Automated Control of Oxygen in Neonates

Supplemental oxygen is given to a large proportion of preterm infants to maintain adequate levels of oxygenation. In this population exposure to supplemental oxygen increases the risk of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and oxygen radical injury to other organs and systems (McColm and Fleck 2001; Tin and Gupta 2007; Saugstad 2003). These effects are more pronounced in infants born at earlier gestational ages due to their immaturity and the prolonged duration of the exposure to oxygen

Respirator Cycle Control Modes

The goal of mechanical ventilation is to provide or improve ventilation, oxygenation, lung mechanics, and patient comfort while minimizing complications. Traditionally, volume control modes have been favored because of the ability to guarantee a preset tidal volume (VT) and minute ventilation (VE) enabling straightforward manipulation of ventilation in response to changes in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the blood (PaCO2). However, during volume control modes, there is no guaranteed limit of peak airway pressure. This lack of limitation of airway pressure may result in high peak airway pressures associated with changes in the patient’s compliance and resistance, causing alveolar overdistension and barotrauma. In contrast, pressure control ventilation (PCV) allows control, or limitation, of the peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) and inspiratory time (Ti) with no guarantee of VT