Physiologic Auto-Control of Mechanical Respirators

¹ The Departments of Surgery, Pediatrics, and Anatomy, and the Poliomyelitis Respiratory and Rehabilitation Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee.

Preliminary studies are presented concerning a new approach to artificial control of mechanical respirators. The experimental and clinical results of this method have been gratifying. The development of the muscle potential amplifier as used to control the respirators has opened up other fields of endeavor. Some of the more important applications now under investigation are:

(1) The adaption to control a mechanical respirator for premature and newborn infants (Fig. 7). This is being evaluated in prematures and infants with hyalin membrane disease.

(2) For Internal stabilization of a flail chest or one exhibiting paradoxical motion.

(3) To control an extracardiac stimulator in cases of complete heart block by utilizing the auricular p wave to trigger such a device.

(4) To control the contraction of the McKibbon artificial muscle.

The respirator as now used appears to maintain more normal respiratory function than previous units have been capable of doing. We definitely feel that the control of mechanical insufflators by the patient's own biochemical and physiological needs is in every instance desirable if practical.