International journal of clinical monitoring and computing
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Int J Clin Monit Comput · Dec 1992
A knowledge-based system for assisted ventilation of patients in intensive care units.
The procedure for weaning a patient with respiratory insufficiency from mechanical ventilation may be complex and requires expertise obtained by long clinical practice. We designed a knowledge-based system for the management of patients receiving respiratory support and implemented a weaning procedure. The system is intended for patients whose spontaneous respiratory activity is assisted by a Hamilton Veolar ventilator delivering a positive pressure plateau during inspiration (Pressure Support Ventilation mode). ⋯ In 10 of these patients, considered as good candidates for weaning on the strength of objective criteria, the system maintained the breathing pattern in a zone of comfort for 95% of the period of assisted ventilation and stated that they were 'weanable'. This was consistent with the clinical evolution of all 10 patients. These results show that such a system can provide effective management for mechanically ventilated patients.