[The veriflo CV 2000: a polyvalent, pneumatically powered and controlled ventilator (author's transl)].

The utilization of integrated pneumatic circuits in respiratory care has led to the development of compact and sophisticated ventilators for the treatment of acute respiratory failure. We examined a new apparatus of this type, the Veriflo CV 2000, in the technical laboratory and the practical application in a surgical intensive care unit. The results of this evaluation can be summarized as follows: the technical performance of the Veriflo CV 2000 is good. There is a loss of 10% of tidal volume when the endexpiratory pressure is increased from 0 to 20 cm H2O, and of 20% with an increase of the opposing resistance to 45 cm H2O/l/sec. During one year, the Veriflo CV 2000 was used for the treatment of over 50 patients requiring mechanical ventilation for mild or severe forms of acute respiratory failure. This ventilator was very helpful in the treatment of patients presenting with difficulties during weaning for ventilatory support. The possibility to use controlled, assisted and synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation as well as CPAP without additional valves or tubing makes the veriflo CV 2000 a very useful instrument in respiratory care.