Computers in biology and medicine
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A complex nonlinear model for mechanical ventilation, its computer implementation and validation are presented. The model includes the morphometry-based symmetrical structure of the 23 airway generations, dynamic properties of the respiratory system, as well as the description of a ventilator. ⋯ Results of simulations corresponding to normal conditions and airway narrowing are consistent with the published experimental data. The model enables investigations on how specific pathological changes influence the signals and physiological variables during mechanical ventilation, as well as testing known and developing new algorithms tracking time-variability of the respiratory parameters.