Pulmonary impedance in dogs measured by forced random noise with a retrograde catheter

Measurement of total respiratory impedance in dogs by the forced oscillation technique

The resistance (Rrs) and reactance (Xrs) of the total respiratory system were determined at various frequencies in 14 healthy conscious beagle dogs. A pseudorandom noise pressure wave was produced at the nostrils of the animals by means of a loudspeaker adapted to the nose by a tightly fitting mask. A Fourier analysis of the pressure and flow signals yielded mean Rrs and Xrs, over 16 s, at frequencies from 2 to 26 Hz. The influence of the posture of the dog, the position of its head, the linearity of the respiratory system, the reproducibility of the method and the effects of upper and lower airway obstructions were studied. In sitting and standing healthy dogs with the head in the extended position, Rrs values increased progressively with frequency from 5.4 +/- 0.4 (SEM) cmH2O L-1s at 6 Hz up to 8.8 +/- 0.7 cmH2O L-1s at 26 Hz, the mean resonant frequency being 6.1 +/- 0.5 Hz. No significant differences were observed between measurements performed with the head in the normal or the extended position. In a recumbent posture, all Rrs values were increased but Rrs was still dependent on the frequency in the same way (7.1 +/- 0.7 cmH2O L-1s at 6Hz up to 10.0 +/- 0.5 cmH2O L-1s at 26 Hz). Tracheal compression also induced higher Rrs values without changes in the frequency dependence or in the resonant frequency. In anaesthetized dogs, airway obstruction was induced by inhalation of histamine (4 mg/ml for 5 min; the Rrs values tended to decrease with increasing frequency, and the resonant frequency was markedly increased.

Respiratory system impedance in patients with acute left ventricular failure: pathophysiology and clinical interest

To investigate the relationship between alterations in lung mechanics and acute pulmonary vascular congestion, repeated measurements of the respiratory system impedance (Zrs) were performed in 11 patients with and in seven without acute left ventricular failure. Indexes of Zrs were obtained by calculating the average and slope of the resistance and reactance in low (10 to 20 Hz) and high (20 to 50 Hz) frequency intervals. Zrs indexes in patients with ventricular failure differ significantly from those in patients without failure. Pulmonary vascular congestion is regularly associated with an abnormal frequency dependence of resistance at low frequencies and with an increased resonant frequency. Discriminant analysis of Zrs indexes allows 92% correct classification of pulmonary capillary wedge pressures lower than and those equal to or higher than 18 mm Hg. Zrs differences between patients with and without left ventricular failure are consistent with the presence of a small airways obstruction even in patients with mild left ventricular failure. Furthermore, use of Zrs indexes permits moderate and severe pulmonary vascular congestion to be distinguished from one another and this is probably due to a significant narrowing of the large airways during severe left ventricular failure.