Flow waveform: Difference between revisions

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The '''Flow waveform''' for the human [[respiratory system]] in lung ventilators, is the shape of air flow that is blown into the patient's [[airway]]s. Computer technology allows the practitioner to select particular flow patterns, along with volume and pressure settings, in order to achieve the best patient outcomes and reduce complications experienced while on a mechanical ventilator.

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==Description==

In lung ventilators '''Flow waveform''' is a shape of air flow, a flow [[pattern]] that is blown into the patient's [[airway]]s. Modern [[ventilators|lung ventilators]] are able to generate into breathing circuit three basic waveforms of flow: [[Square wave|squared]] waveform, descending waveform, and [[sinusoidal]] waveform.

Modern [[ventilators|lung ventilators]] are able to generate three basic wave forms of flow: [[Square wave (waveform)|squared]] waveform, descending waveform, and [[sinusoidal]] waveform. A square waveform pattern is found on most mechanical ventilators, old and new, and achieves a constant flow.

During the inspiration phase, the flow rate rises to a predetermined level and remains constant, thus giving the appearance of a square wave form. This produces the shortest inspiratory time compared to other flow patterns. A decelerating flow waveform pattern, also known as descending ramp, achieves the highest level of flow at the start of a breath, when patient flow demand is often greatest.<ref>{{cite web |title=A Review of Waveform Patterns for Mechanically Ventilated Patients: Constant Flow Versus Decelerating-Flow Waveform Patterns |url=http://www.rtmagazine.com/2012/01/a-review-of-waveform-patterns-for-mechanically-ventilated-patients-constant-flow-versus-decelerating-flow-waveform-patterns/ |website=RT Magazine |date=12 January 2012 |accessdate=15 February 2019}}</ref>

==See also==

*[[Artificial ventilation]]

*[[Respiratory therapy]]

*[[List of ventilator manufacturers]]

==References==

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[[Category:Fluid dynamics]]

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