Comparative studies of the optimal airflow waveforms and ventilation settings under respiratory mechanical loadings

Abstract

This study modeled and optimized three common ventilator airflow waveforms, including sinusoidal, square, and descending waves to minimize the effort of breathing under continuous mandatory ventilation. We employed the optimal respiratory control model in conjunction with a lumped-parameter RC model for the mechanical respiratory system. Simulations were performed to mimic possible changes in respiratory mechanics, including continuous resistive and elastic loading to optimize ventilator settings and breathing patterns. We compared breathing patterns between loaded and no load breathing to characterize three types of airflow. The results of the current study demonstrate the potential for tailoring airflow and ventilator settings specifically to meet the physiological needs of patients. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.