[Lung simulator].
BACKGROUND
One of the main limitations to running mechanical ventilation courses is the lack of cheap, interactive, and easily reproducible lung simulators.


OBJECTIVE
Presentation of a new lung simulator.


METHODS
Lung simulator consisting of two different parts: A) Resistance system: simulates respiratory airway. It is made up of 3 or 5 ball valves that allow for the simulation of resistance increase and air leaks. B) Compliance system: it reproduces lungs and rib cage characteristics. It is made up of three parts: 1 or 2 expandable chambers (a commercial test lung), a connection system to the resistance mechanism, and a distensibility limiting clamp. The simulator allows for a single or double assembly depending on the inclusion of one or two lungs to the resistance system, allowing the tidal volume to be adjusted from 10 to 500 ml.


CONCLUSIONS
We present an easily assembled lung simulator for teaching purposes that is cheap, reproducible and interactive, allowing for simulation of patterns of restriction, obstruction, and presence of air leaks.
Villanueva
A Medina
AM
Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, España. amedinavillanueva@gmail.com
Galán
C Rey
CR
Torre
A Concha
AC
Cuervo
S Menéndez
SM
Solas
M Los Arcos
ML
Colunga
J Mayordomo
JM
D008168:Lung; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D012119:Respiration