Abstract
A computer program has been developed to simulate gas exchange in the lung, allowing the user to vary inspired oxygen and other factors, with alveolar and arterial oxygen tensions being shown as functions of alveolar ventilation. Calculation of alveolar oxygen tensions is by the equation of Milhorn and Brown, as arterial oxygenation is based on the arterial/alveolar ratio, as described by Gilbert and Keighley. This ratio is randomly varied from 0.2 to 0.8 to simulate both healthy and diseased lungs. Samples of the program are included. Current application of the program is educational, to teach basic concepts of oxygenation. Calculations used in the program are adaptable for clinical estimates of alveolar oxygen, alveolar-arterial oxygen gradients, and arterial/alveolar oxygen ratios.
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