Effects of unequal pressure swings and different waveforms on distribution of ventilation: a non-linear model...

In an attempt to understand the role of unequal pleural pressure swings and of different waveforms of pleural pressure variation in the distribution of ventilation during cyclic breathing, a mathematical model simulation was performed. The computer model which incorporates non-linear resistances and compliances as well as sinusoidal, square, and triangular waveforms of pleural pressure variations indicates that the distribution of ventilation is insensitive to the waveform of the pleural pressure. The distribution is also little changed by the depth of breathing (amplitude), but it is affected significantly by the pattern of different pressures over the regions of the model. For sinusoidal, triangular, and low amplitude square wave pleural pressures with equal amplitudes on both compartments, air was distributed preferentially to the lower compartment under the influence of the static pressure difference. With unequal amplitudes, more air flowed to the compartment experiencing the larger pressure swing. This was virtually independent of the waveform and of the amplitudes of the pleural pressure variation. Comparison of the present results with a constant flow model reveals that the overall distribution of tidal air during cyclic breathing is very different from the results obtained in constant rate inspiration experiments or in bolus distribution experiments. New experiments performed under cyclic breathing conditions are thus indicated.