New ventilators for the ICU--usefulness of lung performance reporting

Monitoring the functional and mechanical properties of the lungs during positive pressure ventilation may assist in confirming the underlying pulmonary diagnosis, allow therapeutic interventions to be accurately assessed and provide information that ensures the optimal setting of the ventilator parameters and encourages timely weaning. This article reviews the range of lung function measurements, both continuous and intermittent, that may be undertaken during mechanical ventilation. The monitoring capability of ICU ventilators is increasing in complexity.