Abstract 58

Background: TLV is an effective technique that remains experimental mainly due to lack of control of delivered volumes.

Aim: To develop a computer-controlled, piston-driven ventilator able to deliver preset PFC tidal volumes.

Subjects: Four lambs (<5 days) with respiratory failure.

Measurements: Lambs were kept on TLV (3-6 h). Volume-controlled ventilator were adjusted at different f, I:E ratios and volumes. Blood gases, P-V loops, lung compliance, systemic (MAP) and pulmonary arteria (PAP) pressures were determined. Data are given as mean±SE.

Results: (Table)

Table 1 No caption available.
Full size table

Conclusions: This volume-controlled ventilator seems to maintain pulmonary gas exchange with adverse effects on cardiovascular function.

Supported by grants: PI 1997-26; FIS 98/0905 & 98/0767.