the pressure-volume relationship of the respiratory system.

Objective: To evaluate and further develop a method for determination and mathematical characterisation of the elastic pressure-volume (Pel-V) relationship in mechanically ventilated human subjects during one single modified insufflation with simultaneous determination of resistance of the respiratory system.

Subjects: Eight adult non-smoking human subjects without heart, lung, or thoracic cage disease scheduled for non-thoracic surgery. The study was performed in anaesthetised and muscle-relaxed subjects.

Partitioning of dead space--a method and reference values in the awake human.

Although dead space is often increased in disease, it is not frequently measured in the clinic. This may reflect that an adequate method as well as reference values are missing. Healthy males and females, n=38, age 20-61 yrs, were connected to a pneumotachograph and a fast CO2 analyser after radial artery catheterization.

Aspiration of airway dead space. A new method to enhance CO2 elimination.

Alveolar ventilation and CO2 elimination during mechanical ventilation can be enhanced by reducing dead-space ventilation. Aspiration of gas from the dead space (ASPIDS) is a new principle, according to which gas rich in CO2 during late expiration is aspirated through a channel ending at the distal end of the tracheal tube. Simultaneously, fresh gas injected into the inspiratory line fills the airway down to the same site.