Optimum stimulus frequency for contracting the inspiratory muscles with chest-surface electrodes to produce artificial respiration.

Electroventilation is the term used to describe the production of inspiration by applying a train of short-duration pulses to chest-surface electrodes. Studies were conducted in the dog to determine the optimum frequency to produce a smooth air flow in the trachea. It was found that a stimulus frequency of 25/sec or slightly higher meets this criterion.

The safety factor for electroventilation measured by production of cardiac ectopy in the anesthetized dog.

The safety factor of electroventilation (ie, the ratio of the current required to produce an ectopic beat to the current required to produce an inspired volume of 225 ml, which is approximately twice tidal volume) was determined in 12 pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs using transthoracic electrodes positioned at the optimal electroventilation site. The optimal stimulation site for electroventilation was first determined using hand-held, stimulating electrodes. Then electrodes, 4.

Electroventilation in the baboon.

The optimum sites for chest-surface electrodes and the relationship between the inspired volume of air and stimulus intensity were determined in six pentobarbital-anesthetized baboons. The optimum stimulation sites were identified using hand-held, trans-chest stimulating electrodes. Thereafter, conducting adhesive electrodes 4 cm in diameter were placed over each of the optimal sites.

Electrically produced artificial ventilation.

The induction of inspiration by delivering a burst of short-duration stimuli to body-surface electrodes is over a century old. The authors have used the term electroventilation to describe the technique. Inspiration can be produced with stimuli applied to electrodes placed bilaterally at the base of the neck, over the phrenic nerve motor points.