Annals of biomedical engineering
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To estimate the transfer impedance of the respiratory system (Ztr), we applied pressure forcing at the mouth from 1 to 24 Hz in eight healthy subjects and used optoelectronic plethysmography (OEP) to measure volume changes of the chest wall and its different compartments: pulmonary rib cage (RCp), abdominal rib cage (RCa) and abdomen (AB). Spectral analysis allowed assessment of input impedance (Zin) and total (Ztr) and compartmental (ZRCP, ZRCa, and ZAB) transfer impedances. ⋯ The validation of our approach was based on the comparison with a physical model comprised of a rubber membrane stretched over and attached to the lip of a bowl. We conclude that the combination of forced oscillations with OEP provides the simultaneous assessment of Zin and Ztr, it does not require the use of a plethysmographic chamber and it allows the separation between the different rib cage-abdominal pathways.
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Traditionally, measurement of pulmonary O2 uptake uses mass balance of N2 to correct for differences between inspired and expired volume (V) due to temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH). Often during anesthesia, N2 balance cannot be invoked due to high inspired O2 fraction (FIO2) or nonsteady state conditions. Then, O2 uptake per breath (VO2,br) must use assumed or measured T and RH differences between inspirate and expirate. ⋯ When tissue O2 consumption decreases relative to minute ventilation, T and RH errors have a greater effect on VO2 br because the error in inspired V affects a smaller VO2,br. At lower barometric pressure, RH errors affect VO2,br more because water vapor V occupies a larger fraction of inspired V. In summary, because inspired RH and T can vary significantly during anesthesia, a fast-response humidity and T sensor, combined with flow and FO2 measurements, are needed to allow accurate determination of VO2,br x VO2,br should become an important measure of metabolism and patient wellness during anesthesia.
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Clinical Trial
Reproducibility of parameters of postocclusive reactive hyperemia measured by near infrared spectroscopy and transcutaneous oximetry.
The purpose of this study was to investigate postocclusive hyperemic response using near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and transcutaneous oximetry (TcpO2). Five minute arterial occlusion on the calf muscle was performed in six healthy volunteers (mean age 29, range 23-34 years, mean TcpO2 at rest 53 mm Hg, range 47-58 mmHg, and ankle brachial index between 1 and 1.2). Oxygen partial pressure at rest, oxygen consumption (VO2) during ischemia, recovery times and resaturation rates after arterial occlusion were determined and new parameters for evaluation of the level of vascular disorders of lower limbs are suggested. ⋯ Interindividual variations of parameters are higher and can be explained by differences in fat/muscle ratio and in the measured tissue volume of the NIRS signal. Simultaneous measurements of NIRS and TcpO2 showed different responses to ischemic conditions, due to the different physiological levels of oxygen assessment. The combined use of both methods yields deeper insight into conditions of blood flow and tissue oxygenation.
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The total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) is currently the most promising modification of the Fontan surgical repair for single ventricle congenital heart disease. The TCPC involves a surgical connection of the superior and inferior vena cavae directly to the left and right pulmonary arteries, bypassing the right heart. In the univentricular system, the ventricle experiences a workload which may be reduced by optimizing the cavae-to-pulmonary anastomosis. ⋯ MRPVM was able to elucidate these important fluid flow features, which may be important in future modifications in TCPC surgical designs. Using MRPVM, two- and three-directional velocity fields in the TCPC could be quantified. Because of this, MRPVM has the potential to provide accurate velocity information clinically and, thus, to become the in vivo tool for TCPC patient physiological/functional assessment.
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Exercise has a noted effect on skin blood flow and temperature. We aimed to characterize the normal skin temperature response to exercise by thermographic imaging. A study was conducted on ten healthy and active subjects (age=25.8+/-0.7 years) who were exposed to graded exercise for determination of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max), and subsequently to constant loads corresponding to 50%, 70%, and 90% of VO2 max. ⋯ The level of load did not influence the temperature decrease and increase rates. In contrast, during graded load exercise, a continuous temperature decrease of -0.0049+/-0.0032 degrees C/s was observed throughout the test. In summary, the thermographic skin response to exercise is characterized by a specific pattern which reflects the dynamic balance between hemodynamic and thermoregulatory processes.