Single breath airway occlusion measurements of compliance and resistance utilizing a mechanical ventilator.

A simple manipulation of the outflow valve of a Baby Bird MKII ventilator was used to measure passive lung mechanics by the airway occlusion technique. The results showed satisfactory reproducibility and comparison with other techniques at intra and interstudy level. This technique may have important clinical ramifications as it allows measurements of passive lung mechanics to be made without the need for cumbersome valves or handling of the airway. This convenience could also allow for concomitant plethysmographic lung volume assessments.