Microprocessor-controlled ventilator monitor with pre-evaluation of preset variables and graphic simulation: a preliminary clinical impression.
The prototype of a fully computerized servoventilator monitor was successfully used to support ventilation in 25 adult patients during a total of 2030 patient hours. This prototype is volume-cycled in active inspiration and time-cycled in the inspiratory pause. During time-cycled expiration, it functions as a constant atmospheric pressure generator, or constant positive-pressure generator if positive end-expiratory pressure is applied. From the information received through a pneumotachometer placed near the patient's airway, a microprocessor controls the mode of ventilation, and monitors and processes the ventilatory data. This computerized device has a high-security keyboard and a visual display screen. Ventilatory data are stored in a timed memory and presented on the screen. By measuring compliance and airway resistance with a standardized cycle, it is possible to define the patient's ventilatory mechanics by a mathematical model and predict the result of any proposed change in preset variables.
D003201:Computers; D003422:Critical Care; D008838:Microcomputers; D008954:Models, Biological; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000295:instrumentation; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000295:instrumentation*