Optimal inputs for parameter determination of inert gas washout from the lung

The nitrogen washout test will yield more information about the distribution of pulmonary ventilation if a pattern of inspired gas concentrations is utilized other than the standard series of 100% oxygen breaths. The input breathing pattern which yields optimal results will vary with the specific features of the lung being studied but typically includes breaths of air, particularly in the last third of the washout. Using computerized, mathematical techniques, optimal inputs were selected for washout tests of duration 10, 20, 30 and 40 breaths for each of six lung models, ranging from a unicompartmental to a highly non-uniform 'diseased' lung. Knowing these optimal inputs we were able to devise a nominal input which was similar to the optimal inputs for all models. For a 10 breath test this nominal input pattern utilized a breath of air at breath 7. For a 20 breath test, air is utilized at breaths 12, 14, 15, 19; for 30, air at 19, 21, 22, 23, 29 and for a 40-breath test, air at breaths 19, 24, 28, 30, 31, 32 and 39. The 30-breath nominal sequence was compared with the conventional oxygen-only washout and a 31-breath pseudo-random binary (PRB) input. Comparisons were made using computer simulated washouts as well as actual tests on human subjects. The 30-breath nominal input was always superior to the standard washout and was superior to the PRB input for all models except the lung ventilated with vital capacity breaths. We conclude that a significant advantage is gained by substituting the recommended sequences of breaths in studies of the dynamics of gas exchange in the lung.