Comparison of anaesthesia ventilators using a lung model.

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Mechanical Ventilation
• Respiratory Mechanics

Background:

• Evaluating the performance of anesthesia ventilators is crucial for patient safety.
• Older models like the Engström 300 set a benchmark for ventilatory performance.
• Advancements in ventilator technology necessitate comparative performance assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the ventilatory performance of six modern anesthesia ventilators against the established Engström 300.
• To assess the accuracy of delivered minute volume across different ventilators.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of gas distribution in simulated obstructed lungs.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a lung model with adjustable bronchial occlusion and simulated lungs.
• Compared dialled (set) minute volume with recorded minute volume for each ventilator.
• Calculated gas distribution between obstructed and non-obstructed lung compartments.

Main Results:

• All tested ventilators exhibited a linear relationship between dialled and measured minute volume.
• The Servo Ventilator 900 D showed gas distribution performance equal to or better than the Engström 300.
• Other ventilators' gas distribution capabilities varied, with some not matching the benchmark.

Conclusions:

• The Servo Ventilator 900 D is a high-performing anesthesia ventilator regarding gas distribution.
• Modern anesthesia ventilators show consistent minute volume delivery but varying gas distribution.
• Further research may be needed to optimize gas distribution in ventilators for complex respiratory scenarios.