Mask mechanics and leak dynamics during noninvasive pressure support ventilation: a bench study

OBJECTIVE: To study the mask mechanics and air leak dynamics during noninvasive pressure support ventilation. SETTING: Laboratory of a university hospital. DESIGN: A facial mask was connected to a mannequin head that was part of a mechanical respiratory system model. The mask fit pressure (P(mask-fit)) measured inside the mask's pneumatic cushion was adjusted to 25 cmH(2)O using elastic straps. Pressure support (PS) was set to ensure a maximal tidal volume distal to the mask (VT(distal)) but avoiding failure to cycle to exhalation. MEASUREMENTS: Airway pressure (P(aw)), P(mask-fit), mask occlusion pressure (P(mask-occl)=P(mask-fit)-P(aw)), VT proximal (VT(prox)), distal to the mask (VT(distal)), air leak volume ( Leak=VT(prox)-VT(distal)), and inspiratory air leak flow rate (difference between inspiratory flow proximal and distal to the mask) were recorded. RESULTS: PS 15 cmH(2)O was the highest level that could be used without failure to cycle to exhalation (VT(distal) of 585+/-4 ml, leak of 32+/-1 ml or 5.2+/-0.2% of VT(prox), and a minimum P(mask-occl) of 1.7+/-0.1 cmH(2)O). During PS 16 cmH(2)O the P(mask-occl) dropped to 1.1+/-0.1 cmH(2)O, and at this point all flow delivered by the ventilator leaked around the mask, preventing the inspiratory flow delivered by the ventilator from reaching the expiratory trigger threshold. CONCLUSION: P(mask-fit) and P(mask-occl) can be easily measured in pneumatic cushioned masks and the data obtained may be useful to guide mask fit and inspiratory pressure set during noninvasive positive pressure ventilation.     

Pressure support and pressure assist/control: are there differences? An evaluation of the newest intensive care unit ventilators

BACKGROUND: Pressure support (PS) has been widely studied in both patients and lung models, but there is little data available evaluating pressure assist/control (P A/C, frequently referred to as PCV) and no data comparing the operational capabilities of these two modes on the newest generation of ICU ventilators. We used a spontaneously breathing lung model to evaluate the response of the following new generation ventilators to varying inspiratory demand in both PS and P A/C: Bear 1000, Dr?ger Evita 4, Hamilton Galileo, Nellcor Puritan-Bennett 840 and 740, Siemens Servo 300A, TBird AVS. METHODS: A bellows-in-a-box lung model was set at a respiratory rate of 12 breaths/min, inspiratory time of 1.0 second, and peak inspiratory flows (modified square wave) of 40, 60, and 80 L/min. Each ventilator was set at three levels of PS and P A/C: 10, 15, and 20 cm H(2)O. On all ventilators, flow-triggering was set as sensitive as possible without causing self-triggering. RESULTS: Trigger pressure, trigger pressure-time product, inspiratory trigger time delay, ventilator-delivered peak flow, inspiratory area as a percent of the ideal inspiratory area, expiratory time delay, supraplateau expiratory pressure change, and expiratory area all varied among ventilators and at different lung model peak flows (p < 0.01 and >/= 10% difference). However, PS and P A/C on a given ventilator only differed with regard to expiratory variables (p < 0. 01 and >/= 10% difference). CONCLUSION: In a given ventilator little difference exists in gas delivery and response variables between PS and P A/C, but performance differences do exist among the ventilators evaluated. Ventilator performance is diminished at high lung model peak flows and low pressure settings. (I)), whereas PS gives control over ending inspiration to the patient. What has not been clearly defined is the gas delivery and ventilator response differences, if any, between these two (PS and P A/C) pressure targeted assist modes. Most new generation intensive care unit (ICU) ventilators provide both pressure support (PS) and pressure assist/control (P A/C) ventilation.19,20 The specific operational difference between these two modes is the mechanism that transitions inspiration to expiration. With pressure support the primary mechanism is a decrease in peak inspiratory flow to a predetermined level, whereas with P A/C mechanical T(I) is preset.19,20 We compared the operation of seven of the newest generation ICU ventilators in a spontaneously breathing lung model in both PS and P A/C. We hypothesized that there would be no difference in variables assessed between PS and P A/C except for the transition to expiration and that there would be no difference in response among ventilators evaluated.     

Patient-ventilator synchrony during pressure-targeted versus flow-targeted small tidal volume assisted ventilation

PURPOSE: Low tidal volume (V(T)) delivered by flow-targeted breaths reduces ventilator-induced lung injury but may increase patient breathing effort because of limited flow. We hypothesized that a variable-flow, pressure-targeted breath would improve breathing effort versus a fixed flow-targeted breath. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared pressure assist-control ventilation and volume assist-control ventilation (VACV) in 12 patients with acute respiratory failure receiving 6 to 8 mL/kg V(T). Backup frequency, V(T), inspiratory time, applied positive end-expiratory pressure and fraction of inspired oxygen were held constant. Patient breathing effort was assessed by airway pressure (Paw) drop below baseline 0.1 second after the breath initiation (P(0.1)), the maximal Paw drop during the triggering phase (Ptr), the magnitude of ventilator work during flow delivery, and the presence of an active expiratory effort during cycling and air trapping judged by the magnitude of residual flow at end-expiration. RESULTS: Compared with VACV, pressure assist-control ventilation decreased P(0.1), Ptr (by 25% and 16%, respectively), and evidence for trapped gas but not ventilator work during flow delivery or cycle dys-synchrony. Peak inspiratory flow was comparable between the 2 modes. CONCLUSIONS: In patients receiving small V(T) VACV with increased breathing effort, variable-flow, pressure-targeted ventilation may provide more comfort by decreasing respiratory drive during the triggering phase.     

Setting positive end-expiratory pressure during jet ventilation to replicate the mean airway pressure of oscillatory ventilation

BACKGROUND: High-frequency ventilation can be delivered with either oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) or jet ventilation (HFJV). Traditional clinician biases may limit the range of function of these important ventilation modes. We hypothesized that (1) the jet ventilator can be an accurate monitor of mean airway pressure (P (aw)) during HFOV, and (2) a mathematical relationship can be used to determine the positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) setting required for HFJV to reproduce the P (aw) of HFOV. METHODS: In phase 1 of our experiment, we used a differential pressure pneumotachometer and a jet adapter in-line between an oscillator circuit and a pediatric lung model to measure P (aw), PEEP, and peak inspiratory pressure (PIP). Thirty-six HFOV setting combinations were studied, in random order. We analyzed the correlation between the pneumotachometer and HFJV measurements. In phase 2 we used the jet as the monitoring device during each of the same 36 combinations of HFOV settings, and recorded P (aw), PIP, and DeltaP. Then, for each combination of settings, the jet ventilator was placed in-line with a conventional ventilator and was set at the same rate and PIP as was monitored during HFOV. To determine the appropriate PEEP setting, we calculated the P (aw) contributed by the PIP, respiratory rate, and inspiratory time set for HFJV, and subtracted this from the goal P (aw). This value was the PEEP predicted for HFJV to match the HFOV P (aw). RESULTS: The correlation coefficient between the pneumotachometer and HFJV measurements was r = 0.99 (mean difference 0.62 +/- 0.30 cm H(2)O, p < 0.001). The predicted and actual PEEP required were highly correlated (r = 0.99, p < 0.001). The mean difference in these values is not statistically significantly different from zero (mean difference 0.25 +/- 1.02 cm H(2)O, p > 0.15). CONCLUSIONS: HFJV is an accurate monitor during HFOV. These measurements can be used to calculate the predicted PEEP necessary to match P (aw) on the 2 ventilators. Replicating the P (aw) with adequate PEEP on HFJV may help simplify transitioning between ventilators when clinically indicated.     

Using ventilator graphics to identify patient-ventilator asynchrony

Patient-ventilator interaction can be described as the relationship between 2 respiratory pumps: (1) the patient's pulmonary system, which is controlled by the neuromuscular system and influenced by the mechanical characteristics of the lungs and thorax, and (2) the ventilator, which is controlled by the ventilator settings and the function of the flow valve. When the 2 pumps function in synchrony, every phase of the breath is perfectly matched. Anything that upsets the harmony between the 2 pumps results in asynchrony and causes patient discomfort and unnecessarily increases work of breathing. This article discusses asynchrony relative to the 4 phases of a breath and illustrates how asynchrony can be identified with the 3 standard ventilator waveforms: pressure, flow, and volume. The 4 phases of a breath are: (1) The trigger mechanism (ie, initiation of the inspiration), which is influenced by the trigger-sensitivity setting, patient effort, and valve responsiveness. (2) The inspiratory-flow phase. During both volume-controlled and pressure-controlled ventilation the patient's flow demand should be carefully evaluated, using the pressure and flow waveforms. (3) Breath termination (ie, the end of the inspiration). Ideally, the ventilator terminates inspiratory flow in synchrony with the patient's neural timing, but frequently the ventilator terminates inspiration either early or late, relative to the patient's neural timing. During volume-controlled ventilation we can adjust variables that affect inspiratory time (eg, peak flow, tidal volume). During pressure-controlled or pressure-support ventilation we can adjust variables that affect when the inspiration terminates (eg, inspiratory time, expiratory sensitivity). (4) Expiratory phase. Patients with obstructive lung disease are particularly prone to developing intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (auto-PEEP) and therefore have difficulty triggering the ventilator. Bedside evaluation for the presence of auto-PEEP should be routinely performed and corrective adjustments made when appropriate.     

Spontaneously breathing lung model comparison of work of breathing between automatic tube compensation and pressure support

INTRODUCTION: Automatic tube compensation (ATC), a new ventilation mode that compensates for the work of breathing imposed by endotracheal tube resistance, recently became commercially available. METHODS: We conducted a laboratory study with a lung model and a Nellcor Puritan Bennett 840 ventilator to compare ATC and pressure-support ventilation (PSV). A bellows-in-a-box lung model simulated spontaneous breathing with the following settings: respiratory rate 10 breaths/min, inspiratory time 1.0 s, peak inspiratory flow 60 L/min without connecting to the ventilator and endotracheal tube (ETT). At each ETT size (5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 mm inner diameter) 100% ATC was compared with pressure support (PS) of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 cm H(2)O at positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 0 and 5 cm H(2)O. The negative deflection (PI) of the "alveolar" pressure (ie, pressure inside the bellows, P(alv)) and the delay time were measured. The PI and total pressure-time product (PTP(tot)) integrated from P(alv) were analyzed. PTP(tot) was subdivided into PTP(trig) (the PTP from the beginning of inspiration to the minimum P(alv)) and PTP(supp) (the PTP from the minimum P(alv) to the return to baseline P(alv)). RESULTS: At PEEP of 0 cm H(2)O: with ETTs of 5, 6, and 7 mm the PI values with ATC corresponded to PS of 0-4 cm H(2)O; with the 8-mm ETT the PI values corresponded to PS of 0 cm H(2)O; with the 9-mm ETT the PI values corresponded to PS of 0-2 cm H(2)O. At PEEP of 5 cm H(2)O, with all ETT sizes the PI values corresponded to PS of 0 cm H(2)O. PTP(tot) and PTP(supp) of ATC corresponded to: PS of 2-4 cm H(2)O with the 5-mm ETT; PS of 2 cm H(2)O with the 6-mm ETT; PS of 0-2 cm H(2)O with the 7-mm ETT; and PS of 0 cm H(2)O with the 8- and 9-mm ETTs, at PEEP of 0 cm H(2)O. PEEP of 5 cm H(2)O was not tested for PTP. PTP(trig) with ATC showed comparable or greater values with each size of ETT. CONCLUSIONS: ATC with a Nellcor Puritan Bennett 840 ventilator provided inspiratory ventilatory support corresponding to PS of 相似文献   

Endotracheal tube resistance and inertance in a model of mechanical ventilation of newborns and small infants-the impact of ventilator settings on tracheal pressure swings

Resistive properties of endotracheal tubes (ETTs) are particularly relevant in newborns and small infants who are generally ventilated through ETTs with a small inner diameter. The ventilation rate is also high and the inspiratory time (ti) is short. These conditions effectuate high airway flows with excessive flow acceleration, so airway resistance and inertance play an important role. We carried out a model study to investigate the impact of varying ETT size, lung compliance and ventilator settings, such as peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) and inspiratory time (ti) on the pressure-flow characteristics with respect to the resistive and inertive properties of the ETT. Pressure at the Y piece was compared to direct measurement of intratracheal pressure (P(trach)) at the tip of the ETT, and pressure drop (ΔP(ETT)) was calculated. Applying published tube coefficients (Rohrer's constants and inertance), P(trach) was calculated from ventilator readings and compared to measured P(trach) using the root-mean-square error. The most relevant for ΔP(ETT) was the ETT size, followed by (in descending order) PIP, compliance, ti and PEEP, with gas flow velocity being the principle in common for all these parameters. Depending on the ventilator settings ΔP(ETT) exceeded 8 mbar in the smallest 2.0 mm ETT. Consideration of inertance as an additional effect in this setting yielded a better agreement of calculated versus measured P(trach) than Rohrer's constants alone. We speculate that exact tracheal pressure tracings calculated from ventilator readings by applying Rohrer's equation and the inertance determination to small size ETTs would be helpful. As an integral part of ventilator software this would (1) allow an estimate of work of breathing and implementation of an automatic tube compensation, and (2) be important for gentle ventilation in respiratory care, especially of small infants, since it enables the physician to estimate consequences of altered ventilator settings at the tracheal level.     

The effects of pressure control versus volume control assisted ventilation on patient work of breathing in acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome

BACKGROUND: Patient work of breathing (WOB) during assisted ventilation is reduced when inspiratory flow (V(I)) from the ventilator exceeds patient flow demand. Patients in acute respiratory failure often have unstable breathing patterns and their requirements for V(I) may change from breath to breath. Volume control ventilation (VCV) traditionally incorporates a pre-set ventilator V(I) that remains constant even under conditions of changing patient flow demand. In contrast, pressure control ventilation (PCV) incorporates a variable decelerating flow wave form with a high ventilator V(I) as inspiration commences. We compared the effects of flow patterns on assisted WOB during VCV and PCV. METHODS: WOB was measured with a BICORE CP-100 monitor (incorporating a Campbell Diagram) in a prospective, randomized cross-over study of 18 mechanically ventilated adult patients with acute lung injury (ALI) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Tidal volume, inspiratory time, and mean ventilator V(I) were constant in each mode. RESULTS: At comparable levels of respiratory drive and minute ventilation, patient WOB was significantly lower with PCV than with VCV (0.59 +/- 0.42 J/L vs 0.70 +/- 0.58 J/L, respectively, p < 0.05). Ventilator peak V(I) was significantly higher with PCV than with VCV (103.2 +/- 22.8 L/min vs 43.8 L/min, respectively, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In the setting of ALI and ARDS, PCV significantly reduced patient WOB relative to VCV. The decrease in patient WOB was attributed to the higher ventilator peak V(I) of PCV.     

The effect of continuous positive airway pressure versus positive end-expiratory pressure on the diaphragm

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) both increase lung volume and hence may compromise diaphragm function. However, the effects of these two positive airway pressure modalities on inspiratory work of breathing are conflicting. In this study, we compared the effect of CPAP versus PEEP on diaphragm function in spontaneously breathing anesthetized dogs. Eight sodium pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs were randomly exposed to various levels of CPAP and PEEP. Measurements of diaphragmatic shortening, transdiaphragmatic pressure swings, and diaphragmatic electromyogram (EMG) were made. The change in lung volume and diaphragm length was similar at equivalent airway pressures during PEEP or CPAP. Therefore, expiratory muscle recruitment in the two conditions was equivalent. However, tidal diaphragmatic EMG and transdiaphragmatic pressure swings increased markedly during PEEP compared with CPAP. At a PEEP of 18 cm H₂O, crural and costal EMG activities were 185% ± 16% and 163% ± 8% of control, respectively, whereas during CPAP the EMG activity was 66% ± 11 % of control for both the costal and the crural diaphragms (±SE). During PEEP, the duration of neural inspiration (T_IEMG) was greater than the duration of inspiration as measured by airflow (T_IV). On the other hand, during CPAP, T_IEMG was less than T_IV. We conclude that although expiratory muscle recruitment is comparable and tidal volume greater during CPAP, the inspiratory activation of the diaphragm decreases with CPAP but increases markedly with PEEP.     

Acute effects of ventilator settings on respiratory motor output in patients with acute lung injury

OBJECTIVE: During assisted mechanical ventilation, changes in ventilator settings may acutely affect the respiratory motor output via the mechanoreceptor reflex feedback system, thus interfering with patient management. This feedback system in mechanically ventilated patients with parenchymal lung injury remains largely unexplored. To investigate this, the early response of respiratory motor output to varying ventilator settings was determined in 13 sedated patients with acute lung injury. DESIGN: During assist/control and pressure support (PS) ventilation changes in (1) tidal volume (V(T)) at fixed inspiratory flow (V'(I)), (2) V'(I) at fixed V(T) and (3) PS level were employed and the response of respiratory motor output was followed for two breaths after the change. Respiratory motor output was assessed by total pressure generated by the respiratory muscles (Pmus), computed from esophageal pressure (Pes). RESULTS: Neural expiratory time increased with increasing V(T) and PS, while it remained constant with V'I changes. Neural inspiratory time (T(I)n) increased with decreasing V'(I) and PS, but was not affected by V(T) changes. None of the changes in ventilator settings influenced significantly the rate of rise of Pmus, used as an index of respiratory drive. The changes in respiratory timing resulted in significant changes in breathing frequency, which increased with decreasing V(T) and PS and increasing V'(I). The time integral of Pmus, an index of respiratory effort, increased with increasing T(I)n. These acute responses were not related to the severity of deterioration of respiratory system mechanics. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that alterations in commonly used ventilator settings induce acute changes in respiratory timing, without affecting the respiratory drive. These changes, probably mediated via mechanoreceptor reflex feedback, are dependent on the type of the alteration in the ventilator settings.     

无创正压通气时不同压力水平对呼吸衰竭患者呼吸生理学参数和人机同步的影响

目的 研究慢性阻塞性肺疾病急性加重期(AECOPD)呼吸衰竭患者无创机械通气时不同压力支持(PS)水平对呼吸生理学参数、人机同步性的影响.方法 入选15例住呼吸科重症监护病房(RICU)的AECOPD呼吸衰竭患者,均需无创机械通气.分别随机给予受试者5、10、15 cm H2O(1 cm H2O=0.098 kPa)水平的PS,在每个PS水平通气30 min后进行2 min的连续参数测量,取其均值.记录每个水平的生理学参数,并计算无效触发指数.结果 15例AECOPD患者,高PS水平(15 cm H2O)的无效触发指数、潮气量(VT)、分钟通气量(VE)、VT变异率、呼吸机吸气时间(TI)、呼气时间(TE)、漏气量(leak)均显著高于低PS水平[5 cm H2O,无效触发指数:(33.8±9.1)%比(8.0±6.0)%,VT(ml):626±203比339±115,VE(L/min):11.1±4.7比7.7±2.7,VT变异率:(32.6±15.5)%比(11.3±6.9)%,TI(s):1.14±0.31比0.76±0.15,TE(s):2.49±0.44比1.87±0.28,leak(L/min):8.28±4.86比2.22±1.58,均P<0.05],而高PS水平时呼吸机呼吸频率(RRvent,次/min)显著低于低PS水平(17±3比23±3,P<0.05);在低水平PS支持下,无效触发指数与TI呈显著正相关(r=0.62,P<0.05).PS水平由低至高变化时,无效触发指数变化率(Δ无效触发)的回归分析显示:Δ无效触发与ΔTI呈显著正相关,与ΔVT呈显著负相关(R2=0.88,P=0.000).结论 ①低水平PS时,患者的无效触发主要与TI延长有关.②高水平PS可显著增加患者的VE、VT,降低RRvent,同时无效触发显著升高;无效触发指数的增加可以通过患者TI的延长、VT变化的个体差异得到解释,而与leak无关.③即使使用Shape-signal切换机制,高水平无创压力支持通气下的AECOPD患者仍保持较高的无效触发指数.     

Factors affecting oxygen delivery with bi-level positive airway pressure

INTRODUCTION: Portable pressure ventilators, or bi-level ventilators, do not typically have an oxygen control, and thus supplemental oxygen is usually administered by adding it into the mask or the circuit. We conducted this study to test the hypothesis that delivered oxygen concentration using this configuration is affected by the choice of leak port, oxygen injection site, and ventilator settings. METHODS: A lung model simulating spontaneous breathing was connected to the head of a manikin. An oronasal mask was attached to the manikin. A single-limb circuit was attached to the mask and a bi-level ventilator. Three leak ports were compared: leak in the mask, plateau exhalation valve with mask leak port occluded, and leak port in the circuit with mask leak port occluded. Bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) settings of 10/5, 15/5, 20/5, 15/10, 20/10, and 25/10 cm H(2)O were used at respiratory rates of 15 and 25 breaths/min. Oxygen was added into the mask or into the circuit at the ventilator outlet, using flows of 5 and 10 L/min. Carbon dioxide was added into the lung model to produce an end-tidal P(CO(2)) of either 40 or 75 mm Hg. RESULTS: Delivered oxygen concentration was not affected by respiratory rate (p = 0.22) or end-tidal P(CO(2)) (p = 0.74). The oxygen concentration was greater when oxygen was added into the circuit with the leak port in the mask (p < 0.001), whereas oxygen concentration was greater when oxygen was added into the mask with the leak port in circuit (p = 0.005). Oxygen concentration was significantly lower with the leak port in the mask (p < 0.001), with a higher inspiratory positive airway pressure (p < 0.001), and with a higher expiratory positive airway pressure (p < 0.001). The highest oxygen concentration was achieved with oxygen added to the mask, with the leak port in the circuit, and with the lowest settings of inspiratory (10 cm H(2)O) and expiratory (5 cm H(2)O) positive airway pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Delivered oxygen concentration during BiPAP is a complex interaction between the leak port type, the site of oxygen injection, the ventilator settings, and the oxygen flow. Because of this, it is important to continuously measure arterial oxygen saturation via pulse oximetry with patients in acute respiratory failure who are receiving noninvasive ventilation from a bi-level ventilator.     

The effects of inverse ratio ventilation on intracranial pressure: a preliminary report

Objective: To determine the effects of pressure control inverse ratio ventilation [PC-IRV], as compared with volume controlled normal ratio ventilation [VC], on the intracranial pressure [ICP] of patients with severe head injury. Design: A prospective study with unblinded intervention. Setting: The Intensive Therapy Unit of a base hospital. Patients and participants: Nine cases of head injury requiring mechanical ventilation and intracranial pressure monitoring were studied. Interventions: Patients were twice transferred from VC (I:E ratio 1:2) to PC-IRV (I:E ratio 2:1). Firstly, tidal volume was maintained at an equal value. Secondly, end tidal CO₂ was maintained at an equal value. No other changes were made to ventilation, vasopressor therapy or ICP control. Measurements and results: Measurements were taken of ICP, mean arterial pressure (MAP) end tidal CO₂ and respiratory parameters. In the first observation, there were significant changes in peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), mean airway pressure (Paw) and intrinsic positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) but not for ICP, end tidal CO₂, MAP and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP). The correlation between change in ICP and change in end tidal CO₂ was r=–0.74. In the second observation there were significant changes in tidal volume, PIP, Paw and intrinsic PEEP but not for ICP, MAP and CPP. The correlation between the change in ICP and the change in Paw was insignificant. Conclusions: PC-IRV has a minimal net effect on ICP. Changes in ICP correlate more strongly with changes in CO₂ than changes in Paw. Received: 16 January 1996 Accepted: 2 September 1996     

Triggering of the ventilator in patient-ventilator interactions

With current ventilator triggering design, in initiating ventilator breaths patient effort is only a small fraction of the total effort expended to overcome the inspiratory load. Similarly, advances in ventilator pressure or flow delivery and inspiratory flow termination improve patient effort or inspiratory muscle work during mechanical ventilation. Yet refinements in ventilator design do not necessarily allow optimal patient-ventilator interactions, as the clinician is key in managing patient factors and selecting appropriate ventilator factors to maintain patient-ventilator synchrony. In patient-ventilator interactions, unmatched patient flow demand by ventilator flow delivery results in flow asynchrony, whereas mismatches between mechanical inspiratory time (mechanical T(I)) and neural T(I) produce timing asynchrony. Wasted efforts are an example of timing asynchrony. In the triggering phase, trigger thresholds that are set too high or the type of triggering methods induces wasted efforts. Wasted efforts can be aggravated by respiratory muscle weakness or other conditions that reduce respiratory drive. In the post-triggering phase, ventilator factors play an important role in patient-ventilator interaction; this role includes the assistance level, set inspiratory flow rate, T(I), pressurization rate, and cycling-off threshold, and to some extent, applied PEEP. This paper proposes an algorithm that clinicians can use to adjust ventilator settings with the goal to eliminate or reduce patients' wasted efforts.     

Time-courses of lung function and respiratory muscle pressure generating capacity after spinal cord injury: a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the time-courses of lung function and respiratory muscle pressure generating capacity after spinal cord injury. DESIGN: Multi-centre, prospective cohort study. SUBJECTS: One hundred and nine subjects with recent, motor complete spinal cord injury. METHODS: Lung function and respiratory muscle pressure generating capacity were measured at first mobilization, at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation and one year after discharge. Lung function was measured in all 109 subjects, and 55 of these performed additional measurements of respiratory muscle pressure generating capacity. Trajectories of respiratory muscle function for different lesion level groups were assessed by multi-variate multi-level regression models. RESULTS: Forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 sec and maximal inspiratory muscle pressure generating capacity significantly increased during and after inpatient rehabilitation. Forced inspiratory volume in 1 sec, peak inspiratory flow, peak expiratory flow and maximal expiratory muscle pressure generating capacity increased only during inpatient rehabilitation, but not thereafter. Increasing lesion level had a negative effect on all measured lung function parameters, as well as on maximal inspiratory and expiratory muscle pressure generating capacity. CONCLUSION: Respiratory function improved during inpatient rehabilitation, but only forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 sec and maximal inspiratory muscle pressure generating capacity further improved thereafter. In particular, expiratory muscle function and subjects with tetraplegia should be screened and trained regularly.     

Calculation of intratracheal airway pressure in ventilated neonatal piglets with endotracheal tube leaks

OBJECTIVE: In ventilated neonates, only the applied pressure of the ventilator is adjusted and monitored. When an endotracheal tube leaks, intratracheal pressure decreases depending on the size of the endotracheal tube and of the leak. Furthermore, an increase in resistance and/or compliance might delay the increase of intratracheal pressure during inspiration and its decline during expiration. Short inspiratory time can cause insufficient ventilation, because intratracheal pressure peak might not be reached. Short expiratory time may lead to air trapping, because intratracheal pressure could not return to baseline. The aim of this study was to develop a mathematical algorithm to calculate intratracheal pressure continuously during ventilation and to evaluate the accuracy of this method. DESIGN: Prospective, animal study. SETTING: University research laboratory. SUBJECTS: To verify the mathematical algorithm, eight neonatal piglets (1600-2600 g) were studied under different endotracheal tube leak conditions (45% to 98%). The median compliance and resistance were 1.06 mL/cm H2O/kg and 123 cm H2O/L/sec, respectively. INTERVENTIONS: Pressure decreases caused by the different endotracheal tubes were measured in a model while air flow was increased stepwise. Based on these results, a mathematical method was developed to calculate intratracheal pressure under leak conditions continuously in relation to the flow through the endotracheal tube as well as to calculate the values of resistance, compliance, and applied pressure of the ventilator. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The intratracheal pressure calculated was compared with the measured intratracheal pressure over time. The differences between measured and calculated intratracheal pressure related to peak applied pressure of the ventilator did not exceed 10%. The medians of absolute amounts of differences between measured and calculated intratracheal pressure were <1 cm H2O. CONCLUSIONS: The accuracy of the calculation of intratracheal pressure ensures adequate monitoring of artificial ventilation, even in the presence of endotracheal tube leaks. This might decrease the risk of barotrauma and improve the effectiveness of ventilation.     

正压机械通气与膈肌起搏联合通气对呼吸衰竭患者呼吸力学的影响

目的 观察正压机械通气与膈肌起搏联合通气对呼吸衰竭(呼衰)患者呼吸力学的影响.方法 采用自身前后对照研究方法,以20例中枢性呼衰患者先使用常规正压机械通气30 min作为对照组,后改用正压机械通气与膈肌起搏联合通气30 min作为试验组,观察两种通气方式下患者的呼吸力学变化.结果 与对照组比较,试验组平均气道压(Paw,cm H2O,1 cm H2O=0.098 kPa)、平台压(Pplat,cm H2O)明显降低(Paw:6.1±1.3比7.3±1.8;Pplat:10.4±2.5比12.1±2.6,均P＜0.05),峰食道压力(PPEAK ES,cm H2O)、峰食道压力与基准食道压力差(dPES,cm H2O)负值明显增加(PPEAK ES:-8.3±1.9比-3.2±1.4;dPES:-11.2±2.6比-8.2±2.2,均P＜0.05),吸气末屏气期间的跨肺压(Ptp plat,cm H2O)、呼吸系统静态顺应性(Cst,ml/cm H2O)明显增加(Ptp plat:23.6±3.8比15.6±3.1 Cst:52.7±8.2比48.3±7.2,均P＜0.05),气道阻力(Raw,cm H2O·L-1·s-1)、肺部阻力(RL,cm H2O·L-1·s-1)无明显改变(Raw:2.1±0.5比2.3±0.4; RL:2.9±0.6比3.1±0.5,均P＞0.05),患者呼吸功(WOBp,J/L)明显增加、机械呼吸功(WOBv,J/L)明显降低(WOBp:0.18±0.03比0;WOBv:0.31±0.07比0.53±0.11,均P＜0.05).结论 正压机械通气与膈肌起搏联合通气进行呼吸支持可明显降低呼衰患者气道压力,增加胸腔内压负值和跨肺压,提高肺顺应性,并能降低机械通气作功,但对气道阻力无明显影响.

Abstract：

Objective To observe the effects of combining positive pressure ventilation with diaphragm pacing on respiratory mechanics in patients with respiratory failure. Methods Twenty patients with central respiratory failure were studied with cohorts. The effects on respiratory mechanics were respectively observed in patients in control group, in whom ventilation by positive pressure only, and patients in experimental group in whom ventilation was instituted by combining positive pressure ventilation with diaphragm pacing. Results Compared with control group, mean airway pressure (Paw, cm H2O,1 cm H2O= 0. 098 kPa) and plateau pressure (Pplat, cm H2O) were significantly decreased in experimental group (Paw: 6. 1±1.3 vs. 7. 3±1.8; Pplat: 10. 4±2.5 vs. 12. 1±2. 6, both P＜0. 05), while the nagative value of peak esophageal pressure (PPEAK ES, cm H2O), the nagative value of the difference between peak and basic esophageal pressure (dPES, cm H2O), transpulmonary pressure at end of inspiration hold (Ptp plat,cm H2O), static compliance (Cst, ml/cm H2O) were significantly increased in experimental group (PPEAKES:-8.3±1.9 vs. -3.2±1.4; dPES: -11.2±2.6 vs. -8. 2±2. 2; Ptp plat: 23.6±3.8 vs. 15.6±3.1; Cst:52. 7±8. 2 vs. 48. 3 ±7. 2, all P ＜ 0. 05 ). No differences were found in airway resistance (Raw,cm H2O · L-1 · s-1) and lung resistance (RL, cm H2O · L-1 · s-1) between experimental group and control group (Raw: 2.1±0.5 vs. 2.3±0.4; RL: 2.9±0.6 vs. 3.1±0.5, both P＞0.05). Work of breath by patient (WOBp, J/L) was significantly increased and work of breath by ventilator (WOBv, J/L) was significantly decreased in experimental group compared with control group (WOBp: 0. 18± 0. 03 vs. 0;WOBv: 0.31±0.07 vs. 0.53±0.11, both P＜0.05). Conclusion Compared with positive pressure ventilation, positive pressure ventilation combined with diaphragm pacing can decrease the Paw, increase intrathoracic negative pressure, transpulmonary pressure, and Cst, and decrease WOBv, while there is no effect on Raw and RL.     

吸气肌训练对病态肥胖患者减肥术后肺功能、呼吸肌力量及耐力的影响

目的:观察吸气肌训练(IMT)对病态肥胖患者减肥术后肺功能、呼吸肌力量及耐力的影响。方法:采用随机数字表法将36例拟行减肥手术的病态肥胖患者分为观察组及对照组,每组18例。观察组及对照组患者均于术后第2~30天期间进行IMT训练,吸气阻力值分别设定为最大吸气压(MIP)的40%和5%水平,每天训练20 min。于手术前...     

Work of breathing, inspiratory flow response, and expiratory resistance during continuous positive airway pressure with the ventilators EVITA-2, EVITA-4 and SV 300

Objective

To analyze work of breathing (WOB) imposed by the respirators EVITA-2, EVITA-4 (Drägerwerk, Lübeck, Germany) and SV 300 (Siemens-Elema, Sweden) as well as inspiratory flow response and expiratory flow resistance during continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

Design

Five study conditions on a lung model (CPAP at 0, 5, and 10 mbar, CPAP 5 mbar plus pressure support 2 mbar with both EVITA models, and CPAP 5 mbar with decreasing levels of flow and pressure trigger sensitivity with the SV 300) and three randomized study conditions in nine patients recovering from open heart surgery (condition A: EVITA-2, CPAP 5 mbar; condition B: SV 300, CPAP 5 mbar, flow trigger; condition C: SV 300, pressure trigger — 4 mbar).

Setting

University hospital intensive care unit and laboratory of pulmonary physiology.

Measurements and results

At each study condition we measured WOB, pressure-time product (PTP), WOB and PTP imposed (WOB_imposed and PTP_imposed), tidal volume, minute ventilation, respiratory rate, inspiratory trigger time, trigger pressure, trigger PTP, duration of inspiration, mean and peak inspiratory flow, and the delay from the onset of inspiration to peak inspiratory flow. Since the SV 300 automatically generates an additional pressure support of 2 cm H₂O PTP, WOB, WOB_imposed, and PTP_imposed were higher with the EVITA-2 and EVITA-4 regardless of the trigger sensitivity set on the SV 300. The difference was neutralized with both types of EVITA ventilator by adding 2 mbar of pressure support during CPAP in order to achieve comparable conditions. Inspiratory flow response was faster with both EVITA models, expiratory flow resistance was higher with the SV 300. Decrements of trigger sensitivity with the SV 300 accelerated the flow response.

Conclusions

Under similar conditions, no difference in WOB_imposed was observed, although inspiratory flow response and expiratory flow resistance differed substantially between the three ventilators tested. Trigger sensitivity plays a minor role in determining PTP and WOB but has major influence on flow.     

Intratracheal pulmonary ventilation in a rabbit lung injury model: continuous airway pressure monitoring and gas exchange efficacy

OBJECTIVES: To compare carinal pressures vs. proximal airway pressures, and gas exchange efficacy with a constant minute volume, in lung-injured rabbits during conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) and intratracheal pulmonary ventilation (ITPV); and to evaluate performance of a prototype ITPV gas delivery and continuous airway pressure monitoring system. DESIGN: Prospective controlled study. SETTING: Animal research laboratory at a teaching hospital. SUBJECTS: Sixteen adult female rabbits. INTERVENTIONS: Anesthetized rabbits were tracheostomized with a multilumen endotracheal tube. Anesthesia and muscle relaxation were maintained continuously throughout the study. Proximal airway pressures and carinal pressures were recorded continuously. The injection port of the multilumen endotracheal tube was used for the carinal pressure monitoring. To prevent obstruction of the port, it was flushed with oxygen at a rate of 11 mL/min. CMV was initiated with a pressure-limited, time-cycled ventilator set at an FiO2 of 1.0 and at a flow of 1.0 L/kg/min. The pressure limit of the ventilator was effectively disabled. A normal baseline for arterial blood gases was achieved by adjusting the inspiratory/expiratory time ratios. ITPV was established using a flow of 1.0 L/kg/min through a reverse thrust catheter, at the same baseline and inspiratory/expiratory ratio. Carinal positive end-expiratory pressure was maintained at a constant value of 2 cm H2O by adjusting the expiratory resistance of the ventilator circuit Lung injury was achieved over a 30-min period by three normal saline lavages of 5 mL/kg each. After lung injury, all animals were consecutively ventilated for 1 hr with CMV, for 1 hr with ITPV, and again for 1 hr with CMV. Six rabbits were ventilated at 30 breaths/min (group 1), and ten rabbits were ventilated at 80 breaths/min (group 2). Four rabbits in group 2 were subjected, 1 hr after return to CMV from ITPV, to another session of ITPV, with positive end-expiratory pressure gradually being increased to 4, 6, and 8 cm H2O for 15 mins each. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in carinal peak inspiratory pressure between CMV and ITPV modes, at both low and high frequencies of breathing, indicating that the inspired tidal volume remained constant during both modes of ventilation. Significant gradients were noted between proximal airway and carinal peak inspiratory pressure during ITPV but not during CMV. Initiation of ITPV, at a flow of 1.0 L/kg/min, required an increase in the ventilator expiratory resistance to maintain a constant level of positive end-expiratory pressure (2 cm H2O) as measured at the carina. During ITPV, the PaCO2 was significantly reduced by 20% at 30 breaths/min (p < .05) and by 22% at 90 breaths/min (p < .01), compared with CMV. Arterial oxygenation was significantly enhanced with a positive end-expiratory pressure of 6 and 8 cm H2O (p < .05 and .001, respectively), compared with a positive end-expiratory pressure of 2 cm H2O during ITPV. All components of the new prototype gas delivery and airway pressure monitoring system functioned without failure, at least for 3 hrs of the CMV, ITPV, and CMV trials. CONCLUSIONS: ITPV in saline-lavaged, lung-injured rabbits at breathing frequencies of 30 and 80 breaths/min, compared with CMV at the same minute ventilation, can improve CO2 exchange. During ITPV, significant pressure gradients can develop between carinal and proximal airway pressures. Continuous carinal pressure monitoring is therefore necessary for the safe clinical application of ITPV. Reliable carinal pressure monitoring can be achieved by adding a small bias flow through the carinal pressure monitoring port. Although ITPV can remove CO2 from injured lungs efficiently, simultaneous addition of positive end-expiratory pressure can further improve arterial oxygenation.