A computer-controlled mechanical ventilator based on a rotating vent

摘要

Mechanical ventilators currently in use in the intensive care unit (ICU) are designed to maintain life support, and generally have only rudimentary monitoring capabilities built into them. However, regular assessment of the mechanical status ofthe lungs is often of vital importance for the effective management of ICU patients. We have designed and built a prototype mechanical ventilator for use in the intensive care unit (ICU) based on a vane rotating inside a semi-circular housing. The vaneposition is under computer control for maximum flexibility and bandwidth. By tracking vane position and the pressure in the housing either side of the vane, we can accurately calculate the flow into the patient. We suggest that this ventilator designprovides a novel solution to the problem of ventilating a patient while simultaneously monitoring respiratory mechanics via the forced oscillation technique.