Effects of Different Models and Different Respiratory Manoeuvres in Respiratory Mechanics Estimation

Abstract

The aim of mechanical ventilation (MV) is to provide sufficient breathing support for patients with respiratory failure in the intensive care unit (ICU). However, applying inappropriate ventilation parameters can result in ventilator induced lung injury. To prevent this, respiratory mechanics such as elastance and resistance can be estimated at the bedside to help guide MV parameters using respiratory mechanics models. Different models or methods provide different information and each have their own advantages and disadvantages. In this study, respiratory mechanics of 9 respiratory failure patients were estimated using the simple first order model (FOM) and viscoelastic model (VEM). These patients undergo different respiratory manoeuvres and their estimated respiratory mechanics using these models are studied and compared with a standard clinical method in estimating respiratory mechanics. The results showed that both models were able to capture patient-specific mechanics and responses. The VEM was able to provide higher correlation to the standard clinical method compared to FOM.