[Ventilation distribution disorders. Evaluation based on nitrogen elimination curves of the lung and on an inspiratory gas-distribution index derived from it]

An uneven distribution of the inspiratory gas volume to the alveolar volume leads to disturbances of the ventilation/perfusion ratio VA/Q with resulting arterial hypoxemia. These ventilatory disturbances can be verified by nitrogen-washout-curves and an inspiratory gas distribution index derived from those curves. Preoperative diagnostic and the control of respiratory diseases during intensive therapy are possible without technical difficulties.