Clinical applications of the respiratory equation of motion to guide decision-making in the patient under invasive mechanical ventilation

Abstract

Introduction: Mechanical ventilation is a common practice in intensive care units and anesthesiology with both therapeutic and potentially harmful implications for the respiratory system and distant organs, that is why it is of utmost importance to continually monitor ventilation parameters. Objective: To describe the equation of motion of the respiratory system and its clinical applications in the patient under invasive mechanical ventilation. Main: The equation of motion of the respiratory system integrates the dynamic forces generated by the ventilator with the intrinsic properties of the lung and chest wall. It expresses the pressure in the respiratory system in relation to volume, elastance, resistance, air flow and pressures generated by the ventilator and the patient. Elevated pressures in the respiratory system during mechanical ventilation are associated with greater mortality, that is why the identification of the components responsible for elevation of pressures through the equation of motion of the respiratory system allows to modify ventilator programmed parameters to maintain a protective ventilation. Conclusion: Decision-making based on the equation of motion of the respiratory system allows to modify ventilatory parameters according to the characteristics and diseases of the patient under mechanical ventilation.

Keywords

• respiratory distress syndrome adult
• airway resistance
• critical care
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• pulmonary ventilation
• respiratory mechanics