Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Investigation into Deep Breathing through Measurement of Ventilatory Parameters and Observation of Breathing Patterns
Published on: September 16, 2019
Changes in breathing patterns after lung operations
M Hagiya1, T Nishino, K Hiraga
1Department of Anesthesia, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
To assess the effects of thoracic surgery on breathing patterns without conscious intervention, we analyzed and compared the breathing patterns observed immediately before and after surgical procedure while anesthesia was maintained with enflurane and nitrous oxide at a constant level in 15 patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Our results showed that immediately after the surgical procedure, respiratory frequency (f) was significantly higher and tidal volume (V(T)) was significantly smaller than those observed immediately before the surgical procedure. The increased f during the period immediately after the surgical procedure was due to shortening of both inspiratory time (T(I)) and expiratory time (T(E)) without changing the ratio of T(I) to the total breath time (T(tot)). Despite the significant decrease in V(T) observed immediately after the surgical procedure, the value of negative pressure during the occluded inspiration (P(max)) was significantly higher than that observed immediately before the surgical procedure. These results indicate that a rapid, shallow type of breathing pattern can occur after thoracic surgery without conscious intervention.
Related Concept Videos
Alterations in Respiration II
In Biot's breathing, the respiratory rate and depth are irregular, alternating between periods of deep gasping and apnea. Common causes include...
Respiratory Volumes and Capacities I
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration can...
Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:
Acute Respiratory Failure-IV
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation