A multi-compartmental mechanical model of the neonatal respiratory system

Abstract

Premature infants are often affected by respiratory diseases caused by the lack of surfactant and subsequent collapse of alveolar regions and airways. This leads to respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) which increases the inspiratory effort required by the infant and leads to inhomogeneous ventilation. Many models of the respiratory system have been developed for adults, however, the neonatal lung remains essentially ill-described in mathematical models. A mathematical model is developed which models the first few generations of the tracheo-bronchial tree and the 5 lobes that make up the lung and is shown to compare well with existing in-vivo data from the literature. The model described will be used in engineering practice to assess the design of conventional and emerging forms of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices in treating respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in premature neonates.