[Total thoracic compliance. Determination by calculator and comparison with values obtained with the syringe method...

The performance of a calculator was studied on 19 patients requiring therapy with mechanical ventilation. Values of total compliance displayed by this calculator device were compared with values obtained with the syringe method. The determination of compliance were made at a series of values for Tidal volume (T. V.): 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 23 and 26 ml.kg-1. Measurements were performed while patients were paralysed by pancuronium bromide. In each patient the calculator device displayed values that correlate closely with the value obtained by the syringe method. Compliance increased between 3 and 26 ml.kg-1 of T. D. Between 4 and 15 ml.kg-1 of TD the changes of compliance were nearly identical whatever the method of measurement used. The calculator can be used for reliable monitoring or recordings of total compliance.