Creative:

Mathematical Model

• Ken Tegtmeyer, MD
• Assistance from:
  • Judy Zier, MD and
  • Tom Tegtmeyer, PhD
    Department of Mathematics, Purdue University

Java programming

• Wes Barris, MSME
  AJD Computing

Additional Computer Consulting and Server Space

• Alan DeJesus, BSEE
  AJD Computing

Financial:

This work was supported by a MinnesotaCare Educational Mini-Grant awarded to Ken Tegtmeyer, MD

This is a mathematical model of mechanical ventilation. It was developed to illustrate some of the differences between Pressure-limited Time-cycled (Pressure Control) Ventilation and Volume-Limited Time-cycled (Volume Control) ventilation. The inputs and outputs of each ventilation mode are side by side to allow you to compare how you control blood gases with one mode vs. the other. It is not based on any specific patient. There are different patient 'scenarios' from which you can work.

Don't expect this simulator to guide your management of an actual patient. Each patient is an individual. The values used in this simulator may not match up with your patient, even if blood gases and ventilator settings are similar.

You should assume the patient is on muscle relaxants because there is not yet a module to simulate the spontaneously breathing patient. The settings you choose on the ventilator will represent the sum total of the breathing of the patient. More scenarios will come soon.

This simulator is meant to accompany the outline on Initial Mechanical Ventilation that is part of the Acute Pediatric Care for the Primary Care Practitioner series. Please refer to the outline for guidance in manipulation of the ventilator.

When values for pH, pCO2, pO2 and Peak Pressure fall outside 'reasonable' ranges the values will turn red.

Finally, this is still a work in progress. We are continously working to improve the simulation. The appearance will change as well. Ultimately tutorials will be incorporated to illustrate errors, or problems with ventilation management.

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