Performance evaluation and testing of adult critical care ventilators

Abstract

Modern, adult critical care ventilators have become very sophisticated and complex, particularly over the last 10 to 15 years. The incorporation of microprocessors into the design of most current generation ventilators has greatly increased their capabilities and safety. Microprocessor control systems have enabled the development of greatly enhanced pneumatic capabilities. These improvements have facilitated, and perhaps even encouraged, the development and introduction of many more ventilatory modes. Despite these significant improvements in ventilator design and performance capabilities, the methods used to assess ventilator performance have changed very little over the past 20 years. Current performance-evaluation procedures for adult critical care ventilators, published by manufacturers, government/commercial agencies, standards bodies and in the scientific literature, are reviewed in this article.