This tool estimates airway resistance and lung compliance during mechanical ventilation by analyzing the pressure difference between the peak inspiratory pressure and the pressure measured after a brief inspiratory hold. For example, if the peak inspiratory pressure is 30 cmH2O and the pressure after an inspiratory hold is 20 cmH2O, the tool would use this difference to calculate the resistive component of the airway pressure. This calculation, combined with other measurements like tidal volume and flow rate, allows clinicians to assess lung mechanics.
Accurate assessment of respiratory mechanics is crucial for optimizing ventilator settings and minimizing ventilator-induced lung injury. Historically, these calculations required manual processing, but advancements in technology now allow for automated computations, improving both the speed and precision of this critical evaluation. Understanding these mechanics offers insights into the patient’s lung function and helps guide therapeutic interventions.
