AutoRegulated Inspiratory Support ventilation

Abstract

In order to avoid the inconvenients related to available methods of weaning (risk of hypo and hyperventlation, lung hyperinflation, and necessity to modify settings frequently to meet the patient's needs), we propose a new mode of ventilation whose main characteristics are : controlled tidal volume, decreasing inspiratory flow pattern, zero flow cycled, automatic regulation from spontaneous breathing to volumetric controlled ventilation according to patient's needs. Using a prototype, we have compared this new mode with controlled ventilation. With respect of minute ventilation, we found a significant decrease in peak airway pressure whereas there were no difference in mean airway pressure and blood gas results. This mode has then been implemented in a ventilator