Airflow and dynamic circumference of abdomen and thorax for adults at varied continuous positive airway pressure ventilation settings and breath rates.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) ventilation is a commonly prescribed respiratory therapy providing positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) to assist breathing and prevent airway collapse. Setting PEEP is highly debated and it is thus primarily titrated based on symptoms of excessive or insufficient support. However, titration periods are clinician intensive and can result in barotrauma or under-oxygenation during the process.

An identifiable model of lung mechanics to diagnose and monitor COPD.

Background: Current methods to diagnose and monitor COPD employ spirometry as the gold standard to identify lung function reduction with reduced forced expiratory volume (FEV)/vital capacity (VC) ratio. Current methods utilise linear assumptions regarding airway resistance, where nonlinear resistance modelling may provide rapid insight into patient specific condition and disease progression. This study examines model-based expiratory resistance in healthy lungs and those with progressively more severe COPD.

Physiologic-range three/two-way valve for respiratory circuits.

A 3D-printed three/two-way valve compatible with respiratory circuits is presented. It is actuated by a servo motor (HXT12K), which is able to be controlled by any PWM-capable micro controller. The valve sufficiently isolates respiratory circuits to deliver fully customisable mechanical ventilation breathing cycles, with differences in driving and end-expiratory pressures of up to successfully demonstrated.

Capacity of Infusion Lines for Insulin Adsorption: Effect of Flow Rate on Total Adsorption.

Background: Insulin adsorption to clinical materials has been well observed, but not well quantified. Insulin adsorption reduces expected and actual insulin delivery and is unaccounted for in insulin therapy or glycemic control. It may thus contribute to poor control and high glycemic variability.