New concepts of ventilation.

A short survey is given of established methods for ventilatory support. The merits of intermittent mandatory ventilation (IMV) and the new mode of mandatory minute ventilation (MMV) are discussed and compared. The importance of gasflowpressure patterns are analyzed as based on measurements on an awake, non-medicated intubated subject. It can be demonstrated that an inspiratory-assist function minimizes the work of breathing associated with increased airway resistance in the peripheral airways. A metabolic computer system for automatic continuous measurements of oxygen uptake and carbon-dioxide elimination during ventilatory care is described. This metabolic computer is designed to be used with the Engström Erica ventilator and makes it possible to evaluate the caloric demand of the patient as well as the effects of various compositions used for parenteral nutrition.