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Dynamic Pressure-Volume Loops

OVERVIEW

Dynamic Pressure-Volume Loops: used to estimate work of breathing in terms of expiratory and inspiratory components.

  • Work = force x distance
  • Force = pressure x area
  • Distance = volume/area
  • Work = (pressure x area) x (volume/area)

Thus:

Work = pressure x volume

  • x axis = intrapleural pressure (cmH20) – -5 to -10 @ rest
  • y axis = volume above FRC (L) – 0 to 1 @ rest

INSPIRED WORK =

  • work to overcome elastic forces (deforming elastic tissues, overcoming surface tension)
  • work to overcome non-elastic forces (airflow and viscous forces)

EXPIRED WORK =

  • work required to over come airway + tissue resistance

During exercise or pathology the curve dramatically increases -> when there is active expiration then curve extends beyond 0 on x-axis

CCC Ventilation Series

Critical Care

Compendium

Chris is an Intensivist and ECMO specialist at The Alfred ICU, where he is Deputy Director (Education). He is a Clinical Adjunct Associate Professor at Monash University, the Lead for the  Clinician Educator Incubator programme, and a CICM First Part Examiner.

He is an internationally recognised Clinician Educator with a passion for helping clinicians learn and for improving the clinical performance of individuals and collectives. He was one of the founders of the FOAM movement (Free Open-Access Medical education) has been recognised for his contributions to education with awards from ANZICS, ANZAHPE, and ACEM.

His one great achievement is being the father of three amazing children.

On Bluesky, he is @precordialthump.bsky.social and on the site that Elon has screwed up, he is @precordialthump.

| INTENSIVE | RAGE | Resuscitology | SMACC

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