A simple technique to reduce ventilator-dependent errors in oxygen consumption measurements.

To evaluate the efficacy of adding a volume reservoir to reduce variability in ventilator-induced fluctuation in inspired oxygen concentration (FiO2) and to reduce oxygen consumption measurement error, we evaluated two ventilators (Puritan-Bennett 7200 and Bear 2) at three inspired oxygen concentrations ranging from 35% to 60%. Continuous sampling of oxygen concentration was conducted for each ventilator. The maximum variability in oxygen concentration was recorded at each minute and oxygen consumption error sensitivity was calculated for both ventilators at three different oxygen concentrations, with and without the use of a baffled 3-L reservoir placed into the inspiratory circuit between the ventilator and test lung. The use of a baffled 3-L reservoir reduced oxygen consumption error sensitivity with the Puritan-Bennett 7200 ventilator at all three oxygen concentrations (p < 0.01). Similar results were found with the Bear 2 ventilator except at the highest FiO2, at which oxygen consumption error sensitivity was not altered. Use of a baffled volume reservoir can significantly reduce ventilator-dependent errors in measuring oxygen consumption via indirect calorimetry. However, when the FiO2 is widely variable, the reservoir is not helpful in reducing error at higher FiO2 concentrations.