Analysis of Distribution Inhomogeneities of Ventilation, Perfusion, and O2 Diffusing Capacity in the Human Lung

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The theoretical basis for the distribution analysis of inhomogeneities of ventilation, perfusion and O2 diffusing capacity in the human lung is given. The method is based on the continuous recording of the alveolar mixing processes after a sudden concentration change of 3 inspiratory gases. Suitable for this are three gases with different diffusing coefficients, e.g. argon, carbon dioxide, and oxygen. According to a evaluation procedure by Thews and Vogel, the ventilation – perfusion ratio VA/Q and the O2 diffusing capacity perfusion ratio DL/Q in various functional uniform compartments of the lung may be determined. From these data a great number of further informations can be gained. The original calculation procedure rendered a correction in a few points and needed a relatively long time for the evaluation. In the following paper therefore a modification of the evaluation was made, which allows a more correct separation of the functional compartments, without additional assumptions. Furthermore, the constants needed in the evaluation are re-examined. At last a computer program in FORTRAN is given, which reduces the time expense of the entire evaluation to such a degree that a routine application in the lung function diagnostics is possible.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: