Continuous calculation of intratracheal pressure in the presence of pediatric endotracheal tubes

Calculating intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure from end-expiratory flow in mechanically ventilated children-A study in physical models of the pediatric respiratory system

RATIONALE

The high resistance of pediatric endotracheal tubes (ETTs) exposes mechanically ventilated children to a particular risk of developing intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (iPEEP). To date, determining iPEEP at the bedside requires the execution of special maneuvers, interruption of ventilation, or additional invasive measurements. Outside such interventions, iPEEP may be unrecognized.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a new approach for continuous calculation of iPEEP based on routinely measured end-expiratory flow and ETT resistance.

METHODS

First, the resistance of pediatric ETTs with inner diameter from 2.0 to 4.5 mm were empirically determined. Second, during simulated ventilation, iPEEP was either calculated from the measured end-expiratory flow and ETT's resistance (iPEEPcalc ) or determined with a hold-maneuver available at the ventilator (iPEEPhold ). Both estimates were compared with the end-expiratory pressure measured at the ETT's tip (iPEEPdirect ) by means of absolute deviations.

RESULTS

End-expiratory flow and iPEEP increased with decreasing ETT inner diameter and with higher respiratory rates. iPEEPcalc and iPEEPhold were comparable and indicated good correspondence with iPEEPdirect . The largest absolute mean deviation was 1.0 cm H2 O for iPEEPcalc and 1.1 cm H2 O for iPEEPhold .

CONCLUSION

We conclude that iPEEP can be determined from routinely measured variables and predetermined ETT resistance, which has to be confirmed in the clinical settings. As long as this algorithm is not available in pediatric ICU ventilators, nomograms are provided for estimating the prevailing iPEEP from end-expiratory flow.

Effectiveness of substantial shortening of the endotracheal tube for decreasing airway resistance and increasing tidal volume during pressure-controlled ventilation in pediatric patients: a prospective observational study

The endotracheal tubes (ETTs) used for children have a smaller inner diameter. Accordingly, the resistance across ETT (RETT) is higher. Theoretically, shortening the ETTs can decrease total airway resistance (Rtotal), because Rtotal is sum of RETT and patient's airway resistance. However, the effectiveness of ETT shortening for mechanical ventilation in the clinical setting has not been reported. We assessed the effectiveness of shortening a cuffed ETT for decreasing Rtotal, and increasing tidal volume (TV), and estimated the RETT/Rtotal ratio in children. In anesthetized children in a constant pressure-controlled ventilation setting, Rtotal and TV were measured with a pneumotachometer before and after shortening a cuffed ETT. In a laboratory experiment, the pressure gradient across the original length, shortened length, and the slip joint alone of the ETT were measured. We then determined the RETT/Rtotal ratio using the above results. The clinical study included 22 children. The median ETT percent shortening was 21.7%. Median Rtotal was decreased from 26 to 24 cmH2O/L/s, and median TV was increased by 6% after ETT shortening. The laboratory experiment showed that ETT length and the pressure gradient across ETT are linearly related under a certain flow rate, and approximately 40% of the pressure gradient across the ETT at its original length was generated by the slip joint. Median RETT/Rtotal ratio were calculated as 0.69. The effectiveness of ETT shortening on Rtotal and TV was very limited, because the resistance of the slip joint was very large.

Respiratory mechanics and gas exchange in an ovine model of congenital heart disease with increased pulmonary blood flow and pressure

In a model of congenital heart disease (CHD), we evaluated if chronically increased pulmonary blood flow and pressure were associated with altered respiratory mechanics and gas exchange. Respiratory mechanics and gas exchange were evaluated in 6 shunt, 7 SHAM, and 7 control age-matched lambs. Lambs were anesthetized and mechanically ventilated for 15 min with tidal volume of 10 mL/kg, positive end-expiratory pressure of 5 cmH2O, and inspired oxygen fraction of 0.21. Respiratory system, lung and chest wall compliances (Crs, CL and Ccw, respectively) and resistances (Rrs, RL and Rcw, respectively), and the profile of the elastic pressure-volume curve (%E2) were evaluated. Arterial blood gases and volumetric capnography variables were collected. Comparisons between groups were performed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey-Kramer test for normally distributed data and with Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Steel-Dwass test for non-normally distributed data. Average Crs and CL in shunt lambs were 30% and 58% lower than in control, and 56% and 68% lower than in SHAM lambs, respectively. Ccw was 52% and 47% higher and Rcw was 53% and 40% lower in shunt lambs compared to controls and SHAMs, respectively. No difference in %E2 was identified between groups. No difference in respiratory mechanics was observed between control and SHAM lambs. In shunt lambs, Rcw, Crs and CL were decreased and Ccw was increased when compared to control and SHAM lambs. Pulmonary gas exchange did not seem to be impaired in shunt lambs when compared to controls and SHAMs.

A comparison of endotracheal tube compensation techniques for the measurement of respiratory mechanical impedance at low frequencies

Measurement of respiratory impedance ([Formula: see text]) in intubated patients requires accurate compensation for pressure losses across the endotracheal tube (ETT). In this study, we compared time-domain (TD), frequency-domain (FD) and combined time-/frequency-domain (FT) methods for ETT compensation. We measured total impedance ([Formula: see text]) of a test lung in series with three different ETT sizes, as well as in three intubated porcine subjects. Pressure measurement at the distal end of the ETT was used to determine the true [Formula: see text]. For TD compensation, pressure distal to the ETT was obtained based on its resistive and inertial properties, and the corresponding [Formula: see text] was estimated. For FD compensation, impedance of the isolated ETT was obtained from oscillatory flow and pressure waveforms, and then subtracted from [Formula: see text]. For TF compensation, the nonlinear resistive properties of the ETT were subtracted from the proximal pressure measurement, from which the linear resistive and inertial ETT properties were removed in the frequency-domain to obtain [Formula: see text]. The relative root mean square error between the actual and estimated [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]) showed that TD compensation yielded the least accurate estimates of [Formula: see text] for the in vitro experiments, with small deviations observed at higher frequencies. The FD and TF compensations yielded estimates of [Formula: see text] with similar accuracies. For the porcine subjects, no significant differences were observed in [Formula: see text] across compensation methods. FD and TF compensation of the ETT may allow for accurate oscillometric estimates of [Formula: see text] in intubated subjects, while avoiding the difficulties associated with direct tracheal pressure measurement.

Understanding pediatric ventilation in the operative setting. Part I: Physical principles of monitoring in the modern anesthesia workstation

The modern anesthesia workstation provides a wealth of information some of which is of particular interest when it comes to optimizing ventilation settings. This knowledge gains even more importance in the therapy of pediatric patients. In the absence of evidence-based recommendations on optimal ventilation settings in pediatric patients, the evaluation of individual factors becomes crucial and challenging at the same time. Even when equipped with the latest sensor technology, the user will always have to be in charge of interpreting the provided monitoring variables. The purpose of this review is to outline the clinical impact, technological background, and reliability of the most relevant information measured and calculated by a modern anesthesia workstation. It aims at translating the technical knowledge into a more competent and vigilant application in the clinical setting.

Nasopharyngeal tubes in pediatric anesthesia: Is the flow-dependent pressure drop across the tube suitable for calculating oropharyngeal pressure?

BACKGROUND

Nasopharyngeal tubes are useful in pediatric anesthesia for insufflating oxygen and anesthetics. During nasopharyngeal tube-anesthesia, gas insufflation provides some positive oropharyngeal pressure that differs from the proximal airway pressure owing to the flow-dependent pressure drop across the nasopharyngeal tube (ΔP_NPT ).

AIMS

This study aimed to investigate whether ΔP_NPT could be used for calculating oropharyngeal pressure during nasopharyngeal tube-assisted anesthesia.

METHODS

In a physical model of nasopharyngeal tube-anesthesia, using Rohrer's equation, we calculated ΔP_NPT for three nasopharyngeal tubes (3.5, 4.0, and 5.0 mm inner diameter) under oxygen and several sevoflurane in oxygen combinations in two ventilatory scenarios (continuous positive airway pressure and intermittent positive pressure ventilation). We then calculated oropharyngeal pressure as proximal airway pressure minus ΔP_NPT . Calculated and measured oropharyngeal pressure couples of values were compared with the root mean square deviation to assess accuracy. We also investigated whether oropharyngeal pressure accuracy depends on the nasopharyngeal tube diameter, flow rate, gas composition, and leak size. Using ΔP_NPT charts, we tested whether ΔP_NPT calculation was feasible in clinical practice.

RESULTS

When we tested small-diameter nasopharyngeal tubes at high-flow or high-peak inspiratory pressure, proximal airway pressure measurements markedly overestimated oropharyngeal pressure. Comparing measured and calculated maximum and minimum oropharyngeal pressure couples yielded root mean square deviations less than 0.5 cmH₂ O regardless of ventilatory modality, nasopharyngeal tube diameter, flow rate, gas composition, and leak size.

CONCLUSION

During nasopharyngeal tube-assisted anesthesia, proximal airway pressure readings on the anesthetic monitoring machine overestimate oropharyngeal pressure especially for smaller-diameter nasopharyngeal tubes and higher flow, and to a lesser extent for large leaks. Given the importance of calculating oropharyngeal pressure in guiding nasopharyngeal tube ventilation in clinical practice, we propose an accurate calculation using Rohrer's equation method, or approximating oropharyngeal pressure from flow and pressure readings on the anesthetic machine using the ΔP_NPT charts.

PEEP/ FIO2 ARDSNet Scale Grouping of a Single Ventilator for Two Patients: Modeling Tidal Volume Response

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic is creating ventilator shortages in many countries that is sparking a conversation about placing multiple patients on a single ventilator. However, on March 26, 2020, six leading medical organizations released a joint statement warning clinicians that attempting this technique could lead to poor outcomes and high mortality. Nevertheless, hospitals around the United States and abroad are considering this technique out of desperation (eg, New York), but there is little data to guide their approach. The overall objective of this study is to utilize a computational model of mechanically ventilated lungs to assess how patient-specific lung mechanics and ventilator settings impact lung tidal volume (V_T).

METHODS

We developed a lumped-parameter computational model of multiple patients connected to a shared ventilator and validated it against a similar experimental study. We used this model to evaluate how patient-specific lung compliance and resistance would impact V_T under 4 ventilator settings of pressure control level, PEEP, breathing frequency, and inspiratory:expiratory ratio.

RESULTS

Our computational model predicts V_T within 10% of experimental measurements. Using this model to perform a parametric study, we provide proof-of-concept for an algorithm to better match patients in different hypothetical scenarios of a single ventilator shared by > 1 patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Assigning patients to preset ventilators based on their required level of support on the lower PEEP/higher [Formula: see text] scale of the National Institute of Health's National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute ARDS Clinical Network (ARDSNet), secondary to lung mechanics, could be used to overcome some of the legitimate concerns of placing multiple patients on a single ventilator. We emphasize that our results are currently based on a computational model that has not been validated against any preclinical or clinical data. Therefore, clinicians considering this approach should not look to our study as an exact estimate of predicted patient V_T values.

Optimising mechanical ventilation through model-based methods and automation

Mechanical ventilation (MV) is a core life-support therapy for patients suffering from respiratory failure or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Respiratory failure is a secondary outcome of a range of injuries and diseases, and results in almost half of all intensive care unit (ICU) patients receiving some form of MV. Funding the increasing demand for ICU is a major issue and MV, in particular, can double the cost per day due to significant patient variability, over-sedation, and the large amount of clinician time required for patient management. Reducing cost in this area requires both a decrease in the average duration of MV by improving care, and a reduction in clinical workload. Both could be achieved by safely automating all or part of MV care via model-based dynamic systems modelling and control methods are ideally suited to address these problems. This paper presents common lung models, and provides a vision for a more automated future and explores predictive capacity of some current models. This vision includes the use of model-based methods to gain real-time insight to patient condition, improve safety through the forward prediction of outcomes to changes in MV, and develop virtual patients for in-silico design and testing of clinical protocols. Finally, the use of dynamic systems models and system identification to guide therapy for improved personalised control of oxygenation and MV therapy in the ICU will be considered. Such methods are a major part of the future of medicine, which includes greater personalisation and predictive capacity to both optimise care and reduce costs. This review thus presents the state of the art in how dynamic systems and control methods can be applied to transform this core area of ICU medicine.

Pressure-flow characteristics of breathing systems and their components for pediatric and adult patients

BACKGROUND

Breathing circuits connect the ventilator to the patients' respiratory system. Breathing tubes, connectors, and sensors contribute to artificial airway resistance to a varying extent. We hypothesized that the flow-dependent resistance is higher in pediatric breathing systems and their components compared to respective types for adults.

AIMS

We aimed to characterize the resistance of representative breathing systems and their components used in pediatric patients (including devices for adults) by their nonlinear pressure-flow relationship.

METHODS

We used a physical model to measure the flow-dependent pressure gradient (∆P) across breathing tubes, breathing tube extensions, 90°- and Y-connectors, flow- and carbon dioxide sensors, water traps and reusable, disposable and coaxial breathing systems for pediatric and for adult patients. ∆P was analyzed for usual flow ranges and statistically compared at a representative flow rate of 300 mL∙s^-1 (∆P₃₀₀ ).

RESULTS

∆P across pediatric devices always exceeded ∆P across the corresponding devices for adult patients (all P < .001 [no 95% CI includes 0]). ∆P₃₀₀ across breathing system components for adults was always below 0.2 cmH₂ O but reached up to 4.6 cmH₂ O in a flow sensor for pediatric patients. ∆P₃₀₀ was considerably higher across the reusable compared to the disposable pediatric breathing systems (1.9 vs 0.3 cmH₂ O, P < .001, [95% CI -1.59 to -1.56]).

CONCLUSION

The resistances of pediatric breathing systems and their components result in pressure gradients exceeding those for adults several fold. Considering the resistance of individual components is crucial for composing a breathing system matching the patient's needs. Compensation of the additional resistance should be considered if a large composed resistance is unavoidable.

Role of tube size and intranasal compression of the nasotracheal tube in respiratory pressure loss during nasotracheal intubation: a laboratory study

Background

Small nasotracheal tubes (NTTs) and intranasal compression of the NTT in the nasal cavity may contribute to increasing airway resistance. Since the effects of size, shape, and partial compression of the NTT on airway resistance have not been investigated, values of airway resistance with partial compression of preformed NTTs of various sizes were determined.

Methods

To determine the factors affecting the respiratory pressure loss during the nasotracheal intubation, physical and fluid dynamics simulations were used. The internal minor axes of NTTs in the nasal cavity of intubated patients were measured using dial calipers. In physical and fluid dynamics simulations, pressure losses through the tubular parts, compressed parts, and slip joints of NTTs with internal diameters (IDs) of 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, and 8.0 mm were estimated under partial compression.

Results

The median internal minor axes of the 7.0- and 7.5-mm ID NTTs in the nasal cavity were 5.2 (4.3–5.6) mm and 6.0 (4.2–7.0) mm, respectively. With a volumetric air flow rate of 30 L/min, pressure losses through uncompressed NTTs with IDs of 6.0-, 6.5-, 7.0-, 7.5- and 8.0-mm were 651.6 ± 5.7 (6.64 ± 0.06), 453.4 ± 3.9 (4.62 ± 0.04), 336.5 ± 2.2 (3.43 ± 0.02), 225.2 ± 0.2 (2.30 ± 0.00), and 179.0 ± 1.1 Pa (1.82 ± 0.01 cmH₂O), respectively; the pressure losses through the slip joints were 220.3 (2.25), 131.1 (1.33), 86.8 (0.88), 57.1 (0.58), and 36.1 Pa (0.37 cmH₂O), respectively; and the pressure losses through the curvature of the NTT were 71.6 (0.73), 69.0 (0.70), 64.8 (0.66), 32.5 (0.33), and 41.6 Pa (0.42 cmH₂O), respectively. A maximum compression force of 34.1 N increased the pressure losses by 82.0 (0.84), 38.0 (0.39), 23.5 (0.24), 16.6 (0.17), and 9.3 Pa (0.09 cmH₂O), respectively.

Conclusion

Pressure losses through NTTs are in inverse proportion to the tubes’ IDs; greater pressure losses due to slip joints, acute bending, and partial compression of the NTT were obvious in small NTTs. Pressure losses through NTTs, especially in small NTTs, could increase the work of breathing to a greater extent than that through standard tubes; intranasal compression further increases the pressure loss.

Basic principles of respiratory function monitoring in ventilated newborns: A review

Respiratory monitoring during mechanical ventilation provides a real-time picture of patient-ventilator interaction and is a prerequisite for lung-protective ventilation. Nowadays, measurements of airflow, tidal volume and applied pressures are standard in neonatal ventilators. The measurement of lung volume during mechanical ventilation by tracer gas washout techniques is still under development. The clinical use of capnography, although well established in adults, has not been embraced by neonatologists because of technical and methodological problems in very small infants. While the ventilatory parameters are well defined, the calculation of other physiological parameters are based upon specific assumptions which are difficult to verify. Incomplete knowledge of the theoretical background of these calculations and their limitations can lead to incorrect interpretations with clinical consequences. Therefore, the aim of this review was to describe the basic principles and the underlying assumptions of currently used methods for respiratory function monitoring in ventilated newborns and to highlight methodological limitations.

The pressure drop across the endotracheal tube in mechanically ventilated pediatric patients

BACKGROUND

During mechanical ventilation, the airway pressure (Paw) is usually monitored. However, Paw comprises the endotracheal tube (ETT)-related pressure drop (∆PETT ) and thus does not reflect the pressure in the patients' lungs. Therefore, monitoring of mechanical ventilation should be based on the tracheal pressure (Ptrach ). We systematically investigated potential factors influencing ∆PETT in pediatric ETTs.

METHODS

In this study, the flow-dependent pressure drop across pediatric ETTs from four manufacturers [2.0-4.5 mm inner diameter (ID)] was estimated in a physical model of the upper airways. Additionally, ∆PETT was examined with the ETTs shortened to 75% of their original length and at different curvatures. In nine healthy mechanically ventilated children (aged between 9 days and 29 months), Ptrach was compared to Paw .

RESULTS

∆PETT was nonlinearly flow dependent. Low IDs corresponded to high ∆PETT . Differences between ETTs from different manufacturers were identified. Shortening of the ETTs' length by 25% reduced ∆PETT on average by 14% of the value at original length. Ventilation frequency and tube curvature did not influence ∆PETT to a relevant extent. In the pediatric patients, the root mean square deviation between Paw and Ptrach was 2.3 cm H2O.

CONCLUSION

Paw and Ptrach differ considerably (by ∆PETT ) during mechanical ventilation of pediatric patients. The ETTs' ID, tube length, and manufacturer type are significant factors for ∆PETT and should be taken into account when Paw is valuated. For this purpose, Ptrach can be continuously calculated with good precision by means of the Rohrer approximation.

In vitro estimation of pressure drop across tracheal tubes during high-frequency percussive ventilation

Tracheal tubes (TT) are used in clinical practice to connect an artificial ventilator to the patient's airways. It is important to know the pressure used to overcome tube impedance to avoid lung injury. Although high-frequency percussive ventilation (HFPV) has been increasingly used, the mechanical behavior of TT under HFPV has not yet been described. Thus, we aimed at characterizing in vitro the pressure drop across TT (ΔPTT) by identifying the model that best fits the measured pressure-flow (P-V̇) relationships during HFPV under different working pressures (PWork), percussive frequencies and mechanical loads. Three simple models relating ΔPTT and flow (V̇) were tested. Model 1 is characterized by linear resistive [Rtube ⋅ V̇(t)] and inertial [I · V̈(t)] terms. Model 2 takes into consideration Rohrer's approach [K1· V̇(t) + K2 ⋅V̇(t)] and inertance [I ·V̈(t)]. In model 3 the pressure drop caused by friction is represented by the non-linear Blasius component [Kb· V̇(1.75)(t)] and the inertial term [I· V̈(t)]. Model 1 presented a significantly higher root mean square error of approximation than models 2 and 3, which were similar. Thus, model 1 was not as accurate as the latter, possibly due to turbulence. Model 3 presented the most robust resistance-related coefficient. Estimated inertances did not vary among the models using the same tube. In conclusion, in HFPV ΔPTT can be easily calculated by the physician using model 3.

Mathematical modeling of respiratory system mechanics in the newborn lamb

In this paper, a mathematical model of the respiratory mechanics is used to reproduce experimental signal waveforms acquired from three newborn lambs. As the main challenge is to determine specific lamb parameters, a sensitivity analysis has been realized to find the most influent parameters, which are identified using an evolutionary algorithm. Results show a close match between experimental and simulated pressure and flow waveforms obtained during spontaneous ventilation and pleural pressure variations acquired during the application of positive pressure, since root mean square errors equal to 0.0119, 0.0052 and 0.0094. The identified parameters were discussed in light of previous knowledge of respiratory mechanics in the newborn.

[Airway pressure monitoring by the continuous flow method in paediatric thoracoscopic surgery. A study in an animal model]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the airway pressures obtained before the endotracheal tube with the intratracheal ones in the continuous flow ventilation mode, in thoracoscopic surgery for one lung ventilation, in a paediatric model in animals.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A simple prospective observational study was conducted. Ten Large White pigs weighing 4.6 ± 0.8 kg were used. The animals were ventilated in neonatal mode (continuous flow) with a Temel Supra ventilator. Using tracheotomy, we completely sealed the respiratory system in order to use tubes without special endotracheal cuffs, which would enable tracheal pressures to be registered without interfering with ventilation. Collapse of the right lung was performed by videothoracoscopy and was maintained for 120 min. The variables were measured at 10 time periods: start and 5 min with both lungs, after collapse at 5, 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min, and 5 and 15 min after lung re-expansion. We recorded the baseline, peak, plateau and positive end expiratory pressure in the mouth of the animal and intratracheal.

RESULTS

The mean peak pressure in the mouth of the animal in one lung ventilation was 23.38 mmHg and tracheal ventilation was 21.24 mmHg, while the mean plateau pressure in the mouth of the animal in one lung ventilation it was 21.88 mmHg and tracheal was 21.39 mmHg, respectively, with significant differences in all of them (P<.05). We found statistically significant differences (P<.05) for peak and plateau pressure on comparing the record in the animal mouth with the tracheal record. The difference in absolute value was higher for the peak pressure record.

CONCLUSIONS

The pressure parameters recorded in the animal mouth were acceptable for surgery, with a suitable respiratory and haemodynamic stability being maintained. We can state that the continuous flow mode according to the pressures study may be suitable for this type of surgery, and that the mouth of the animal (patient) record for the peak pressure does not reflect what really happens in the alveoli, but we can give a suitable clinical estimate for the plateau pressure.

Locally measured shear moduli of pulmonary tissue and global lung mechanics in mechanically ventilated rats

This study was aimed at measuring shear moduli in vivo in mechanically ventilated rats and comparing them to global lung mechanics. Wistar rats (n = 28) were anesthetized, tracheally intubated, and mechanically ventilated in supine position. The animals were randomly assigned to the healthy control or the lung injury group where lung injury was induced by bronchoalveolar lavage. The respiratory system elastance E(rs) was analyzed based on the single compartment resistance/elastance lung model using multiple linear regression analysis. The shear modulus (G) of alveolar parenchyma was studied using a newly developed endoscopic system with adjustable pressure at the tip that was designed to induce local mechanostimulation. The data analysis was then carried out with an inverse finite element method. G was determined at continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) levels of 15, 17, 20, and 30 mbar. The resulting shear moduli of lungs in healthy animals increased from 3.3 ± 1.4 kPa at 15 mbar CPAP to 5.8 ± 2.4 kPa at 30 mbar CPAP (P = 0.012), whereas G was ~2.5 kPa at all CPAP levels for the lung-injured animals. Regression analysis showed a negative correlation between G and relative E(rs) in the control group (r = -0.73, P = 0.008 at CPAP = 20 mbar) and no significant correlation in the lung injury group. These results suggest that the locally measured G were inversely associated with the elastance of the respiratory system. Rejecting the study hypothesis the researchers concluded that low global respiratory system elastance is related to high local resistance against tissue deformation.

Endotracheal tube resistance and inertance in a model of mechanical ventilation of newborns and small infants-the impact of ventilator settings on tracheal pressure swings

Resistive properties of endotracheal tubes (ETTs) are particularly relevant in newborns and small infants who are generally ventilated through ETTs with a small inner diameter. The ventilation rate is also high and the inspiratory time (ti) is short. These conditions effectuate high airway flows with excessive flow acceleration, so airway resistance and inertance play an important role. We carried out a model study to investigate the impact of varying ETT size, lung compliance and ventilator settings, such as peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) and inspiratory time (ti) on the pressure-flow characteristics with respect to the resistive and inertive properties of the ETT. Pressure at the Y piece was compared to direct measurement of intratracheal pressure (P(trach)) at the tip of the ETT, and pressure drop (ΔP(ETT)) was calculated. Applying published tube coefficients (Rohrer's constants and inertance), P(trach) was calculated from ventilator readings and compared to measured P(trach) using the root-mean-square error. The most relevant for ΔP(ETT) was the ETT size, followed by (in descending order) PIP, compliance, ti and PEEP, with gas flow velocity being the principle in common for all these parameters. Depending on the ventilator settings ΔP(ETT) exceeded 8 mbar in the smallest 2.0 mm ETT. Consideration of inertance as an additional effect in this setting yielded a better agreement of calculated versus measured P(trach) than Rohrer's constants alone. We speculate that exact tracheal pressure tracings calculated from ventilator readings by applying Rohrer's equation and the inertance determination to small size ETTs would be helpful. As an integral part of ventilator software this would (1) allow an estimate of work of breathing and implementation of an automatic tube compensation, and (2) be important for gentle ventilation in respiratory care, especially of small infants, since it enables the physician to estimate consequences of altered ventilator settings at the tracheal level.

[Monitoring airway pressure in pediatric anesthesia: an experimental model of intratracheal medication and pressure-volume loops]

BACKGROUND

In the monitoring of anesthesia, airway pressure is measured in the ventilator or at the closest possible connection to the endotracheal tube.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the airway pressures and pressure-volume loops obtained before connection to the endotracheal tube with those obtained in the trachea.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We carried out a single-blind prospective observational study on ASA 1 patients between the ages of 7 and 12 years ventilated in volume-control mode with an inspiration-to-expiration ratio of 1:2. Intratracheal and extratracheal peak and plateau pressures and pressure-volume loops were recorded. A special device was designed to monitor intratracheal pressure. Both sensors were connected to the same spirometric analysis system. The variables were measured on intubation and 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 minutes after intubation. The recorded pressures were compared using the t test, the Pearson product moment correlation coefficient (r), and the Spearman rank correlation coefficient (p), and regression models were fit to the data.

RESULTS

Seventy-one patients were enrolled. The mean (SD) pressure difference between the 2 systems was 3.5 (0.35) cm H2O (P < .01) and no differences between the endotracheal peak pressures and the plateau pressures were observed. The intratracheal areas of the pressure-volume loops were 15% lower than the extratracheal areas. The value of r for the correlation between the intratracheal peak and plateau pressures was 0.998 (P < .01). The value of r for the correlation between the intratracheal and extratracheal peak pressures was 0.981 (P < .01). Analysis of variance confirmed the linear relationship.

CONCLUSIONS

The difference between the intratracheal and extratracheal pressure measurements is due to the different locations at which the measurements are taken.

[Acute obstruction of the endotracheal tube]

Acute occlusion of an endotracheal tube (ETT) is a feared, potentially life-threatening complication of mechanical ventilation. In the presence of a thoracic trauma, a blood clot needs to be taken into consideration as the cause of airway obstruction. This report describes a case of sudden ventilation failure due to acute ETT obstruction by a blood clot caused by intrapulmonary haemorrhaging in a child following multiple trauma accompanied by blunt thoracic trauma in the absence of dyspnoe or haemoptysis.

Respiratory system inertance corresponds to extravascular lung water in surfactant-deficient piglets

In various cardio-pulmonary diseases lung mass is considerably increased due to intrapulmonary fluid accumulation, i.e. extravascular lung water (EVLW). Generally, inertance is a physical system parameter that is mass-dependent. We hypothesized that changes in lung mass influence the inertive behavior of the respiratory system. EVLW and intrathoracic blood volume (ITBV) were compared with respiratory system inertance (I(rs)) in four piglets before and after broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) that induced surfactant deficiency with interstitial edema. EVLW and ITBV were determined using the double-indicator dilution technique, I(rs) by multiple linear regression analysis. Measurements were taken before, and 1 and 2 h after BAL. EVLW increased threefold (from 6.2+/-0.8 mL/kg at baseline to 17.7+/-0.9 mL/kg (p < 0.001) after BAL). I(rs) increased by 35% (from 0.17+/-0.02 to 0.23+/-0.04 cmH(2)O s(2)/L (p = 0.036) after BAL) and was tightly correlated to EVLW (r(2) = 0.95, p < 0.023). ITBV did not change significantly after BAL. We conclude that I(rs) reflects actual changes in lung mass and thus hints at fluid accumulation within the lung.

Calculation of intratracheal airway pressure in ventilated neonatal piglets with endotracheal tube leaks

OBJECTIVE

In ventilated neonates, only the applied pressure of the ventilator is adjusted and monitored. When an endotracheal tube leaks, intratracheal pressure decreases depending on the size of the endotracheal tube and of the leak. Furthermore, an increase in resistance and/or compliance might delay the increase of intratracheal pressure during inspiration and its decline during expiration. Short inspiratory time can cause insufficient ventilation, because intratracheal pressure peak might not be reached. Short expiratory time may lead to air trapping, because intratracheal pressure could not return to baseline. The aim of this study was to develop a mathematical algorithm to calculate intratracheal pressure continuously during ventilation and to evaluate the accuracy of this method.

DESIGN

Prospective, animal study.

SETTING

University research laboratory.

SUBJECTS

To verify the mathematical algorithm, eight neonatal piglets (1600-2600 g) were studied under different endotracheal tube leak conditions (45% to 98%). The median compliance and resistance were 1.06 mL/cm H2O/kg and 123 cm H2O/L/sec, respectively.

INTERVENTIONS

Pressure decreases caused by the different endotracheal tubes were measured in a model while air flow was increased stepwise. Based on these results, a mathematical method was developed to calculate intratracheal pressure under leak conditions continuously in relation to the flow through the endotracheal tube as well as to calculate the values of resistance, compliance, and applied pressure of the ventilator.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The intratracheal pressure calculated was compared with the measured intratracheal pressure over time. The differences between measured and calculated intratracheal pressure related to peak applied pressure of the ventilator did not exceed 10%. The medians of absolute amounts of differences between measured and calculated intratracheal pressure were <1 cm H2O.

CONCLUSIONS

The accuracy of the calculation of intratracheal pressure ensures adequate monitoring of artificial ventilation, even in the presence of endotracheal tube leaks. This might decrease the risk of barotrauma and improve the effectiveness of ventilation.

Moisturizing and mechanical characteristics of a new counter-flow type heated humidifier

BACKGROUND

During mechanical ventilation effective conditioning of inspired air is important. In this respect, conventional humidifiers do not perform optimally. By design, a counter-flow-type humidifier should improve humidification and heating, but may increase resistance.

METHODS

We investigated mechanical impedance and work of breathing (using pressure-flow characteristics and additional pressure-time product) of a new counter-flow-type humidifier, a conventional heated humidifier, and a passive heat and moisture exchanger (HME) in physical models of the respiratory system. We investigated moisturizing performance (amount of vaporized water at different air flows and ventilatory frequencies) of the two heated humidifiers. Ease of breathing through both heated humidifiers was investigated in 12 healthy volunteers blinded to the type of humidifier.

RESULTS

Moisturizing performance of the conventional heated humidifier was flow-independent (approximately 32.5 mg vaporized water per breath at inspiratory flow rates of 30-120 litre min (- 1); P > 0.05) but decreased (10%; P < 0.0001) with increasing ventilatory rates (12-20 min (- 1)). In contrast, moisturizing performance of the counter-flow-type humidifier (approximately 33.5 mg vaporized water per breath) was both flow- and rate-independent (P = 0.75). In addition, the counter-flow humidifier caused less physical work (approximately 25%) and resistance (approximately 50%) (both P < 0.05) than the other two devices. The passive HME displayed the least favourable mechanical characteristics. Ten of 12 volunteers felt breathing through the counter-flow humidifier easier than through the heated humidifier (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Compared with a conventional humidifier, the new counter-flow-type humidifier displayed improved air conditioning and mechanical characteristics. Its lower resistance, particularly at low airflows, should be of clinical benefit during spontaneous breathing and triggered assisted ventilation.

Flow-dependent resistance of nasal masks used for non-invasive positive pressure ventilation

OBJECTIVE AND BACKGROUND

Endotracheal tube resistance is known to be flow-dependent and this understanding has improved the application of invasive ventilation. However, similar physiological studies on the interface between patients and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) have not been performed. Therefore, this study was aimed at investigating the resistance of nasal masks used for NPPV.

METHODOLOGY

The flow-dependent pressure drop of the small (S), medium-small (MS) and medium (M) Contour Nasal Mask (Respironics Inc., Murrysville, PA, USA) was measured with and without a connecting tube (length 18 cm, internal diameter 1.5 cm) in a laboratory study. The resistance was calculated by Rohrer's equation using the standard least-squares-fit technique. The present study explicitly differentiated between the resistance of the nasal mask alone when measured against atmosphere and the additional resistance caused by the nasal mask when airtightly fitted to a model head (interaction with the face).

RESULTS

Higher flow rates resulted in a non-linearly increasing pressure drop across the interface. This flow-dependent resistance of the S/MS/M mask was comparably low when not interacting with the face, but increased when interacting with the face. This flow-dependent resistance of the mask was several-fold higher when adding the connection tube and tended to be higher during expiration.

CONCLUSION

There is a non-linear flow-dependent pressure drop across the nasal mask which is low and independent of its size, but increases when interacting with the face. The connecting tube is the major determinant of the resistance originating from facial appliances used for NPPV.

Ventilator Y-Piece Pressure Compared with Intratracheal Airway Pressure in Healthy Intubated Children

OBJECTIVE

Compare airway pressure measurements at the ventilator Y-piece of the breathing circuit (P( Y )) to intratracheal pressure measured at the distal end (P( T )) of the endotracheal tube (ETT) during mechanical ventilation and spontaneous breathing of intubated children.

METHODS

Thirty children (age range 29 days to 5 years) receiving general anesthesia were intubated with an ETT incorporating a lumen embedded in its sidewall that opened at the distal end to measure P( T ). Peak inflation pressure (PIP) was measured at P( Y ) and P( T ) during positive pressure ventilation. Just before extubation, all measurements were repeated and imposed resistive work of breathing (WOBi) was calculated at both sites while breathing spontaneously.

RESULTS

Average PIP was approximately 25% greater at P( Y ) (19.7 +/- 3.4 cm H(2)O) vs. P( T ) (15.0 +/- 2.9 cm H(2)O), p < 0.01. During spontaneous inhalation P( T ) was 59% lower ({bond}8.5 +/- 4.0 cm H(2)O) vs. P( Y ) ({bond}3.5 +/- 2.0 cm H(2)O), p < 0.01. WOBi measured at P( Y ) (0.10 +/- 0.02 Joule/L) was 86% less than WOBi measured at P( T ) (0.70 +/- 0.40 Joule/L), p < 0.01.

CONCLUSIONS

In healthy children P( Y ) significantly overestimates PIP in the trachea during positive pressure ventilation and underestimates the intratracheal airway pressure during spontaneous inhalation. During positive pressure ventilation P( T ) better assesses the pressure generated in the airways and lungs compared to P( Y ) because P( T ) also includes the difference in airway pressure across the ETT tube due to resistance. During spontaneous inhalation, P( T ) reflects the series resistance of the ETT and ventilator circuit, while P( Y ) reflects only the resistance of the ventilator circuit, accounting for the smaller decreases in pressure. Additionally, P( Y ) underestimates the total WOBi load on the respiratory muscles. Thus, P( T ) is a more accurate reflection of pulmonary airway pressures than P( Y ) and suggests that it should be incorporated into ventilator systems to more accurately trigger the ventilator and to reduce work of breathing.

Alveolar recruitment in acute lung injury

Alveolar recruitment is one of the primary goals of respiratory care for acute lung injury. It is aimed at improving pulmonary gas exchange and, even more important, at protecting the lungs from ventilator-induced trauma. This review addresses the concept of alveolar recruitment for lung protection in acute lung injury. It provides reasons for why atelectasis and atelectrauma should be avoided; it analyses current and future approaches on how to achieve and preserve alveolar recruitment; and it discusses the possibilities of detecting alveolar recruitment and derecruitment. The latter is of particular clinical relevance because interventions aimed at lung recruitment are often undertaken without simultaneous verification of their effectiveness.

Inertance measurements by jet pulses in ventilated small lungs after perfluorochemical liquid (PFC) applications

Perfluorochemical liquid (PFC) liquids or aerosols are used for assisted ventilation, drug delivery, lung cancer hyperthermia and pulmonary imaging. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PFC liquid on the inertance (I) of the respiratory system in newborn piglets using partial liquid ventilation (PLV) with different volumes of liquid. End-inspiratory (I(in)) and end-expiratory (I(ex)) inertance were measured in 15 ventilated newborn piglets (age < 12 h, mean weight 724 +/- 93 g) by brief flow pulses before and 80 min after PLV using a PFC volume (PF5080, 3 M) of 10 ml kg(-1) (N = 5) or 30 ml kg(-1) (N = 10). I was calculated from the imaginary part of the measured respiratory input impedance by regression analysis. Straight tubes with 2-4 mm inner diameter were used to validate the equipment in vitro by comparison with the analytically calculated values. In vitro measurements showed that the measuring error of I was <5% and that the reproducibility was better than 1.5%. The correlation coefficient of the regression model to determine I was >0.988 in all piglets. During gas ventilation, I(in) and I(ex) (mean +/- SD) were 31.7 +/- 0.8 Pa l(-1) s(2) and 33.3 +/- 2.1 Pa l(-1) s(2) in the 10 ml group and 32.4 +/- 0.8 Pa l(-1) s(2) and 34.0 +/- 2.5 Pa l(-1) s(2) in the 30 ml group. However, I of the 3 mm endotracheal tube (ETT) used was already 26.4 Pa l(-1) s(2) (about 80% of measured I). During PLV, there was a minimal increase of I(in) to 33.1 +/- 2.5 Pa l(-1) s(2) in the 10 ml group and to 34.5 +/- 2.7 Pa l(-1) s(2) in the 30 ml group. In contrast, the increase of I(ex) was dramatically larger (p < 0.001) to 67.7 +/- 13.3 Pa l(-1) s(2) and to 74.8 +/- 9.3 Pa l(-1) s(2) in the 10 ml and 30 ml groups, respectively. Measurements of I by jet pulses in intubated small animals are reproducible. PFC increases the respiratory inertance, but the magnitude depends considerably on its spatial distribution which changes during the breathing cycle. Large differences between I(in) and I(ex) are an indicator for liquid in airways or the ETT.

Intratracheal pressure: a more accurate reflection of pulmonary airway pressure in pediatric patients with respiratory failure

OBJECTIVES

Peak inflation pressure (PIP) on many ventilators (P(vent)), measured distal to the exhalation limb or Y-piece of the breathing circuit, is assumed as the pressure applied to the airways and lungs. However, in vitro studies show P(vent) data are spurious. There are no studies evaluating the accuracy of P(vent) data for pediatric patients with acute respiratory failure. We hypothesized that intratracheal airway pressure (P(T)) is more accurate than P(vent) and that by using P(vent), abnormally increased imposed resistive work of breathing (WOBi) may go undetected.

DESIGN

Prospective and descriptive study.

SETTING

A pediatric intensive care unit at a university hospital.

PATIENTS

Twenty-one pediatric patients with respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation.

INTERVENTIONS

All patients were intubated with a commercially available endotracheal tube (ETT) with a pressure measuring the lumen opening at the distal end used for measuring P(T). Pressure/flow sensors positioned between the ETT and Y-piece measured tidal volume (V(T)) and flow rate. P(vent) data were recorded as displayed on the ventilator. WOBi was measured by integrating P(T) and V(T) data.

RESULTS

PIP at P(vent) and P(T) were 26 +/- 8 cm H(2)O and 19 +/- 7 cm H(2)O, respectively (p < .05). P(T) measurements averaged 27% less than P(vent). The relationship between P(vent)-P(T) (pressure drop across the breathing circuit and ETT) and flow rate during spontaneous inhalation was highly correlated (r = .80, p < .002), indicating the greater the flow rate, the greater the pressure drop and WOBi. WOBi, ranging from 0.04-1.5 J/L, was measured in 52% of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

P(vent) significantly overestimates PIP. Moreover, P(vent) data does not allow for recognition of increased WOBi for many patients. Clinicians need to be aware of the limitations of P(vent) data and consider using ETTs that allow measurement of P(T), a more accurate reflection of pulmonary airway pressure.

Good short-term agreement between measured and calculated tracheal pressure

BACKGROUND

Tracheal pressure (P(tr)) is required to measure the resistance of the tracheal tube and the breathing circuit. P(tr) can either be measured with a catheter or, alternatively, calculated from the pressure-flow data available from the ventilator.

METHODS

Calculated P(tr) was compared with measured P(tr) during controlled ventilation and assisted spontaneous breathing in 18 healthy and surfactant-depleted piglets. Their lungs were ventilated using different flow patterns, tidal volumes (V(T)) and levels of positive end-expiratory pressure.

RESULTS

In terms of the root mean square error (RMS), indicating the average deviation of calculated from measured P(tr), the difference between calculated and measured P(tr) was 0.6 cm H(2)O (95%CI 0.58-0.65) for volume-controlled ventilation; 0.73 cm H(2)O (0.72-0.75) for pressure support ventilation; and 0.78 cm H(2)O (0.75-0.80) for bi-level positive airway pressure ventilation.

CONCLUSION

The good agreement between calculated and measured P(tr) during varying conditions, suggests that calculating P(tr) could help setting the ventilator and choosing the appropriate level of support.

Measurement of changes in respiratory mechanics during partial liquid ventilation using jet pulses

OBJECTIVE

To compare the changes in respiratory mechanics within the breathing cycle in healthy lungs between gas ventilation and partial liquid ventilation using a special forced-oscillation technique.

DESIGN

Prospective animal trial.

SETTINGS

Animal laboratory in a university setting.

SUBJECTS

A total of 12 newborn piglets (age, <12 hrs; mean weight, 725 g).

INTERVENTIONS

After intubation and instrumentation, lung mechanics of the anesthetized piglets were measured by forced-oscillation technique at the end of inspiration and the end of expiration. The measurements were performed during gas ventilation and 80 mins after instillation of 30 mL/kg perfluorocarbon PF 5080.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Brief flow pulses (width, 10 msec; peak flow, 16 L/min) were generated by a jet generator to measure the end-inspiratory and the end-expiratory respiratory input impedance in the frequency range of 4-32 Hz. The mechanical variables resistance, inertance, and compliance were determined by model fitting, using the method of least squares. At least in the lower frequency range, respiratory mechanics could be described adequately by an RIC single-compartment model in all piglets. During gas ventilation, the respiratory variables resistance and inertance did not differ significantly between end-inspiratory and end-expiratory measurements (mean [sd]: 4.2 [0.7] vs. 4.1 [0.6] kPa x L(-1) x sec, 30.0 [3.2] vs. 30.7 [3.1] Pa x L(-1) x sec2, respectively), whereas compliance decreased during inspiration from 14.8 (2.0) to 10.2 (2.4) mL x kPa(-1) x kg(-1) due to a slight lung overdistension. During partial liquid ventilation, the end-inspiratory respiratory mechanics was not different from the end-inspiratory respiratory mechanics measured during gas ventilation. However, in contrast to gas ventilation during partial liquid ventilation, compliance rose from 8.2 (1.0) to 13.0 (3.0) mL x kPa(-1) x kg(-1) during inspiration. During expiration, when perfluorocarbon came into the upper airways, both resistance and inertance increased considerably (mean with 95% confidence interval) by 34.3% (23.1%-45.8%) and 104.1% (96.0%-112.1%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The changes in the respiratory mechanics within the breathing cycle are considerably higher during partial liquid ventilation compared with gas ventilation. This dependence of lung mechanics from the pulmonary gas volume hampers the comparability of dynamic measurements during partial liquid ventilation, and the magnitude of these changes cannot be detected by conventional respiratory-mechanical analysis using time-averaged variables.

The dynostatic algorithm accurately calculates alveolar pressure on-line during ventilator treatment in children

BACKGROUND

Monitoring of respiratory mechanics during ventilator treatment in paediatric intensive care is currently based on pressure and flow measurements in the ventilator or at the Y-piece. The characteristics of the tracheal tube will modify the pressures affecting the airways and alveoli in an unpredictable manner. The dynostatic algorithm (DSA), based on a one-compartment lung model, calculates the alveolar pressure during on-going ventilation. The DSA is based on accurate measurement of tracheal pressure. The purpose of this study was to test the validity of the DSA in a paediatric lung model and to apply the concept in an observational clinical study in children.

METHODS

We validated the DSA in a paediatric lung model with linear, nonlinear pressure flow and frequency-dependent characteristics by comparing calculated dynostatic (alveolar) pressures with directly measured alveolar pressures in the model and proximal plateau pressure with maximum alveolar pressure. Sixty combinations of ventilation modes, positive end expiratory pressures, inspiratory : expiratory ratios, volumes and frequencies were studied. A 0.25-mm fibreoptic pressure transducer in the tube lumen was used in combination with volume and flow from ventilator signals. Clinical measurements were performed in eight patients during anaesthesia and postoperative ventilator treatment.

RESULTS

In the lung model we found a correlation coefficient between calculated and measured alveolar pressure of 0.93-0.99 with root mean square median values of 1 cm H2O. Distal plateau pressure agreed well with maximum alveolar pressure. In the clinical situation, the algorithm provided a breath-by-breath display of the volume-dependent lung compliance and the temporal course of alveolar pressure during uninterrupted ventilation.

CONCLUSIONS

Fibreoptic measurement of tracheal pressure in combination with the dynostatic calculation of alveolar pressure provides an on-line monitoring of the effects of ventilatory mode in terms of volume-dependent compliance, tracheal peak pressure and true positive end expiratory pressure.

Extubation after breathing trials with automatic tube compensation, T-tube, or pressure support ventilation

BACKGROUND

Automatic tube compensation (ATC) is a new option to compensate for the pressure drop across the endotracheal or tracheostomy tube (ETT), especially during ventilator-assisted spontaneous breathing. While several benefits of this mode have so far been documented, ATC has not yet been used to predict whether the ETT could be safely removed at the end of weaning, from mechanical ventilation.

METHODS

We undertook a systematic trial using a randomized block design. During a 2-year period, all eligible patients of a medical intensive care unit were treated with ATC, conventional pressure support ventilation (PSV, 5 cmH2O), or T-tube for 2-h. Tolerance of the breathing trial served as a basis for the decision to remove the endotracheal tube. Extubation failure was considered if reintubation was necessary or if the patient required non-invasive ventilatory assistance (both within 48 h).

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

After the inclusion of 90 patients (30 per group) we did not observe significant differences between the modes. Twelve patients failed the initial weaning trial. However, half of the patients who appeared to fail the spontaneous breathing trial on the T-tube, PSV, or both, were successfully extubated after a succeeding trial with ATC. Extubation was thus withheld from four and three of these patients while breathing with PSV or the T-tube, respectively, but to any patient breathing with ATC. It seems that ATC can be used as an alternative mode during the final phase of weaning from mechanical ventilation. Furthermore, this study may promote a larger multicenter trial on weaning with ATC compared with standard modes.

Direct measurement of intratracheal pressure in pediatric respiratory monitoring

We describe a method based on a Fabry-Perot interferometer at the tip of an optic fiber with a diameter of 0.25 mm for direct measurement of tracheal pressure in pediatric respiratory monitoring. The response time of the pressure transducer and its influence on the resistance of pediatric endotracheal tubes (internal diameter, 2.5 to 5 mm) during constant and dynamic flow at different ventilator settings in a lung model were measured. The transducer was positioned at -1.5 (inside), 0, and +1.5 cm (outside) relative to the tip of the endotracheal tube and compared with a reference pressure inside the trachea. The clinical application of the transducer was tested in five pediatric patients. The response time of the transducer was 1.3 ms. The influence of the fiberoptic transducer on tube resistance was negligible during constant flow in inspiratory and expiratory directions for all endotracheal tubes tested. There was no difference in pressure measurements with the transducer positioned at or 1.5 cm below or above the tip of the endotracheal tube during dynamic measurements. During clinical circumstances insertion of the fiberoptic transducer was easy, recordings were stable, and the safety of the patient was not jeopardized. The fiberoptic transducer provided a reliable and promising way of monitoring tracheal pressure in intubated pediatric patients. The presence of the probe did not interfere with either pressure-flow relationship or patient care and safety. The technique is proposed for monitoring of respiratory mechanics and calculation of changes in tube resistance caused by kinking and secretions.

Preserved spontaneous breathing improves cardiac output during partial liquid ventilation

The aim of this study was to examine whether preserved spontaneous breathing (SB) supported by proportional-assist ventilation (PAV) would improve cardiac output (CO) during partial liquid ventilation (PLV) in rabbits with and without lung disease if compared with time-cycled, volume-controlled ventilation (CV) combined with muscle paralysis (MP). PLV was initiated in 17 healthy rabbits and 17 surfactant-depleted rabbits using 12 to 15 ml/kg of perfluorodecaline. Both ventilatory modes, SB+PAV and CV+MP, were applied in random sequence using a crossover design. CO was measured by thermodilution. CO was significantly higher during SB+PAV than during CV+MP: 136 +/- 21 ml/kg x min (mean +/- SD) versus 120 +/- 30 ml/kg x min (p = 0.004) in healthy rabbits, and 147 +/- 19 ml/kg x min versus 111 +/- 13 ml/kg x min (p < 0.0001) in surfactant-depleted rabbits, resulting in an improved oxygen delivery. This difference was mainly caused by a larger stroke volume during SB+PAV, whereas there was little change in heart rate. In surfactant-depleted rabbits, SB+PAV resulted in improved arterial blood pressure and arterial and mixed venous pH and in a higher PaO2 at the same level of PEEP and mean airway pressure. We conclude that during PLV, CO is higher during SB+PAV than during CV+MP, resulting in an improved oxygen delivery. In surfactant-depleted rabbits, improved CO, oxygen delivery, and arterial blood pressure resulted in higher pH, possibly reflecting improved tissue perfusion and oxygenation.

Is pulmonary resistance constant, within the range of tidal volume ventilation, in patients with ARDS?

When managing patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), respiratory system compliance is usually considered first and changes in resistance, although recognized, are neglected. Resistance can change considerably between minimum and maximum lung volume, but is generally assumed to be constant in the tidal volume range (V(T)). We measured resistance during tidal ventilation in 16 patients with ARDS or acute lung injury by the slice method and multiple linear regression analysis. Resistance was constant within V(T) in only six of 16 patients. In the remaining patients, resistance decreased, increased or showed complex changes. We conclude that resistance within V(T) varies considerably from patient to patient and that constant resistance within V(T) is not always likely.

Dynamic respiratory system mechanics in infants during pressure and volume controlled ventilation

Dynamic respiratory system mechanics can be determined using multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis. There is no need for a particular ventilator setting or for a special ventilatory manoeuvre. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether or not different ventilator modes and the flow-dependent resistance of the endotracheal tube (ETT) influence the determination of resistance and compliance by MLR. Ten paediatric patients who were on controlled mechanical ventilation for various disorders were investigated. The ventilator modes were changed between pressure control (PC) and volume control (VC). Flow and airway pressure were measured and tracheal pressure was continuously calculated. Each mode was applied for 3 min, and 10 consecutive breaths at the end of each period were analysed. Respiratory mechanics were determined by MLR based on either airway pressure, thus including the resistance of the ETT, or tracheal pressure. Resistance was found to be slightly higher in PC than in VC. There was no effect on determination of compliance between the different modes. Elimination of the flow-dependent resistance of the ETT preserved the differences between the modes. The authors conclude that using multiple linear regression compliance is not affected by the actual ventilator mode, whereas resistance is.

Volume-dependent compliance and ventilation-perfusion mismatch in surfactant-depleted isolated rabbit lungs

OBJECTIVE

Volume-dependent alterations of lung compliance are usually studied over a very large volume range. However, the course of compliance within the comparably small tidal volume (intratidal compliance-volume curve) may also provide relevant information about the impact of mechanical ventilation on pulmonary gas exchange. Consequently, we determined the association of the distribution of ventilation and perfusion with the intratidal compliance-volume curve after modification of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP).

DESIGN

Repeated measurements in randomized order.

SETTING

An animal laboratory.

SUBJECTS

Isolated perfused rabbit lungs (n = 14).

INTERVENTIONS

Surfactant was removed by bronchoalveolar lavage. The lungs were ventilated thereafter with a constant tidal volume (10 mL/kg body weight). Five levels of PEEP (0-4 cm H2O) were applied in random order for 20 mins each.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The intratidal compliance-volume curve was determined with the slice method for each PEEP level. Concurrently, pulmonary gas exchange was assessed by the multiple inert gas elimination technique. At a PEEP of 0-1 cm H2O, the intratidal compliance-volume curve was formed a bow with downward concavity. At a PEEP of 2 cm H2O, concavity was minimal or compliance was almost constant, whereas higher PEEP levels (3-4 cm H2O) resulted in a decrease of compliance within tidal inflation. Pulmonary gas exchange did not differ between PEEP levels of of 0, 1, and 2 cm H2O. Pulmonary shunt was lowest and perfusion of alveoli with a normal ventilation-perfusion was highest at a PEEP of 3-4 cm H2O. Deadspace ventilation did not change significantly but tended to increase with PEEP.

CONCLUSIONS

An increase of compliance at the very beginning of tidal inflation was associated with impaired pulmonary gas exchange, indicating insufficient alveolar recruitment by the PEEP level. Consequently, the lowest PEEP level preventing alveolar atelectasis could be detected by analyzing the course of compliance within tidal volume without the need for total lung inflation.

Analysis of nonlinear volume-dependent respiratory system mechanics in pediatric patients

OBJECTIVE

Analysis of dynamic respiratory system mechanics is generally based on a resistance-compliance model in which nonlinearities of the respiratory mechanics indices are not considered. The recently developed SLICE method analyzing consecutive volume slices of the tidal volume was used for determination of non-linear volume-dependent respiratory system mechanics. Volume-dependent compliance C(Slice) and resistance R(Slice) were compared with C(MLR) and R(MLR) obtained by standard multiple linear regression analysis (MLR).

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

Pediatric intensive care unit in a university hospital.

PATIENTS

Fifteen pediatric patients, aged 24 days to 9.6 yrs, weighing 3-67.5 kg.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

With respect to their pulmonary status, the patients were grouped into three clinical groups: patients with no lung diseases, patients with restrictive lung diseases, and patients with obstructive lung diseases. All patients were mechanically ventilated via a cuffed endotracheal tube in the pressure-controlled mode. Flow and airway pressure were measured at the proximal end of the tube and tracheal pressure was continuously calculated. Respiratory mechanics were determined either with the SLICE method or, as reference, by using standard MLR. In most patients, the pressure-volume relationship was nonlinear, particularly in patients with restrictive and obstructive lung diseases. In the presence of considerable nonlinearity, the volume-dependent respiratory mechanics indices obtained by the SLICE method showed better agreement between recalculated and original pressure-volume loops compared with the MLR results. Furthermore, signs of overdistension of the patient's lung became obvious when using the SLICE method, whereas they were undetected by MLR.

CONCLUSIONS

The SLICE method is well suited for the analysis of nonlinear volume-dependent respiratory system mechanics in pediatric patients. The SLICE method may be used as a first step toward an adaptation of ventilator settings with respect to the actual mechanical status of the patient's respiratory system, and, to prevent pulmonary overdistension.