title: Bench-test comparison of 26 emergency and transport ventilators.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Numerous emergency and transport ventilators are commercialized and new generations arise constantly. The aim of this study was to evaluate a large panel of ventilators to allow clinicians to choose a device, taking into account their specificities of use.
  
  
  METHODS
  This experimental bench-test took into account general characteristics and technical performances. Performances were assessed under different levels of FIO2 (100%, 50% or Air-Mix), respiratory mechanics (compliance 30,70,120 mL/cmH2O; resistance 5,10,20 cmH2O/mL/s), and levels of leaks (3.5 to 12.5 L/min), using a test lung.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In total 26 emergency and transport ventilators were analyzed and classified into four categories (ICU-like, n = 5; Sophisticated, n = 10; Simple, n = 9; Mass-casualty and military, n = 2). Oxygen consumption (7.1 to 15.8 L/min at FIO2 100%) and the Air-Mix mode (FIO2 45 to 86%) differed from one device to the other. Triggering performance was heterogeneous, but several sophisticated ventilators depicted triggering capabilities as efficient as ICU-like ventilators. Pressurization was not adequate for all devices. At baseline, all the ventilators were able to synchronize, but with variations among respiratory conditions. Leak compensation in most ICU-like and 4/10 sophisticated devices was able to correct at least partially for system leaks, but with variations among ventilators.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Major differences were observed between devices and categories, either in terms of general characteristics or technical reliability, across the spectrum of operation. Huge variability of tidal volume delivery with some devices in response to modifications in respiratory mechanics and FIO2 should make clinicians question their use in the clinical setting.
authors: Erwan
authors: E
authors: L'Her
authors: Annie
authors: A
authors: Roy
authors: Nicolas
authors: N
authors: Marjanovic
mesh_terms: D019985:Benchmarking / Q000592:standards*; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000592:standards*; D004867:Equipment Design / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000592:standards*; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics / Q000502:physiology; D013990:Tidal Volume / Q000502:physiology; D012122:Ventilators, Mechanical / Q000592:standards*