Automatic control of mechanical ventilation. Part 1: Theory and history of the technology

Abstract

Objective: In this article, automatic control technology as applied to mechanical ventilation is discussed and the techniques that have been reported in the literature are reviewed. Methods: The information in the literature is reviewed and various techniques are compared. Results: Automatic control has been applied in many ways to mechanical ventilation since several decades ago. More aggressive techniques aimed at automatic and more optimal control of the main outputs of the machine have emerged and continue to be enhanced with time. Conclusions: Development of more efficient automatic techniques and/or enhancement of the present methods are likely to be pursued to make this technology more compatible with future healthcare requirements. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2008.