A concept for modelling linear lung compliances using a mechanical artificially ventilated simulator

For adapting mechanical ventilation to the physiological conditions of the patients lung it is necessary to implement intelligent and adaptive therapy regimes. To test these algorithms, lung simulators are used. A mechanical cylinder-piston-system, driven by a linear motor, was developed to model simple lung behaviour. By moving the piston inside the cylinder, the volume of the simulated lung can be changed and physiological properties like compliance can be modeled. First tests showed, that simulating linear compliances is possible. Using several cylinder-piston-systems with different volume capacities allows modelling more complex lung structures.