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Biomedical subjects

C E Hahn

Publications and source records attributed to C E Hahn.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

A tidal breathing model of the forced inspired inert gas sinewave technique.

We have shown previously that it is possible to assess the cardio-respiratory function using sinusoidally oscillating inert gas forcing signals of nitrous oxide and argon (Hahn et al., 1993). This method uses an extension of a mathematical model of respiratory gas exchange introduced by Zwart et al. (1976), which assumed continuous ventilation. We investigate the effects of this assumption by developing a mathematical model using a single alveolar compartment and incorporating tidal ventilation, which must be solved using numerical methods. We compare simulated results from the tidal model with those from the continuous model, as the governing ventilatory and cardiac parameters are varied. The mathematical model is designed to be the basis of an on-line, non-invasive, cardio-respiratory measurement method, and will only be useful if the associated parameter recovery techniques are both reliable and robust. We demonstrate, in the presence of simulated measurement errors, that: (a) accurate recovery of the ventilatory parameters end-tidal volume, VA, and airways series dead-space, VD, are possible using the tidal breathing model; and (b) that a robust technique for recovery of pulmonary blood flow, QP, can be obtained using the more familiar continuous ventilation model.

Humans↗

Oxygen respiratory gas analysis by sine-wave measurement: a theoretical model.

A sinusoidal forcing function inert-gas-exchange model (C. E. W. Hahn, A. M. S. Black, S. A. Barton, and I. Scott. J. Appl. Physiol. 75: 1863-1876, 1993) is modified by replacing the inspired inert gas with oxygen, which then behaves mathematically in the gas phase as if it were an inert gas. A simple perturbation theory is developed that relates the ratios of the amplitudes of the inspired, end-expired, and mixed-expired oxygen sine-wave oscillations to the airways' dead space volume and lung alveolar volume. These relationships are independent of oxygen consumption, the gas-exchange ratio, and the mean fractional inspired (FIO2) and expired oxygen partial pressures. The model also predicts that blood flow shunt fraction (Qs/QT) is directly related to the oxygen sine-wave amplitude perturbations transmitted to end-expired air and arterial and mixed-venous blood through two simple equations. When the mean FIO2 is sufficiently high for arterial hemoglobin to be fully saturated, oxygen behaves mathematically in the blood like a low-solubility inert gas, and the amplitudes of the arterial and end-expired sine-wave perturbations are directly related to Qs/QT. This relationship is independent of the mean arterial and mixed-venous oxygen partial pressures and is also free from mixed-venous perturbation effects at high forcing frequencies. When arterial blood is not fully saturated, the theory predicts that QS/QT is directly related to the ratio of the amplitudes of the induced-saturation sinusoids in arterial and mixed-venous blood. The model therefore predicts that 1) on-line calculation of airway dead space and end-expired lung volume can be made by the addition of an oxygen sine-wave perturbation component to the mean FIO2; and (2) QS/QT can be measured from the resultant oxygen perturbation sine-wave amplitudes in the expired gas and in arterial and mixed-venous blood and is independent of the mean blood oxygen partial pressure and oxyhemoglobin saturation values. These calculations can be updated at the sine-wave forcing period, typically 2-4 min.

Air Pressure↗

Measurement of respiratory parameters by using inspired oxygen sinusoidal forcing signals.

A companion paper (C. E. W. Hahn. J. Appl. Physiol 81: 985-997, 1996) described a continuous-flow gas-exchange mathematical model, which predicted that forced inspired oxygen sinusoids could be used to measure respiratory parameters rapidly, in place of the inert gas argon. We therefore made simultaneous measurements of dead space volume (VD) and alveolar volume (VA) in an animal model, using argon and oxygen inspired gas concentration sinusoid forcing signals, and then compared the results. Our data confirmed the model prediction that the attenuations of the oxygen and argon sinusoid perturbations are identical in the alveolar gas space, even though there is a net uptake of oxygen by the body. Our results show that the calculated values of VD and VA, obtained by using inspired oxygen forcing signals, were independent of both the mean fractional inspired oxygen concentration (FIO2; range 0.18-0.80% vol/vol) and the oxygen forcing signal amplitude (range +/- 2-6% vol/vol). In these studies, oxygen forcing signals, with forcing periods between 1 and 2 min, were able to measure controlled changes in instrument dead space to within 16 ml and also measure positive end-expiratory pressure-induced changes in VA. Under hyperoxic conditions, intravascular oxygen sensors confirmed that the sinusoidal PO2 signal passed into the arterial blood but not into the mixed-venous blood. However, the sinusoid perturbation PO2 signal did pass into the mixed-venous blood when the mean FIO2 was mildly hypoxic (FIO2 = 0.18% vol/vol). These data show that oxygen can be used instead of argon to measure airways dead space and VA.

Animals↗

A mathematical evaluation of the alveolar amplitude response technique.

The underlying mathematical model of the forcing sinewave alveolar amplitude response technique (AART) for measuring lung volume and perfusion is investigated. Making use of numerical techniques, we are able to to evaluate the effects of several assumptions which are implicit in the original technique introduced by Zwart et al., J. Appl. Physiol. 41: 419-429, 1976, and development by several other workers. In particular we are able to show that AART is appropriate for gases of a wider range of solubilities than originally suggested, allowing it to be used with agents, such as nitrous oxide, which are more clinically acceptable. In addition, we are able to show that the effects of recirculation times are likely to be very small using figures for standard man. A least squares parameter recovery technique proves to be very robust to simulated measurement errors and is used to quantify the effects of the modelling assumptions.

Humans↗

Overfill testing of anaesthetic vaporizers.

We tested six anaesthetic vaporizers with keyed filler adaptors to see if it was possible to overfill them. For those vaporizers which could be overfilled, the maximum level of overfill was determined and the effect of overfilling on the vaporizer output concentration was measured. Three of the vaporizers, the TEC 4, PPV Mk 1 and MIE Vapamasta 5, could be overfilled. In the case of the TEC 4 and PPV vaporizers, overfilling by more than 100 ml caused a large increase in the vaporizer output concentration. Overfilling the Vapamasta 5 by this amount caused the output concentration to decrease.

Equipment Safety↗

Measurement of dead-space in a model lung using an oscillating inspired argon signal.

In a model lung, airways dead-space can be accurately measured using a forced inspired oscillating argon signal, which varies sinusoidally about a mean concentration of 6% v/v with an amplitude of +/- 4% v/v. With sinusoid forcing periods longer than 120 seconds, and at a breathing rate of 13.4 breaths minute-1, the mean airways dead-space can be measured with a standard error of less than 5%. Sinusoid forcing periods shorter than 120 s provided inaccurate estimates of dead-space and so should not be used with this technique.

Argon↗

Assessment of cardiorespiratory function using oscillating inert gas forcing signals.

A theoretical model (Hahn et al. J. Appl. Physiol. 75: 1863-1876, 1993) predicts that the amplitudes of the argon and nitrous oxide inspired, end-expired, and mixed expired sinusoids at forcing periods in the range of 2-3 min (frequency 0.3-0.5 min-1) can be used directly to measure airway dead space, lung alveolar volume, and pulmonary blood flow. We tested the ability of this procedure to measure these parameters continuously by feeding monosinusoidal argon and nitrous oxide forcing signals (6 +/- 4% vol/vol) into the inspired airstream of nine anesthetized ventilated dogs. Close agreement was found between single-breath and sinusoid airway dead space measurements (mean difference 15 +/- 6%, 95% confidence limit), N2 washout and sinusoid alveolar volume (mean difference 4 +/- 6%, 95% confidence limit), and thermal dilution and sinusoid pulmonary blood flow (mean difference 12 +/- 11%, 95% confidence limit). The application of 1 kPa positive end-expiratory pressure increased airway dead space by 12% and alveolar volume from 0.8 to 1.1 liters but did not alter pulmonary blood flow, as measured by both the sinusoid and comparator techniques. Our findings show that the noninvasive sinusoid technique can be used to measure cardiorespiratory lung function and allows changes in function to be resolved in 2 min.

Animals↗

The effect of dyshemoglobins on pulse oximetry: Part I, Theoretical approach and Part II, Experimental results using an in vitro test system.

Pulse oximeters are known to be inaccurate in the presence of elevated concentrations of carboxyhemoglobin and methemoglobin. This paper attempts to alleviate some of the confusion that exists between fractional and functional saturation, and to clarify the comparison of each with SpO2. A series of theoretical relationships between pulse oximeter reading (SpO2) and actual oxygen saturation (both fractional and functional) is derived using simple absorption theory. The theoretical relationships are checked using an experimental in vitro test system. This consists of a blood circuit containing a model finger, capable of simulating the pulsatile transmission signals through a real finger. Theoretical predictions and experimental results are compared and are found to agree well in the presence of carboxyhemoglobin, but less well with methemoglobin. Possible reasons are discussed.

Absorption↗

Development of a concentric water-displacement model lung.

Simulation of lung ventilation using a model lung can provide a means of evaluating lung function tests, mathematical models and computer algorithms. We describe a new water-displacement lung model, which can simulate lung volumes up to 3.8 l and tidal volumes up to 1 l. Gas mixing is ensured by using a ring of venturi devices. Model compliance and airways resistance are described.

Airway Resistance↗

Gas exchange in a three-compartment lung model analyzed by forcing sinusoids of N2O.

A mathematical gas exchange model, using sinusoidal forcing functions of inert inspired gas (A. Zwart, R. C. Seagrave, and A. Van Dieren. J. Appl. Physiol. 41: 419-424, 1976), has been extended by us to include dead space (VD), a single alveolar compartment (VA) perfused with blood flow (Qp), and a shunt (Qs). In this new work we use N2O as the indicator gas in the mathematical model and in the experimental studies, in low enough concentrations [<6% (vol/vol)] to avoid anesthetic effects. Mathematical relationships between the inspired and expired N2O gas partial pressures, the blood gas N2O partial pressures, and their variation with forcing frequency are derived for a continuous ventilation uptake and a conventional anesthetic gas distribution model. We show that these gas and blood gas N2O relationships give direct derivation of cardiorespiratory parameters such as VA, Qp, the dead space-to-total ventilation ratio (VD/VT), and the shunt-to-total blood flow ratio (Qs/QT) without altering the subject's oxygenation and that they are essentially free from recirculation effects at high forcing frequencies > or = 2 min-1. Theoretical results from the model are presented for a wide range of forcing frequencies between 2 x 10(-2) and 10 min-1 (sinusoid periods 30-0.1 min), and these show that VA, Qp, and VD/VT can all be measured by N2O forcing frequencies > or = 1 min-1. We also present results from five animal studies, with an experimental inspired gas forcing frequency range of 0.125 to 2 min-1, which show qualitative agreement with the predictions of the continuous ventilation model. During these animal studies both mass spectrometric N2O respiratory gas measurements and intravascular polarographic arterial and mixed venous blood N2O partial pressure measurements were made, and examples of these in vivo measurements are presented, together with examples of the calculations derived from them.

Animals↗

In vitro performance test system for pulse oximeters.

An in vitro system was developed capable of testing the accuracy and reproducibility of pulse oximeter readings. The pulse oximeter probe receives signals through a pulsating blood cuvette. The development of the design of the cuvette is described. Using the final design (or 'model finger'), a comparison is made between readings from a Datex Satlite pulse oximeter (SpO2) and saturation values obtained by use of a multi-wavelength bench oximeter (SaO2). Linear regression analysis of the data gives SpO2 = 0.88 SaO2 + 11.2 (r = 0.979, p < 0.001).

Fingers↗

Response of 10 pulse oximeters to an in vitro test system.

Pulse oximeters are often used in situations in which severe hypoxaemia may occur. We have developed an in vitro system to test the accuracy of pulse oximeter calibration. The probe of 10 different oximeters was attached to a model finger in an in vitro blood circuit, and pulse oximeter readings (SpO2) were compared with multi-wavelength in vitro oximeter readings (SO2) over a range of SO2 values from 50 to 100%. The oximeters tested varied widely in their accuracy and linearity. We conclude that the system can test the accuracy, reproducibility and linearity of response of pulse oximeter readings at low oxyhaemoglobin saturations.

Calibration↗

A new microprocessor-controlled anaesthetic machine.

This paper describes the development of a microprocessor controlled anaesthetic machine comprising an integrated anaesthetic apparatus and monitoring system. Following prolonged reliability trials in the laboratory, changes have been made to major components which were described in earlier publications.

Anesthesiology↗

Halothane interference at an amperometric oxygen electrode: the development of an oxygen/halothane sensor.

The role of electrode materials in the reduction of halothane and oxygen mixtures at rotating and stationary electrodes is considered. Halothane is found to be electroactive within the available electrode-potential range on silver and on gold. Double potential step experiments are considered in order to isolate the individual halothane and oxygen signals. A double integration, single potential step technique is evaluated for the quantitative simultaneous measurements of oxygen and halothane on gold. The influence of electrode purity is discussed in terms of a reaction mechanism and electrode output error.

Calibration↗

An automated interferometer for the analysis of anaesthetic gas mixtures.

A microprocessor-controlled interferometer is described. The eyepiece of a conventional Jamin type interferometer has been replaced by an array of photocells which records the intensity across the interference pattern. Mathematical correlation procedures are used to locate the principal interference pattern maximum and, by sequential analysis of a fresh gas mixture followed by fresh gas plus vapour, it is possible to determine both oxygen and vapour concentrations. The instrument was used to analyse mixtures of oxygen and nitrous oxide and also oxygen, nitrous oxide plus halothane. It was found that the oxygen concentration could be determined to an accuracy of +/- 1% v/v and the vapour concentration to +/- 0.1% v/v. The instrument is suitable for monitoring concentrations delivered by an anaesthetic machine and may be included in a microprocessor-controlled anaesthetic machine.

Analog-Digital Conversion↗