PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

S A Ravenscraft

Publications and source records attributed to S A Ravenscraft.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Influence of prone position on the extent and distribution of lung injury in a high tidal volume oleic acid model of acute respiratory distress syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of body position on the extent and distribution of experimental lung damage in an oleic acid canine model of acute respiratory distress syndrome, using mechanical ventilation with high tidal volumes and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). DESIGN: Prospective, randomized study. SETTING: Experimental animal laboratory. SUBJECTS: Twelve anesthetized and paralyzed dogs. INTERVENTIONS: Ninety minutes after lung injury was induced by injection of oleic acid, 12 animals were randomized to be ventilated for 4 hrs, in either the supine (supine group, n = 6) or prone (prone group, n = 6) positions, using the same ventilatory pattern (F10(2) 0.6, PEEP > or = 10 cm H2O, and a tidal volume that generated a peak transpulmonary pressure of 35 cm H2O when implemented in the supine position). Regardless of randomization to position, the tidal volumes, F10(2), and PEEP were kept constant and the pulmonary artery occlusion pressure was maintained between 4 and 6 mm Hg for the duration of the study. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: At the end of the protocol, the lungs were excised for gravimetric determination (wet/dry weight ratio) and histologic examination (histologic score). Changes over time in the static pressure-volume curve of the lungs (obtained in the supine position) were also used as end-point variables. At baseline, hemodynamic and respiratory variables did not differ between groups. Just before randomization to position (90 mins after oleic acid injection), both groups presented similar lung static pressure-volume curves. Pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (4.3 +/- 1.9 vs. 4.8 +/- 1.3 mm Hg [supine vs. prone group]), cardiac output (4.1 +/- 0.4 vs. 5.2 +/- 1.3 L/min [supine vs. prone group]), and venous admixture (36.7 +/- 20.7% vs. 28.3 +/- 19.4% [supine vs. prone group]) were also not significantly (p > .05) different when measured in the supine position. At the end of the experiment, lung gravimetric data in the two experimental groups were not statistically different, suggesting a similar extent of edema. Histologic abnormalities, however, were less in the prone group than in the supine group (p < .01), due primarily to marked differences in extent and severity in the dependent regions of the lungs. Static lung compliance improved over time in the prone group (34 +/- 9 to 46 +/- 19 mL/cm H2O)(p = .02), but not in the supine group (34 +/- 6 to 36 +/- 6 mL/cm H2O). CONCLUSIONS: After oleic acid-induced lung injury, animals ventilated with high tidal volume and PEEP undergo less extensive histologic change in the prone position than in the supine position. The prone position alters the distribution of histologic abnormalities.

Animals↗

Pressure-controlled and volume-cycled mechanical ventilation.

Pressure and volume modes of mechanical ventilation are available as options in the current generation of ventilators, giving clinicians many choices when managing a mechanically ventilated patient. In volume cycled ventilation, tidal volume is set and airway pressures are measured, whereas in pressure-controlled ventilation, pressure is set and volume is measured. This article reviews the characteristics of these two ventilatory modes and discusses in detail conversion from one mode to the other. Pertinent clinical studies and recent direct comparisons of volume-cycled and pressure-controlled ventilation are reviewed.

Airway Obstruction↗

Low measured auto-positive end-expiratory pressure during mechanical ventilation of patients with severe asthma: hidden auto-positive end-expiratory pressure.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the occurrence of low measured auto-end-expiratory pressure (auto-PEEP) during mechanical ventilation of patients severe asthma. DESIGN: Observational clinical study. SETTING: Medical intensive care unit of a university-affiliated county hospital. PATIENTS: Four mechanically ventilated patients with severe asthma who had low measured auto-PEEP despite marked increase in both peak and plateau airway pressures. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Peak pressure, plateau pressure, and auto-PEEP were measured at an early time point, when airflow obstruction was most severe, and again at a later time after clinical improvement. Auto-PEEP was measured by the method of end-expiratory airway occlusion. From the early to the late point, there was a marked decrease in peak pressure (76 +/- 7 to 53 +/- 6 cm H2O; p<.001) and in plateau pressure (28 +/- 2 to 18 +/- 3 cm H2O; p<.001), but only minimal change in auto-PEEP (5 +/- 3 to 4 +/- 3 cm H2O). The difference between plateau pressure and auto-PEEP decreased between the early and late time points (23 +/- 1 to 14 +/- 1 cm H2O; p<.01), even though tidal volume was larger at the late time point. In three patients, low auto-PEEP and a large difference between plateau pressure and auto-PEEP was only seen after expiratory time was prolonged. In these three patients, prolongation of expiratory time resulted in a large decrease in measured auto-PEEP (14 +/- 4 to 5 +/- 4 cm H2O), but a much smaller change in plateau pressure (31 +/- 3 to 29 +/- 3 cm H2O). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that measured auto-PEEP may underestimate end-expiratory alveolar pressure in severe asthma, and that marked pulmonary hyperinflation may be present despite low measured auto-PEEP, especially at low respiratory rates. This phenomenon may be due to widespread airway closure that prevents accurate assessment of alveolar pressure at end-expiration.

Acute Disease↗

Distal effects of tracheal gas insufflation: changes with catheter position and oleic acid lung injury.

We separated distal (turbulence-related) and proximal (dead space washout-related) effects of tracheal gas insufflation (TGI) by comparing the effects of straight and inverted catheters. We reasoned that the inverted catheter was unlikely to remove CO2 from conducting airways distal to its orifice. In six normal dogs during TGI at 10 l/min, advancing the catheters from 10 to 1 cm above the main carina decreased dead space volume by 29 +/- 12 and 12 +/- 6 ml (P < 0.04) with the straight and inverted catheters, respectively. By comparison, the tracheal volume between 10 and 1 cm above the carina was 15 +/- 2 ml. In another set of dogs (n = 5), we examined the distal effects of TGI before and after oleic acid-induced lung injury. During TGI at 10 l/min before and after oleic acid injury, the differences in arterial PCO2 between the straight and inverted catheters were 5 +/- and 9 +/- 6 Torr (P < 0.18), respectively. Our data suggest that distal effects of TGI become more pronounced as the catheter tip is positioned closer to the main carina. The distal effects of TGI were not diminished after oleic acid injury when minute ventilation was maintained constant.

Animals↗

Tracheal gas insufflation: catheter effectiveness determined by expiratory flush volume.

Used adjunctively during mechanical ventilation, tracheal gas insufflation (TGI) improves CO2 elimination, principally by decreasing effective anatomic dead space. Continuing lung deflation at end- expiration raises the end-expiratory C02 concentration within the proximal airway, and could theoretically reduce the efficiency of a given catheter flow. To test this possibility, we designed a series of experiments that examined the influence of TGI delivery patterns on the efficiency of CO2 elimination. Using a gating device, catheter flow was delivered selectively during desired portions of expiration. Paralyzed, ventilated dogs were studied at short and extended inspiratory time fractions (TI/TT) with inspiratory tidal volume and ventilator frequency held constant. The expiratory flush volume, not the pattern of gas delivery, determined the observed decline in PaCO2, provided that the end-expiratory period was included in the catheter flush period. Despite continuing end-expiratory lung deflation (extended TI/TT), catheter effectiveness remained the same at matched expiratory flush volumes. To determine if enhanced distal mixing at the higher catheter flows required during the extended TI/TT (to match expiratory flush volume) masked a decrease in efficiency, we repeated the experiment with a tip-inverted catheter. We again found that matched catheter delivered expiratory volumes were similarly effective. With or without ongoing lung deflation, the volume of gas flushed during the expiratory period determined the effectiveness of TGI, provided that inspired minute ventilation remains unchanged and end-expiration is included in the catheter flush period.

Analysis of Variance↗

Inspiratory tidal volume sparing effects of tracheal gas insufflation in dogs with oleic acid-induced lung injury.

PURPOSE: Tracheal gas insufflation (TGI) improves the efficiency of conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) by reducing the series dead space of the airways. Consequently, application of TGI as an adjunct to CMV may permit reducing tidal volume (VT) while limiting CO2 retention. We tested the extent to which panexpiratory TGI allows reduction of VT while maintaining PaCO2 constant in an oleic acid-induced lung injury model. METHODS: We studied six anesthetized, paralyzed, and mechanically ventilated dogs. Oleic acid injury was induced by injecting 0.09 mL/kg of oleic acid into the right atrium. After stabilization of lung injury the VT-sparing effect of TGI was tested by progressively increasing catheter flow rate (Vc) from 2 to 5, 10, and 15 L/min while decreasing VT by an amount that maintained PaCO2 constant (approximately 47 mm Hg) with respect to baseline (Vc = 0 L/min). RESULTS: Tidal volume was decreased from a baseline value of 0.360 +/- 0.030 L to 0.238 +/- 0.054 L at Vc of 15 L/min. The reduction in VT was associated with a decrement in peak and end-inspiratory plateau airway opening pressure from 32 +/- 3 to 28 +/- 6 cm H2O and from 25 +/- 2 to 21 +/- 3 cm H2O, respectively. Total physiological dead space fraction decreased from a baseline value of 0.60 +/- 0.08 to 0.31 +/- 0.20 during TGI at 15 L/min. TGI did not affect cardiac output, PaO2, or pulmonary venous admixture. CONCLUSION: We conclude that TGI can be a useful adjunct to CMV during acute lung injury to limit VT while avoiding CO2 retention.

Analysis of Variance↗

Effect of tracheal gas insufflation on gas exchange in canine oleic acid-induced lung injury.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of tracheal gas insufflation on gas exchange in oleic acid-induced lung injury in dogs. DESIGN: Prospective, longitudinal study. SETTING: University research laboratory. SUBJECTS: Five mongrel dogs. INTERVENTIONS: The dogs were anesthetized, paralyzed, and mechanically ventilated. Lung injury was induced by infusing 0.09 mL/kg of oleic acid and pulmonary artery occlusion (wedge) pressure (PAOP) was increased to 15 mm Hg by infusing fluids to enhance pulmonary edema formation. After 60 mins, PAOP was allowed to decrease to 5 mm Hg and was maintained at 5 mm Hg for 60 mins to stabilize the pulmonary edema. We studied the effect of tracheal gas insufflation on gas exchange at low and high end-expiratory lung volumes achieved by a positive end-expiratory pressure of 5 and 12 cm H2O, respectively. The FIO2 values of the ventilator and catheter were equivalent (0.6). Each tracheal gas insufflation stage at low and high end-expiratory lung volume was preceded and followed by conventional mechanical ventilation stages without tracheal gas insufflation. During transitions between conventional mechanical ventilation and tracheal gas insufflation, end-expiratory lung volume was maintained constant by adjusting positive end-expiratory pressure while monitoring esophageal pressure and inductive plethysmography. Tidal volume was maintained constant throughout the protocol (0.40 L). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS. At end stage, we measured PaCO2, PaO2, total physiologic deadspace fraction, and venous admixture, which were 43 +/- 4 torr (5.7 +/- 0.5 kPa), 325 +/- 6 torr (43.3 +/- 0.8 kPa), 53 +/- 3%, and 4.0 +/- 0.3% before oleic acid lung injury, respectively. After oleic acid injury at low end-expiratory lung volume, these variables were 55 +/- 4 torr (7.3 +/- 0.5 kPa), 73 +/- 13 torr (9.7 +/- 1.7 kPa), 61 +/- 4%, and 50 +/- 7%, respectively. During tracheal gas insufflation at low end-expiratory lung volume conditions, PaCO2 and the total physiologic deadspace fraction decreased significantly (p < .05) to 45 +/- 4 torr (6.0 +/- 0.5 kPa) and 50 +/- 5%, respectively. Under high end-expiratory lung volume conditions, PaCO2 and the total physiologic deadspace fraction were 55 +/- 7 torr (7.3 +/- 0.9 kPa) and 61 +/- 6%, respectively; during tracheal gas insufflation, these variables decreased to 43 +/- 4 torr (5.7 +/- 0.5 kPa) and 52 +/- 5%, respectively (p < .05). Increasing end-expiratory lung volume improved both PaO2 and venous admixture (p < .05) but tracheal gas insufflation had no significant effect on oxygenation efficiency when end-expiratory lung volume was held constant. CONCLUSIONS: Tracheal gas insufflation augmented alveolar ventilation effectively in the setting of oleic acid-induced lung injury in dogs. When end-expiratory lung volume and tidal volume were kept constant, tracheal gas insufflation did not affect oxygenation.

Animals↗

Efficacy of expiratory tracheal gas insufflation in a canine model of lung injury.

Tracheal gas insufflation (TGI) improves the efficiency of CO2 elimination by reducing the CO2-laden dead space of the airways. The effect of TGI on PaCO2 diminishes in the setting of acute lung injury (ALI) because an increased alveolar component dominates the total physiologic dead space. Nevertheless, adopting a strategy of permissive hypercapnia should partially offset the decreased efficacy of TGI by increasing CO2 concentration in the proximal airways. To examine these issues we studied the CO2 removal efficacy of expiratory TGI as an adjunct to conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) before and after oleic acid-induced lung injury (OAI). We first examined the effect of TGI before and after OAI, keeping tidal volume (VT) and frequency constant, and allowing PaCO2 to increase after OAI. We then tested TGI efficiency after matching PaCO2 after OAI to its pre-OAI level by increasing VT (post-OA/VT stage). PaCO2 was 53 +/- 3, 79 +/- 21, and 52 +/- 4 mm Hg in the pre-OAI, post-OAI, and post-OA/VT stages of CMV, respectively. The corresponding decrements in PaCO2 produced by TGI at a flow rate of 10 L/min were 16 +/- 3, 24 +/- 10, and 10 +/- 2 mm Hg, respectively. TGI decreased total physiologic dead space per breath (VD) by 56, 31, and 28 ml during the pre-OAI, post-OAI, and post-OA/VT stages, respectively. Despite a smaller reduction in VD during the post-OAI stage, the effect of TGI on PaCO2 was preserved because of the relatively high PaCO2 prior to its initiation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Air↗

Hyperpnea limits the volume recruited by positive end-expiratory pressure.

The effectiveness of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) relates directly to alveolar recruitment. We tested the hypothesis that active use of expiratory muscles during labored breathing impairs the ability of PEEP to increase end-expiratory lung volume. Eight healthy volunteers naive to the purposes of our study were exposed to targeted end-expiratory pressures of 0, 5, and 10 cm H2O during mechanical ventilation applied by mouthpiece and noseclips at three levels of ventilation: resting and two levels (moderate and high) of CO2 stimulation (10.9 +/- 0.4, 19.9 +/- 0.5 and 27.5 +/- 0.5 L/min, respectively). Inductive plethysmography demonstrated that end-expiratory lung volume rose by an average of 98 +/- 5 ml/cm H2O PEEP during quiet breathing but by much less during the two levels (moderate and high) of CO2 stimulation: 78 +/- 6 ml/cm H2O and 47 +/- 5 ml/cm H2O (p < 0.05). Hyperpnea also shifted the distribution of the recruited volume toward regions sampled by the rib cage band of the plethysmograph. Whatever advantage expiratory muscle activity may have for minimizing the workload of the inspiratory muscles, the cost may be reduced effectiveness of PEEP in increasing lung volume and improving oxygen exchange.

Adult↗

Effect of a nasogastric tube on esophageal pressure measurement in normal adults.

We studied the correspondence between fluctuations of esophageal pressure measured before and after placement of a nasogastric (NG) tube in six normal volunteers. Flow, airway pressure, and esophageal pressure data from at least 20 breaths were recorded in seven ventilatory conditions in two body postures: 0 degree (supine) and 60 degrees (upright). The conditions studied included normal quiet breathing, added resistance, reduced compliance, increased frequency, increased tidal volume, continuous positive airway pressure, and volume-cycled ventilation with positive pressure. During recording with the NG tube in place, the subject targeted the same tidal volume (VT), respiratory rate, and inspiratory time fraction (TI/TTOT) recorded before NG tube placement. A computer program selected for analysis only those recorded breaths with and without an NG tube that were "matched" within 5 percent for both VT and TI. We calculated average VT, TI, and esophageal pressure fluctuation (delta Pes) for the matched breaths from each subject during every condition. The delta Pes values with and without NG tube were not statistically different in any tested condition (p > 0.05). Our data indicate that the presence of an NG tube does not invalidate the accuracy of delta Pes measurements made using a well-positioned balloon catheter in the tested conditions.

Adult↗

Effect of catheter flow direction on CO2 removal during tracheal gas insufflation in dogs.

Tracheal gas insufflation (TGI) improves the efficiency of CO2 elimination by replacing CO2 in the anatomic dead space proximal to the catheter tip with fresh gas during expiration. Turbulence generated by gas exiting the catheter tip may also contribute to alveolar ventilation. To separate distal (turbulence-related) and proximal (washout of dead space) effects of TGI, we compared the efficacy of a straight and an inverted catheter during continuous and expiratory TGI in six mechanically ventilated dogs. We reasoned that the inverted catheter cannot improve CO2 elimination from more distal conducting airways. During continuous TGI with the straight catheter, arterial PCO2 (PaCO2) decreased significantly from baseline (without TGI) of 56 +/- 10 Torr to 38 +/- 8, 36 +/- 8, and 35 +/- 8 Torr at catheter flow rates (Vcath) of 5, 10, and 15 l/min, respectively. For the same conditions, PaCO2 was always higher (P < 0.001) with the inverted catheter (42 +/- 10, 41 +/- 10, and 41 +/- 10 Torr). PaCO2 was lower with the straight (40 +/- 9 Torr) than with the inverted catheter (44 +/- 10 Torr, P < 0.001) during TGI delivered only during expiration at a Vcath of 10 l/min. End-expiratory lung volume relative to baseline increased during continuous, but not during expiratory, TGI and was significantly greater with the straight than with the inverted catheter (P < 0.0001). Our data confirm that the primary mechanism of TGI is expiratory washout of the proximal anatomic dead space but also suggest a minor contribution of turbulence beyond the tip of the straight catheter.

Animals↗

Tracheal gas insufflation augments CO2 clearance during mechanical ventilation.

A technique that improves the efficiency of alveolar ventilation should decrease the pressure required and reduce the potential for lung injury during mechanical ventilation. Alveolar ventilation may be improved by replacing a portion of the anatomic dead space with fresh gas via an intratracheal catheter. We studied the effect of intratracheal gas insufflation as an adjunct to volume cycled ventilation in eight sedated, paralyzed patients with a variety of lung disorders. Continuous flows of 2, 4, and 6 L/min were delivered through a catheter positioned 1 or 10 cm above the carina. Carbon dioxide production, inspiratory minute ventilation, and peak and mean airway pressures did not change over the range of flows tested. PaCO2 and dead space volume/tidal volume decreased significantly as joint functions of catheter flow and position (p < 0.001). The highest catheter flow (6 L/min) and most distal catheter position (1 cm above the carina) were the most effective combination tested, averaging a 15% reduction in PaCO2 (range 9 to 23%). Certain characteristics of the expiratory capnogram were helpful in predicting the observed reduction in PaCO2. Tracheal gas insufflation may eventually prove a useful adjunct to a pressure-targeted strategy of ventilatory management (in either volume-cycled or pressure controlled modes), particularly when the total dead space is heavily influenced by its anatomic component.

Adult↗

Modes of tracheal gas insufflation. Comparison of continuous and phase-specific gas injection in normal dogs.

Tracheal gas insufflation (TGI) improves the efficiency of CO2 elimination accomplished by conventional mechanical ventilation, primarily by reducing the anatomic (series) dead space volume. Dead space proximal to the catheter tip can be reduced by two methods. Fresh gas introduced at the carinal level during inspiration may effectively "bypass" the upper airway. Alternatively, proximal dead space can be "washed out" with fresh gas during expiration to reduce CO2 rebreathing. We examined these two modes of TGI-aided dead space reduction in nine paralyzed normal dogs receiving conventional mechanical ventilation and compared these results to those obtained with a catheter that delivered fresh gas continuously at the same flow rate, thereby accomplishing both bypass and washout. Total inspired tidal volume and cycling frequency were held constant. Differences in CO2 elimination efficiency among the TGI modes were flow dependent. Continuous catheter flow at 5 or 10 L/min reduced PaCO2 and physiologic dead space fraction (VD/VT) more than either proximal bypass or end-expiratory washout (p < 0.001). At the same catheter flow settings expiratory washout tended to improve VD/VT more than did inspiratory bypass. Under the conditions tested, constant tracheal insufflation of fresh gas improves alveolar ventilation by mechanisms that include, but are not limited to, a functional reduction in the dead space proximal to the catheter tip.

Analysis of Variance↗

Pulmonary function after successful heart transplantation. One year follow-up.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) has been associated with the development of restrictive ventilatory abnormalities and decreased pulmonary diffusing capacity. Whether these physiologic changes reflect permanent alterations of lung anatomy or result solely from potentially reversible alterations of lung water is not known. To examine this issue, we reviewed the pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and cardiac catheterization data from recipients of successful heart transplants prior to and 1 year after transplantation. Thirty-eight patients met the inclusion criteria (median age, 52 years). The median duration of symptomatic CHF prior to transplantation was 22 months (range, 3 to 72 months). After transplantation, spirometry revealed an improvement in FEV1 from 75.8 +/- 3.5 to 99.1 +/- 2.8 percent of predicted and FVC from 81.3 +/- 3.7 to 101.6 +/- 3.0 percent of predicted (p < 0.001). The FEV1/FVC ratio remained unchanged at 80 percent. Nonsmokers and former smokers had similar improvements in spirometry after transplantation. The TLC improved from 91.1 +/- 3.3 to 105.5 +/- 2.9 percent of predicted (p < 0.001); this improvement was due to an increase in inspiratory capacity. Diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide was decreased before transplantation and showed a small decline after transplantation from 82.3 +/- 3.2 to 76.8 +/- 2.6 percent of predicted (p < 0.05). After correction of severe CHF by cardiac transplantation, normalization of FEV1, FVC, and TLC can be anticipated. Diffusing capacity, however, may actually decline after transplantation.

Adolescent↗

Lung mechanics and gas exchange during pressure-control ventilation in dogs. Augmentation of CO2 elimination by an intratracheal catheter.

Increased awareness of pressure-related injury to the alveolar-capillary interface has renewed interest in modes of ventilation that limit alveolar distention such as pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV). We examined respiratory system mechanics and gas exchange during PCV in six dogs. Our data conformed to the predictions of our single-compartment mathematical model of respiratory dynamics during PCV (J Appl Physiol 1989; 67:1081-92). For a fixed pressure (Pset) and inspiratory time fraction (Tl/Ttot) (15 cm H2O and 0.3, respectively), minute ventilation (VE) reached a well-defined plateau as frequency (f) increased from 10 to 50 breaths/min and tidal volume (VT) fell progressively. Concomitantly, the physiologic dead-space fraction (VD/VT) increased from 0.50 +/- 0.04 to 0.85 +/- 0.04, and arterial PCO2 (PaCO2) rose from 39 +/- 4 to 76 +/- 12 mm Hg. At a fixed combination of frequency, applied pressure, and Tl/Ttot (40 breaths/min, 15 cm H2O, and 0.3), VE did not change when we introduced fresh gas continuously from an intratracheal catheter. However, PaCO2 and VD/VT fell progressively as catheter flow increased from zero to 14 L/min (60 +/- 12 to 40 +/- 12 mm Hg and 0.83 +/- 0.03 to 0.25 +/- 0.14 mm Hg, respectively). We conclude that during PCV at a fixed Pset and Tl/Ttot increasing frequency caused VT to fall and VE to reach a plateau. Declining VT was associated with a rise in PaCO2 because of a subsequent fall in alveolar ventilation. Insufflating fresh gas by an intratracheal catheter increased alveolar ventilation and improved CO2 elimination by washing out the anatomic dead space.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Tracheal gas insufflation during pressure-control ventilation. Effect of catheter position, diameter, and flow rate.

In the setting of acute lung injury, ventilatory strategies that adjust minute ventilation (VE) to achieve eucapnia often lead to alveolar rupture or damage. Tracheal gas insufflation (TGI) reduces the VE requirements of conventional mechanical ventilation by decreasing the effective dead-space fraction (VD/VT) of each breath. We studied the effect of catheter flow rate (Vcath) and position as well as catheter tip diameter and configuration on CO2 elimination during TGI-augmented pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) in normal dogs. We studied three catheter positions (1, 5, and 10 cm above the carina) at Vcath of 2, 5, and 10 L/min (n = 6). When the catheter tip was positioned 1 cm above the carina, PaCO2 decreased significantly from a baseline (PCV alone) of 67 +/- 10 mm Hg to 52 +/- 11, 43 +/- 9, and 32 +/- 7 mm Hg (p < 0.05) at Vcath of 2, 5, and 10 L/min, respectively. For the same Vcath values, positioning the catheter tip 10 cm above the carina increased PaCO2 to 54 +/- 15, 46 +/- 12, and 40 +/- 11 mm Hg. Advancing the catheter tip 2 cm below the carina did not improve PaCO2 significantly (n = 3). At a catheter position of 1 cm above the carina and a Vcath of 10 L/min, changing the luminal inner diameter (1.5 versus 3.0 mm) or tip configuration (open tip versus occluded tip with two side holes) of the catheter did not change PaCO2.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Volume-cycled decelerating flow. An alternative form of mechanical ventilation.

The linearly decelerating flow waveform for volume-cycled mechanical ventilation is an option on many modern ventilators. We have developed mathematical models for two available forms of volume-cycled decelerating-flow ventilation (VCDF). These equations use clinician-chosen ventilator settings as inputs (frequency, tidal volume, peak inspiratory flow or inspiratory time fraction, and end-inspiratory pause), and patient-determined inputs which describe the patient's ventilatory impedance (inspiratory [RI] and expiratory [RE] resistance and respiratory system compliance [C]. The equations predict key outcome variables: mean airway pressure; and peak, mean, and end-expiratory alveolar pressures. The mathematical expressions were validated in a mechanical lung analog. Values observed in the test lung were compared to values predicted by the mathematical models for a wide range of ventilator settings and impedance combinations (RI and RE, 5 to 40 cm H2O.s/L; C, 0.02 to 0.10 L/cm H2O). The correspondence between observed and predicted values was generally excellent across the broad range of inputs tested (r greater than or equal to 0.98). Outcome variables were quite sensitive to clinician-chosen inputs over certain critical ranges. Carefully applied, VCDF offers several theoretic advantages for the clinical setting; however, appropriate caution must be exercised to avoid the application of tissue-injuring pressure.

Humans↗