Design of an automated system for assessing metabolic function in mechanically ventilated patients.

This paper describes the design of a fully automated self calibrated measurement system which can be connected to any commercial ventilator. The machine measures the oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production. The instrument is based on commercially available analysers. An inexpensive microprocessor performs the computations, displays the results and leads the calibration's and measure's procedures. The apparatus is presently tested in clinical practice.