Model based prediction of plateau pressure in mechanically ventilated patients

Abstract

The risk of ventilator induced lung injury in mechanically ventilated (MV) critically ill patients can be mitigated by patient-specific optimisation of ventilator settings. Recent studies have shown that driving pressure, i.e. the difference between plateau pressure (Pplat) and PEEP, is a strong indicator for survival in MV patients suffering from ARDS. However, to measure Pplat, an extended end-inspiratory pause (EIP) has to be applied, possibly interrupting ventilation therapy. This study presents a method for predicting Pplat from normal breaths in MV patients.

Keywords

• mechanical ventilation
• decision support
• mathematical model
• plateau pressure