Full Assessment of Lung Mechanics Using Computer-Controlled, Forced Oscillation Technique

The forced oscillation technique (FOT) is a powerful and accurate method to quantify the mechanical properties of the airways and tissues of the respiratory system. Here we provide a detailed protocol for the measurement of mouse respiratory mechanical parameters. We present a procedure for mouse endotracheal intubation using a handcrafted intubation platform and confirmation module. The FlexiVentFX™ system (Scireq Inc.) is utilized for the thorough assessment of lung function with the FlexiWare™ software serving as a unit for the planning, experimentation, and analysis. The protocol has been standardized and adapted for use by our center for lung-function phenotyping of mouse models generated for the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium (IMPC). The simplified steps, technical considerations, and integrated hardware-software demonstration make this protocol adaptable and implementable for researchers interested in using FOT for lung-function evaluation. © 2022 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Support Protocol 1: Assembly of the FlexiVentFX™ system for measurements Support Protocol 2: FlexiWare database management Support Protocol 3: A guide for the construction of intubation platform and confirmation module Basic Protocol 1: Mouse endotracheal intubation Basic Protocol 2: Assessment of mouse basal lung function.