[Respiratory function tests during artificial ventilation. Application in the choice of apparatus settings (author's...

Twenty seven patients on artificial ventilation were studied in terms of gas exchange, respiratory mechanics and haemodynamics. The characteristics of acute respiratory failure (dead space effect, shunt effect, disturbances in respiratory mechanics) may be identified and their severity determined. The effects of adjusting artificial ventilation settings (tidal volume, frequency, inspiration/expiration ratio, inspiratory flow, end expiratory pressure, inspired oxygen fraction) may be studied and better adapted to the individual functional requirements of each patient. An organigram of settings based upon the experience gained in this series is suggested.