Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 28, 2026

Evaluation of Respiratory System Mechanics in Mice using the Forced Oscillation Technique
Published on: May 15, 2013
Validation of respiratory mechanics software in microprocessor-controlled ventilators
R J Korst1, R Orlando, N S Yeston
1Department of Surgery, Hartford Hospital, CT 06115.
Background And Methods:
Several microprocessor-controlled ventilators, available for clinical use, contain optional computer software programs capable of performing near-instantaneous determinations of airway resistance and lung compliance. This study was undertaken to determine the validity of the measurements for airway resistance and lung compliance obtained by the software packages on three microprocessor-controlled ventilators. Three ventilator models were studied. An artificial ventilator-patient circuit was constructed using a test lung and an endotracheal tube. Airway pressure and gas flow curves were recorded using conventional means. Static lung compliance and airway resistance were calculated using standard equations, while automated measurements were obtained from the ventilators. The following parameters were then varied to simulate a wide variety of clinical situations: tidal volume, peak inspiratory flow rate, respiratory rate, endotracheal tube, and test lung compliance.
Results:
Automated measurements were highly correlated with values obtained manually (resistance: Puritan-Bennett 7200a r2 = .94, Bear 5 r2 = .98, Veolar r2 = .96; compliance: 7200a r2 = .93, Bear 5 r2 = .97, Veolar r2 = .97). Calculated limits of agreement between the two methods demonstrate that although not in absolute agreement, the software-determined values for airway resistance and lung compliance differed from the manually derived values in a ventilator-specific, predictable fashion.
Conclusions:
The correlation and agreement demonstrated between values of airway resistance and lung compliance measured by the respiratory mechanics software packages and those values derived manually suggest that these software packages may be useful for measuring trends, as well as responding to treatment in the clinical setting. These results apply only to the controlled, mechanical ventilation mode. Further studies are indicated to validate this software in patients capable of generating spontaneous breaths.
More Related Videos
09:37Evaluation of Respiratory Muscle Activation Using Respiratory Motor Control Assessment (RMCA) in Individuals with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: July 19, 2013
08:223D Cine Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Respiratory Motion in Mechanically Ventilated Mice and Rats
Published on: September 19, 2025
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
Physiological Control of Respiration
Breathing, a seemingly passive process, is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem. This center coordinates the involuntary control of respirations, which means it occurs without conscious effort, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted pattern.
Regulation of Ventilation
The body maintains ventilation by monitoring levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the arterial blood. Among these factors, the level of CO2 plays a crucial...
Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings
Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV)
Ventilatory Modes
There are three ventilatory modes: full support, partial support, and spontaneous. These are described below.
Full Support Modes
Full support modes include controlled mechanical ventilation, continuous mandatory...