New Insights From Pressure-volume Loops
New Insights From Pressure-volume Loops Lung function measurements with the flexiVent frequently include Pressure-Volume (PV) loops for insight on the intrinsic elastic properties of the respiratory system. The typical maneuver slowly inflates the lungs in steps, from Positive-End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP; 3 cmH2O) to 30 cmH2O, and then deflate them in a similar way to generate a […]
What You Always Wanted To Know About Specific Airway Resistance
What You Always Wanted To Know About Specific Airway Resistance Specific airway resistance (sRaw), or its reciprocal specific airway conductance (sGaw), was first introduced over 35 years ago as a way to gather information on airflow resistance in conscious subjects during quiet spontaneous breathing. This parameter is derived from the double-chamber plethysmography (DCP) technique, which […]
Measuring Dynamic Compliance and Static Compliance.
At each breath, the respiratory system must overcome two opposing forces to be able to move air in and out of the lungs: the resistance to airflow and the distensibility (or compliance) of the respiratory system. Physiological and/or pathological factors may alter these mechanical characteristics and induce significant changes in the effort required to breathe or tolerance to exercise.