Function of the Oxford Ventilator at high pressure

Area of Science:

• Hyperbaric Medicine
• Respiratory Care Technology

Background:

• Mechanical ventilation is crucial for respiratory support.
• The demands of hyperbaric environments pose unique challenges for ventilator function.
• Assessing ventilator performance under extreme pressure is essential for safety and efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the performance of the Penlon Oxford Ventilator under extreme hyperbaric conditions.
• To determine the suitability of the ventilator for prolonged ventilatory support in hyperbaric environments.
• To assess the ease of use and training requirements for non-anaesthetists.

Main Methods:

• Remote assessment of the Penlon Oxford Ventilator using a lung ventilator performance analyser.
• Testing was conducted in both air and oxyhelium environments at elevated pressures.
• Ease of use and training potential were evaluated for non-anaesthetist personnel.

Main Results:

• The Penlon Oxford Ventilator functioned effectively up to 6 atmospheres absolute (ATA) in air.
• The ventilator performed well up to 31 ATA in an oxyhelium environment.
• The device features simple controls and was deemed relatively easy to teach to non-anaesthetists.

Conclusions:

• The Penlon Oxford Ventilator is a reliable option for ventilatory support in extreme hyperbaric conditions.
• Its performance in air and oxyhelium environments, coupled with ease of use, makes it suitable for extended use.
• The ventilator requires minimal adaptation (Schrader valve) for high-pressure applications.