Basics of Respiratory Mechanics and Artificial Ventilation (Topics in Anaesthesia and Critical Care)

Management of the intensive care patient afflicted by respiratory insufficiency requires knowledge of the pathophysiological basis for altered functions. The etiology and therapy of pulmonary diseases, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are highly complex. While physiologists and pathophysiologists work prevalently with theoretical modes, clinicians employ sophisticated ventilation support technologies in the attempt to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of the pulmonary diseases which can present with varying grades of severity. Despite the availability of advanced technologies it is common to personalize the treatment protocol according to the patient's physiologic structure. Given the complexity and difficulties of treating respiratory disease, a strong collaboration between clinicians and physiologists is of fundamtental importance. Front Matter....Pages I-XI Front Matter....Pages 1-1 Principles of measurement of respiratory mechanics....Pages 3-8 Statics of the respiratory system....Pages 9-19 Respiratory mechanics during general anaesthesia in healthy subjects....Pages 21-35 Resistance measurements. Forced oscillations and plethysmography....Pages 37-57 Oscillatory mechanics: principles and clinical applications....Pages 59-80 Resistance measurement in ventilator-dependent patients....Pages 81-85 Mechanical models of the respiratory system: linear models....Pages 87-94 Mechanical models of the respiratory system: non-linear and inhomogeneous models....Pages 95-107 Mechanical implications of viscoelasticity....Pages 109-118 Alveolar micromechanics....Pages 119-131 Partitioning of lung responses into airway and tissue components....Pages 133-142 Front Matter....Pages 143-143 How the diaphragm works in normal subjects....Pages 145-152 How the diaphragm works in respiratory disease....Pages 153-159 Evaluation of the inspiratory muscle mechanical activity during Pressure Support Ventilation....Pages 161-164 Work of breathing....Pages 165-175 Front Matter....Pages 177-177 Respiratory mechanics in ARDS....Pages 179-189 Altered elastic properties of the respiratory system....Pages 191-200 Intrinsic PEEP....Pages 201-206 Gas-exchange in mechanically ventilated patients....Pages 207-221 Effects of anaesthesia on respiratory mechanics....Pages 223-235 Front Matter....Pages 177-177 Respiratory mechanics during the long-term artificial ventilation....Pages 237-240 Closed-loop control mechanical ventilation....Pages 241-247 Back Matter....Pages 249-254