Influence of high-frequency pulses on alveolar gas exchange.
A high-frequency (HF) unit which can be used in combination with a volume-cycled ventilator was tested in an oxygen-consuming lung model. Alveolar O2 and CO2 concentrations were not related to superimposed HF pulsations. With constant alveolar ventilation each basal frequency resulted in identical alveolar fractions of O2 and CO2. Addition of HF pulsations did not change the volume of CO2 or O2 exchanged between alveolar and dead-space compartments. Superimposed HF pulsations may affect gas exchange, but the verification of this hypothesis requires further studies.
D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000502:physiology; D008954:Models, Biological; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration; D011659:Pulmonary Gas Exchange; D012119:Respiration; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000379:methods*; D012126:Respiratory Dead Space; D012122:Ventilators, Mechanical