Features
Puritan Bennett™ Respiratory Mechanics software makes it easy to assess and rapidly make any necessary changes in a patient’s respiratory therapy. The software provides coached respiratory maneuvers such as negative inspiratory force (NIF) and vital capacity (VC). The Respiratory Mechanics software data, including occlusion pressure, can help clinicians determine if a patient is ready to be weaned.
Our Respiratory Mechanics software calculates and displays clinical indicators that may be useful in assessing the patient’s current respiratory status. The calculations displayed are listed below.
Dynamic compliance (CDYN) and resistance dynamics (RDYN)
Respiratory Mechanics software estimates the compliance and resistance of the patient’s lungs and chest wall. The measurement of CDYN and RDYN indicate the impedance characteristics of the lungs, chest wall and conducting airways. Changes in either of these values may reveal changes in the elastic properties of the lung and/or chest wall or in the ability of the conducting airways to accommodate a particular flow of gas. Dynamic compliance and dynamic resistance are calculated only for mandatory breaths.
Peak expiratory flow (PEF) rate
Peak expiratory flow is the maximum flow rate observed during exhalation, excluding the first 100 ms of data. PEF can be used as an indicator of obstructed airways.
End expiratory flow (EEF) rate
End expiratory flow is the rate of expiratory flow that occurs at the end of exhalation and can be used to determine whether expiratory time is adequate to prevent gas trapping and intrinsic PEEP. The end expiratory flow rate is calculated as the expiratory flow that occurs when flow integration terminates during exhalation or when a new breath is initiated.
Peak spontaneous flow (PSF) rate
Peak spontaneous flow is the maximum inspiratory flow rate sampled during a spontaneous inspiration. It is a good predictor of impending air hunger and helps the clinician set peak flow or choose an optimum level of pressure support.
