A two-component simulation model to teach respiratory mechanics

Interactive learning has been proven instrumental for the understanding of complex systems where the interaction of interdependent components is hard to envision. Due to the mechanical properties and mutual coupling of the lung and thorax, respiratory mechanics represent such a complex system, yet their understanding is essential for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of various respiratory disorders. Here, we present a new mechanical model that allows for the simulation of respiratory pressure and volume changes in different ventilation modes. A bellow reflecting the "lung" is positioned within the inverted glass cylinder of a bell spirometer, which is sealed by a water lock and reflects the "thorax." A counterweight attached to springs representing the elastic properties of the chest wall lifts the glass cylinder, thus creating negative "pleural" pressure inside the cylinder and inflating the bellow. Lung volume changes as well as pleural and intrapulmonary pressures are monitored during simulations of spontaneous ventilation, forced expiration, and mechanical ventilation, allowing for construction of respiratory pressure-volume curves. The mechanical model allows for simulation of respiratory pressure changes during different ventilation modes. Individual relaxation curves constructed for the lung and thorax reflect the basic physiological characteristics of the respiratory system. In self-assessment, 232 medical students passing the physiology laboratory course rated that interactive teaching at the simulation model increased their understanding of respiratory mechanics by 70% despite extensive prior didactic teaching. Hence, the newly developed simulation model fosters students' comprehension of complex mechanical interactions and may advance the understanding of respiratory physiology.