Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Characterization of the Isolated, Ventilated, and Instrumented Mouse Lung Perfused with Pulsatile Flow
Published on: April 29, 2011
Interpretation of airway pressure waveforms
Evans R Fernández-Pérez1, Rolf D Hubmayr
1Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Abstract:
Most mechanical ventilators display tracings of airway pressure (Paw) volume (V) and flow (V). In volume preset modes, Paw informs about the mechanical properties of the respiratory system and about the activity of respiratory muscles acting on the system. When monitoring ventilator waveforms, it is important to appropriately scale the tracing so that nuances in time profiles may be appreciated. In this short monograph, we offer three examples of how clinicians may use this information for patient assessment and care.
Related Concept Videos
Sound as Pressure Waves
The pressure fluctuation depends on the difference in displacements between the successive points in the...
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract IV: Auscultation
Breath Sounds
Breath sounds are categorized into vesicular, bronchovesicular, and bronchial.
Pressure Relationships in Thoracic Cavity
Breathing Mechanisms
Both intra-alveolar and intrapleural pressures rely on specific lung properties. The ability to breathe—allowing air to enter the lungs during...
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...
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:
