[1999]LABORATORY AND CLINICAL EVALUATION OF THE LTV1000 PORTABLE VENTILATOR (PV).
Robert Campbell RRT, Paul Austin CRNA MS, Jim Lawson RRT, Jay Johannigman MD, Chandra Singh RRT, Gary Banks RRT, Richard Branson RRT. University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH.
Background: PVs are designed for use during transport and subacute care. LTV 1000 (Pulmonetic Systems, Inc.) is a new PV that uses a internal flow generator. We evaluated the LTV 1000 in laboratory and clinical settings.
Methods: Lab) Ability of LTV1000 to deliver and measure set tidal volume (VT) during changing compliance (C) was evaluated. Gas consumption, batt duration, accuracy and response to changing FIO2, and alarm systems were assessed. A two-chamber lung model was used to evaluate triggering at different PEEP levels. Clin) Six pts requiring transport were ventilated with LTV 1000 at same settings as the ICU vent. Measured respiratory parameters and ABGs were compared between the LTV 1000 and ICU vent.
Results: Lab) There were small decreases in VT as C changed from 0.1 to 0.02 L/cmH2O. Measured VT was within 10% of actual VT at all conditions. An E-tank was used until ?low inlet pressure? alarm was activated (83
²
at FIO2 of 0.6) and (45
²
at FIO2 of 1.0). Measured FIO2 increased from 0.21 to 1.0 in 28 sec. Measured FIO2 was within 3% of setting across the control range. All alarms functioned according to manufacturer's specs. Triggering from PEEP of 0 and 5 cmH2O resulted in peak negative pressure of -2.6 cmH2O and -0.98 cmH2O, respectively with demand flow of 40 L/min. Batt duration was 101
²
from full charge. ?Batt Low? alarm occurred at 64
²
and ?Batt Empty? alarm at 87
²
. Clin) No significant changes in ABGs, PIP, Paw, VT, VE, or pulse oximetry values were noted between LTV 1000 and ICU vent. Three pts were on PCV, four on PSV, and mean PEEP level was 8.2 cmH2O.
Conclusions: LTV 1000 is a versatile, reliable PV capable of maintaining gas exchange and respiratory mechanics comparable to current ICU ventilators.
