Originally posted by RVK:
Regarding Edgar's ideas:
GE has recently released the InView package for the Engstrom Carestation. With that you can:
Measure the FRC (metabolic module uses nitrogen washout/washin technique that is fully aitomated)
Perform a series of FRCs at different PEEP levels. You can tell the machine to perform a number of measurements within a given range and it will automatically manipulate the PEEP levels and vary O2 to give you the results.
Measure true tracheal pressure, and have a calculated alveolar compliance curve plotted inside the tracheal pressure loop.
Get accurate intrinsic PEEP measurements not dependent on the tube related factors
Have the machine calculate recruited volume at different PEEP levels
Seems like an answer to your question. I am a GE rep though so my advise is a little biased
However I have tried the package out on several patient already and the attending physicians were extremely impressed
