1999 OPEN FORUM Abstracts

LABORATORY AND CLINICAL EVALUATION OF THE LTV1000 PORTABLE VENTILATOR (PV).

Robert Campbell RRT, Paul Austin CRNA MS, Jim Lawson RRT, Jay Johannigman MD, Chandra Singh RRT, Gary Banks RRT, Richard Branson RRT. University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH.

Background: PVs are designed for use during transport and subacute care. LTV 1000 (Pulmonetic Systems, Inc.) is a new PV that uses a internal flow generator. We evaluated the LTV 1000 in laboratory and clinical settings.

Methods: Lab) Ability of LTV1000 to deliver and measure set tidal volume (V_T) during changing compliance (C) was evaluated. Gas consumption, batt duration, accuracy and response to changing F_IO₂, and alarm systems were assessed. A two-chamber lung model was used to evaluate triggering at different PEEP levels. Clin) Six pts requiring transport were ventilated with LTV 1000 at same settings as the ICU vent. Measured respiratory parameters and ABGs were compared between the LTV 1000 and ICU vent.

Results: Lab) There were small decreases in V_T as C changed from 0.1 to 0.02 L/cmH₂O. Measured V_T was within 10% of actual V_T at all conditions. An E-tank was used until ?low inlet pressure? alarm was activated (83² at F_IO₂ of 0.6) and (45² at F_IO₂ of 1.0). Measured F_IO₂ increased from 0.21 to 1.0 in 28 sec. Measured F_IO₂ was within 3% of setting across the control range. All alarms functioned according to manufacturer's specs. Triggering from PEEP of 0 and 5 cmH₂O resulted in peak negative pressure of -2.6 cmH₂O and -0.98 cmH₂O, respectively with demand flow of 40 L/min. Batt duration was 101² from full charge. ?Batt Low? alarm occurred at 64² and ?Batt Empty? alarm at 87². Clin) No significant changes in ABGs, PIP, P_aw, V_T, V_E, or pulse oximetry values were noted between LTV 1000 and ICU vent. Three pts were on PCV, four on PSV, and mean PEEP level was 8.2 cmH₂O.

Conclusions: LTV 1000 is a versatile, reliable PV capable of maintaining gas exchange and respiratory mechanics comparable to current ICU ventilators.

OF-99-149